The Netflix series Cobra Kai reignited fans’ passion for the The Karate Kid universe, bringing back iconic characters and introducing new faces that won over audiences. Here you’ll get to know the Cobra Kai cast, understand how the storylines intertwine in the current plot, and discover special appearances from the original cast. We’ve also gathered fun facts about the actors and the roles that defined their careers between the 1980s classic and the new global hit franchise. Get ready to dive deep into the world of Cobra Kai!
The Series Cobra Kai
Cobra Kai is an American production that picks up the iconic rivalry between Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) and Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) over 30 years later, the protagonists of the The Karate Kid franchise. The plot kicks off when Johnny, facing a personal and professional crisis, decides to reopen the Cobra Kai dojo. This decision reignites old conflicts and pits stories of redemption, friendship, and overcoming challenges against each other. Daniel, now a successful businessman, starts his own dojo to counter his old rival’s influence. Packed with action, drama, and nostalgia, the series won over fans across generations and expanded the legacy of The Karate Kid.
The Cobra Kai Cast
The cast is a major reason for the show’s success, bringing together classic franchise names and new talents that captivated viewers.
Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso
Ralph Macchio reprises his role as Daniel LaRusso, the protagonist of The Karate Kid (1984). Now, Daniel is a successful businessman and sensei of Miyagi-Do, dealing with the challenges of running a dojo and family life. Macchio initially hesitated to return but was convinced when he saw the series wouldn’t just be a nostalgia trip. In Cobra Kai, Daniel isn’t just the hero from the past: he’s a complex man with vulnerabilities and internal conflicts.Beyond the series, Macchio has confirmed his involvement in future franchise projects, like the upcoming Karate Kid: Legends.
William Zabka as Johnny Lawrence
William Zabka returns as Johnny Lawrence, the former antagonist. In Cobra Kai, Johnny is portrayed as a man seeking redemption, who finds purpose in reopening the dojo and mentoring kids like Miguel Diaz. Zabka also serves as an executive producer on the series. His performance adds depth to the character, previously seen only as a villain, making him one of the most complex figures in the story.
Martin Kove as John Kreese
Martin Kove returns as the ruthless sensei John Kreese. Johnny’s mentor from the 1980s, Kreese brings back the “no mercy” philosophy and becomes one of the series’ primary antagonists. His relationship with Johnny is marked by love, hate, and resentment, adding layers of complexity to the plot.
Courtney Henggeler as Amanda LaRusso
Courtney Henggeler plays Amanda LaRusso, Daniel’s wife and the rock of the LaRusso family. Though not a fighter, Amanda is crucial to the storyline, questioning Daniel’s choices and bringing balance to the narrative. In 2025, the actress announced her retirement from acting, with Cobra Kai being one of her most significant works.
Mary Mouser as Samantha LaRusso
Mary Mouser brings to life Samantha, Daniel’s daughter. Sam is one of the main protagonists of the new generation, torn between her father’s legacy and the challenges of adolescence. Outside the series, Mouser has appeared in shows like Body of Proof and NCIS.
Xolo Maridueña as Miguel Diaz
Xolo Maridueña plays Miguel, Johnny’s first student at Cobra Kai. The character finds confidence and a way to defend himself through karate. The actor also starred as the superhero in DC’s Blue Beetle.
Tanner Buchanan as Robby Keene
Tanner Buchanan plays Robby, Johnny Lawrence’s son. The character is marked by family conflicts, a rivalry with Miguel, and time spent in different dojos, making him one of the most versatile fighters in the story.
Jacob Bertrand as Eli “Hawk” Moskowitz
Jacob Bertrand portrays Eli “Hawk,” who transforms from an insecure kid into a confident fighter. His colored mohawk and aggressive style mark the character’s evolution.
Peyton List as Tory Nichols
Peyton List surprised audiences as Tory Nichols, rival to Samantha LaRusso. The character brought complexity and became one of the series’ most popular figures. Before Cobra Kai, List was known for Disney roles, like in Jessie.
Gianni DeCenzo as Demetri
Gianni DeCenzo plays Demetri, a nerdy teen who uses karate to overcome his insecurities. His authenticity made him a fan-favorite character.
Thomas Ian Griffith as Terry Silver
Thomas Ian Griffith returns as Terry Silver, the villain from The Karate Kid Part III. In Cobra Kai, he reappears to strengthen the dojo alongside Kreese, reigniting old rivalries. Silver became one of the franchise’s most memorable antagonists, especially in the more recent seasons.
Yuji Okumoto as Chozen
Yuji Okumoto reprises his role as Chozen, Daniel’s rival from The Karate Kid Part II. In Cobra Kai, he returns as a transformed sensei from Okinawa and an ally to Daniel and Johnny against Silver.
Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi
Pat Morita immortalized Mr. Miyagi. Even after his passing in 2005, the character continues to be honored in the series through memories, flashbacks, and even digital recreations, always with the approval of the actor’s family. Miyagi remains the heart of the franchise.
Fun Facts About the Cobra Kai Cast
- Ralph Macchio still has the original car and headband from The Karate Kid, which appear in the series.
- William Zabka retrained in martial arts specifically for Cobra Kai.
- Despite being set in California, the series is filmed in Atlanta, Georgia.
- The young actors underwent intense martial arts training, with 2 to 4 hours of daily practice.
The Cast’s Work Between The Karate Kid and Cobra Kai
Between the 1980s and 2018, the cast followed diverse paths:
- Ralph Macchio and William Zabka continued acting in films and TV shows, but only achieved global stardom again with Cobra Kai.
- Martin Kove remained active in film and TV productions.
- The new generation actors, like Xolo Maridueña and Tanner Buchanan, built their careers in youth-oriented productions before joining the franchise.
Why Cobra Kai Won Over a New Generation
Cobra Kai masterfully balanced nostalgia and innovation by uniting franchise veterans with fresh talent. The result is a series that connects different audiences, exploring universal themes like friendship, rivalry, redemption, and personal growth. The cast is key to this success, keeping the legacy of The Karate Kid alive while expanding its universe for new generations. If you want to keep exploring the world of movies and series with personalized recommendations and exclusive lists, follow Filmelier.
