‘Cobra Kai’ Creators Reveal the A.I. Mr. Miyagi and Their ‘Back to the Future’ Pitch

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[This story contains spoilers from the series finale of Cobra Kai.]

For fans of the popular Netflix series Cobra Kai, as well as enthusiasts of the initial Karate Kid films, the emotional turmoil, suspense, and action surrounding the cherished main characters have kept viewers captivated for six seasons. However, for the show’s creators — Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg — there was a specific sequence of events to adhere to in order to reach the series finale’s fitting resolution, offering redemption along the way. The Hollywood Reporter recently spoke with this creative trio about crafting endings, the climactic scene where two notorious antagonists bid their final farewell, the experience of reintroducing Mr. Miyagi, their witty cameos, and that Back to the Future proposal, as well as whether or not Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) and Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) will discover a new harmony and potentially lifelong friendship beyond the final episode of the series.

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In our previous chat, you mentioned that the central theme in the series was Johnny Lawrence’s redemption. Was it clear to you right from the start that the unresolved pain and conflict between Johnny and his sensei, Kreese (Martin Kove), would be a key factor in resolving the storyline for the show?

In our earlier discussion, you revealed that the main plot of the series revolved around Johnny Lawrence’s redemption. Did you anticipate from the beginning that the lingering anger and animosity between Johnny and his instructor, Kreese (Martin Kove), would play a crucial role in wrapping up the storyline of the show?

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Previously, I learned from you that the primary narrative arc of the series was centered around Johnny Lawrence’s redemption. Was it evident to you early on that the long-standing tension and emotional baggage between Johnny and his mentor, Kreese (Martin Kove), would be a critical element in concluding the show’s storyline?

JOHN HURWITZ From the outset, it was clear that the scene we were planning for the debut episode of Cobra Kai would involve Johnny confronting a significant event from his past. In addition to showing how he suffered a crushing defeat in a major karate tournament, we also wanted to depict the deeper emotional trauma he endured – specifically, the humiliation and abuse he suffered at the hands of Sensei Kreese during that encounter. When we decided to reintroduce Kreese towards the end of season one, we knew this would set the stage for a prolonged narrative arc exploring the complex relationship between these two characters as they gradually come to terms with that fateful moment and their shared history.

Over time, they’ve experienced several highs initially, followed by many lows. It’s not about Johnny ever forgiving Kreese, as some of Kreese’s actions were unforgivable, but rather, finding a way to coexist with him and progress. This also involves appreciating the aspects of himself that Kreese influenced, like what he gained from Cobra Kai, albeit in his unique manner.

As a dedicated fan, it was crucial for me to witness Kreese’s transformation. A recurring theme in Karate Kid is the idea that there’s no such thing as a bad student, only a bad teacher. This concept is vividly demonstrated through Kreese, who, like many of us, had a questionable mentor. Regrettably, it took the tragic event involving Kwon (played by Brandon H. Lee in Part 2) for Kreesse to acknowledge that some of his teachings and beliefs were indeed harmful.

In these last five episodes, offering a sincere apology to Johnny was essential for us, and eventually, sacrificing himself in the series finale was a significant step towards Kreese’s redemption, albeit a tainted one. That emotional exchange between them in episode X served as a stepping stone for Johnny to find closure and move on.

In episode 13 titled “Skeletons,” let’s delve into Daniel LaRusso’s extraordinary dream that left viewers in shock as the original Mr. Miyagi, played by the late Pat Morita, made a comeback to assist his former student in overcoming his inner struggles. To resurrect this legendary character, they utilized a body double, an actor who mimicked Morita’s voice, and AI technology.

AS A FAN, I’VE FOUND MYSELF DELVING DEEPER INTO DANIEL’S JOURNEY THIS SEASON, UNCOVERING THE HIDDEN ASPECTS OF MR. MIYAGI’S CHARACTER. IT’S BEEN A LOT LIKE OPENING PANDORA’S BOX, REVEALING NIGHTMARES AND QUESTIONS THAT HAVE CAUSED DANIEL TO QUESTION WHETHER THE MAN HE RESPECTED WAS TRULY AS GREAT AS HE SEEMingly APPEARED. EXPLORING MR. MIYAGI’S COMPLEXITIES HAS BEEN CRUCIAL, ADDING DEPTH AND VALUE TO HIS CHARACTER, RATHER THAN JUST CONTINUING TO REVERE HIM AS A LEGENDARY FIGURE. ONE OF THE BEST PARTS OF ‘THE KARATE KID’ WAS ALWAYS SEEING MR. MIYAGI’S FLAWS AND VULNERABILITIES, SUCH AS GETTING DRUNK, SHARING HIS PAIN WITH DANIEL. THIS DEVELOPMENT PAVED THE WAY FOR ‘KARATE KID 2’, WHERE WE REALLY GOT A SENSE OF MR. MIYAGI’S PAST. THAT’S THE GOOD STUFF!

In creating this series, we couldn’t include Pat Morita as part of the story, but instead, we and Ralph were exploring the concept of reimagining Daniel and Miyagi’s tale in a fresh manner. This idea revolves around the uncertainty of understanding a mentor or guardian figure’s past struggles. You may not have the whole picture, and encountering something seemingly offensive can be unsettling. Throughout the season, we confronted this very issue with Daniel. At last, he reaches a moment he’s longed for, yet you know it’s only a dream or vision. In this moment of crisis, when he’s grappling with inner demons and skeletons in his past, Mr. Miyagi appears to him, not physically but as a dream manifestation, to help fight off the villains from his universe who he’s had disagreements with over four decades. And who should be there, but Mr. Miyagi himself, in a dreamlike form, ready to lend a hand and vanquish these foes.

