Netflix
Warning: This article contains spoilers for the final season ofCobra Kai.
“That’s just not what happens to my characters, ever.”
It was never about getting a trophy.
William Zabka in the ‘Cobra Kai’ series finale.Credit:Netflix
It was always about redeeming him and having him grow into his better self.
Then they said he’s going to win the whole thing, and I said, wow.
I literally got tears in my eyes.
William Zabka and Martin Kove in ‘Cobra Kai’.Netflix
I said, this is amazing writing.
What was it like filming that confrontation with Kreese, and how did you get in that headspace?
Marty was in the same head space.
Yuji Okumoto and Elizabeth Berkley in ‘Cobra Kai’.Netflix
You just walk away from it feeling like something big just happened.
I’ll say that a million times.
He belongs in Cobra Kai.
(L to R) Ron Thomas, Ralph Macchio, Courtney Henggeler , Yuji Okumoto, Tanner Buchanan, Rose Bianco, Xolo Maridueña, William Zabka, and Vanessa Rubio in ‘Cobra Kai’ episode 12.Curtis Bonds Baker/Netflix
It was just so surreal.
It just twisted me around.
But he did a great delivery on that and really got me going.
Chad McQueen in ‘The Karate Kid’.Columbia Pictures
What were they like to direct?
With actors like this, you don’t have to direct them much.
You just give little ideas here and there.
Courtney Henggler and Ralph Macchio in ‘Cobra Kai’.Netflix
I love that whole episode.
This is all about the humanity of these people.
I loved the wedding in the hospital and the baby.
Yeah, I think we’ll have to see in season 7.
I don’t know if it caught up to Johnny yet.
That would be something that he’d have to deal with.
But we’re not getting a season 7, are we?
Not that I know of, no.
But it leaves it open-ended.
But definitely, I don’t think a season 7.
Have they talked to you about any potential spinoffs?
The final episode begins with that wonderful scene with Johnny visiting his mom’s grave.
Do you know what that scene with Dutch and Johnny was going to be?
It was tonally very similar to the graveyard scene.
And Dutch is basically saying, we don’t get second chances.
Columbia Pictures
All the characters got nice send-offs in the finale.
Besides where Johnny and Daniel ended up, what character send-offs made you the most emotional?
Well, the airport scene, seeing Sam [Mary Mouser] go to Okinawa.
I wasn’t there when they shot it, but on paper it looked beautiful.
I love where Robby ends up, at peace with himself and with Tory and starting his life fresh.
The finale was so well constructed.
Episode 12, which I directed, that was the last episode that was filmed.
So, when I was behind the camera, I was really directing the last scenes of these actors.
When we got the shot, I said, Mary, is there anything else you want to say?
And she goes, Oh, no is this happening?
And she got all teary eyed.
I got to say “cut” and then Ralph gave his speech.
Oh, 100 percent.
After this experience, it’s baked into me.
I will absolutely be continuing and hopefully even working with kids and inspiring the next generation.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Cobra Kaiseason 6 is streaming now on Netflix.