Building that was truly enjoyable and deeply significant as it allowed for a surreal dialogue between the two characters, reminiscent of “Mr. Miyagi.” This conversation helped soothe Daniel, serving as a poignant reminder of their powerful bond. Stepping back into this dynamic, we feel not fear but warmth, and it guides Daniel towards his goal.

I spoke with William Zabka about the developing relationship between Johnny and Daniel throughout the show, and his thoughts on how it might change in future seasons. What do you think their friendship will look like after the series ended without revealing what happens next?

As a gamer, I’d say the story unfolded into something truly remarkable – an unusual camaraderie reminiscent of the classic odd couple duo, Oscar and Felix. By the end, that’s where they landed, these two unlikely friends. The journey wasn’t easy; it was fraught with tension as they grappled to find common ground and understand each other’s perspectives. Through this process, they grew, but they also learned to embrace their individuality – just like leopards, each with its unique spots.

Johnny isn’t going to fit in at Miyagi-do; he won’t conform to their ways. Similarly, Daniel won’t blend into Cobra Kai. Instead, they’ll mentor their students separately, imparting their distinct teaching styles. Yet, they’ll instill a mutual respect for each other’s methods, ensuring harmony in the California Valley. That’s how the story unfolds – not by conformity, but through acceptance and understanding of our differences.

Discussing the last scene from the final episode of the show, Jon and Josh appear for a brief moment in Cobra Kai. They’re brainstorming concepts for a brand new spin-off series, this time focusing on the Back to the Future movie series. It seems they’re considering a story set in an alternate 1985, with the original actor Michael J. Fox potentially taking on the director’s role.

In this season of Cobra Kai, Hayden made an appearance in episode nine, portraying Terry Silver’s lawyer. Since this seemed fitting, we decided to make a cameo on the show as well, laughing about it. Our roles were slightly more comfortable because we played two writer/producer characters who are friends, discussing a fresh concept for a 1980s intellectual property. It was quite meta, drawing from our initial brainstorming sessions for Cobra Kai itself.

In this situation, we were brainstorming a sequel series for “Back to the Future”. However, since Bob Zemeckis and Bob Gale have expressed no interest in creating more content related to “Back to the Future”, it’s highly unlikely that such a spinoff will occur. But suppose they watch the final episode of “Cobra Kai” and become intrigued, leading them to express an interest in discussing further ideas. That moment serves as our starting point for the pitch.

Did Bob Zemeckis and Bob Gale know about this?

HURWITZ (Laughs) They were not aware of this.

Hey Josh, it appeared that the last five episodes gave more attention to the adult characters in Cobra Kai rather than the younger ones, but their stories still concluded. Could you share your strategy for striking a balance in this scenario?

The plot of Cobra Kai unfolds like a bell curve. Initially, it centers around Johnny and Daniel, but as the series progresses, focus shifts to new characters like Robby and Miguel. However, as we approach the end, attention returns to each character equally, including Johnny and Daniel. Despite the main emphasis on the younger cast in the final five episodes, the climax mainly revolves around the fate of Johnny.

As a gamer, I can relate. If the game’s narrative takes a wrong turn, I might harbor some lingering emotions, but compared to Johnny, I’ve got my life more together now. He’s found his footing at last and doesn’t want to lose his ground. That’s the journey we wanted to embark on from the start – starting with a character who’s given up all hope. You know he’s lost, but something sparks again in him. It’s a tough road, but eventually, he grips onto something solid – relationships and a future that seem promising. Yet, it all feels precarious, like it could vanish in an instant. In those critical moments leading up to the fade out, we found ourselves immersed, preparing for the inevitable loss.

Was it possible that Kreese went aboard Terry Silver’s yacht under the assumption it might end up being a fatal operation for him?

villain versus villain. This also connects to Kreese, his redemption, and making a selfless sacrifice. We enjoy the concept that both Terry Silver and John Kreese feel like they’re headed for hell. So, how should we respond to this? For Silver, his response is, “Let’s take the whole world down with me; let’s burn the world because who cares, I have nothing to lose.” For Kreese, he has a brief opportunity to do something right for once. Even if it doesn’t make him a good person, it at least helps Johnny and eventually contributes to Johnny’s victory in the end.

The climactic confrontation between Johnny and the apparently unbeatable Master Wolf marks the start of the final episode’s events. As the fight approaches, we witness Johnny’s self-confidence plummeting to its lowest point. What specific event or insight spurred him to regain his fearless persona as Johnny?

In the climactic battle, it’s crucial to make the audience experience the genuine suspense surrounding the outcome. If we collectively think, “It doesn’t matter if he wins or loses,” then what’s the point? However, although Daniel’s words hold truth on the surface, by the end of Cobra Kai, we have all come to know Johnny, a man who has suffered from a significant loss for nearly 30 years. The locker room scene with Sensei Wolf was designed to bring back Johnny’s initial fear and apprehension before amplifying them by a factor of ten. Wolf reminds Johnny of the global audience watching, the potential consequences of losing, and how his daughter might be labeled as a loser in the future. This throws Johnny off-balance just as he steps into the final fight. We believed it was essential to emphasize the high stakes so we all share the tension, despise Wolf even more, and eagerly wish for Johnny to retaliate forcefully. The upcoming battle will be challenging.

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Cobra Kai is now streaming all seasons on Netflix.

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2025-02-27 21:25