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Cobra Kaihas been an unstoppable tour-de-force since its debut in 2018. A sequel to the originalKarate Kidfilms, the show was first released on YouTube Premium but garnered so much attention that Netflix officially picked up the rights for Season 3, and the rest, as they say, is history. Sadly, after five impressive outings,Season 6 is confirmed to be the show’s last, with millions of fans across the world ready to mourn the loss of their favorite ass-kicking series.
Nevertheless, and never one to miss an opportunity to slice their series into sections,Netflix has made the decision to turn Season 6 into not two but three different chapters. The first part ofCobra Kai’s kick-ass final seasonpremieredon Netflix on July 11, 2025, withPart 2 premiering on June 17, 2025, and the third part scheduled for some time in 2025. With that in mind, and with the show’s iconic cast ready to take one final swing at martial arts immortality, here is a look at theCobra KaiSeason 6 cast.
Thirty-four years after events of the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament, a down-and-out Johnny Lawrence seeks redemption by reopening the infamous Cobra Kai dojo, reigniting his rivalry with a now successful Daniel LaRusso.
Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso
Cobra Kaiwouldn’t be the same without the iconic Daniel LaRusso. The role of Daniel in the ‘Miyagiverse’ is by farRalph Macchio’s most famous, with him first starting as Jeremy Andretti for a season on the television seriesEight Is Enough.Much of Macchio’s best work exists from the 1980s, although his reprisal of Daniel forCobra Kaihas seen him have quite the renaissance, with his career revival eventually seeing himplay Daniel yet again in a 2025 sequel ofThe Karate KidalongsideJackie Chan.
William Zabka as Johnny Lawrence
Daniel’s arch-nemesis and animpressive fighter, Johnny was the secondary villain in the original movie but went on to become one ofCobra Kai’s main protagonists.TheKarate Kidwould provideWilliam Zabkawith his first big break in Hollywood, although hedidn’t actually have any karate experience at the time. Zabka’s acting career has seen fair success, including roles in the likes ofHot Tub Time Machine,High Voltage, andWhere Hope Grows, but it is his work with a pen that has found him his biggest triumph to date, withZabka nominated for an Academy Awardfor co-writing and producing the short film,Most.
Martin Kove as John Kreese
The Joker to Mr. Miyagi’s Batman, John Kreese is a vicious Vietnam War veteran who will seemingly stop at nothing to crush his opponents. However, with a great villain comes an even greater hero’s journey, so we wouldn’t want the ‘Miyagiverse’ without him.Martin Koveis certainly best known for his role in theKarate Kidfranchise, although he has been known to steal the show with performances in the likes ofCagney and Lacey,White Line Fever, and even appeared inQuentin Tarantino’sOnce Upon a Time in Hollywood. However, what is more remarkable is the fact that Kove is 78 years old, with hispenchant for action and brutal energy putting many younger than him to shame.
Yuji Okumoto as Chozen Toguchi
Chozen Toguchi went from being the main antagonist inThe Karate Kid Part IIto aclose confidant of Daniel inCobra Kai, with many fans of the series acknowledging his change for the better asone of the best character arcs in the entire ‘Miyagiverse’. As is the truth for many in this franchise,Yuji Okumoto’s most famous role is inThe Karate Kid. However, that doesn’t mean he is without other talented turns, including performances in the likes ofPearl Harbor,Only the Brave,Inception, andDriven.
Sean Kanan as Mike Barnes
Another from the originalKarate Kidtrilogy, in particularThe Karate Kid Part III, Mike is a perfect example of evil come good, having once been a greedy power-hungry individual and nowattempting to turn over a new leaf and become a better man. An actor, producer, and author,Sean Kananis multi-talented, with his on-screen work including roles in the likes ofGeneral Hospital,Desperate Housewives, andThe Bold and the Beautiful. However, it is his performance as Sam Stevens and Dr. Pierce Hartley inStudio City, that earned him his best critical reception,winning the Independent Series Award for Outstanding Lead Actor.
Alicia Hannah-Kim as Kim Da-Eun
Head Sensei of theCobra Kaidojo, Kim Da-Eun was only a mentioned name in Season 4, beforearriving in Season 5 and instantly demanding the spotlight. Born and raised in Sydney, Australia,Alicia Hannah-Kimwas always destined to perform, getting her big break as Shin in two episodes ofCrash. What has followed is a run of detailed turns in the likes ofAlone Together,Minx, andHeatwave, with the actress’s addition toCobra Kaian astute casting.
Xolo Maridueña as Miguel Diaz
Miguel isCobra Kai’s fondest faceand is often cited as many people’s favorite character. After being convinced by Johnny to train with him, Miguel’s talents soar as he becomes karate’s next bright prospect. Despite only being born in 2001,Xolo Maridueñahas shot to fame thanks to hisstarring role inCobra Kai, as well as appearances in the likes ofBlue Beetle,Fast & Furious Spy Racers, andTwin Peaks. His role as Jaime inBlue Beetleeven earned him theSaturn Award for Best Young Actor in a Film, with many more of this ilk likely to keep coming his way. Maridueña is set to voice an as-yet-unknown character in the 2025Smurfs Movie.
Mary Mouser as Samantha LaRusso
As Miyagi-Do Karate’s second student,Sam is a talented martial artist with an eye for precision, but don’t let her fierce action detract from her sweet core as one of the most heartfelt characters in the series.Mary Mouser’s time in the spotlight has made up almost all of her life, with her first-ever role coming when she was just eight. Since then, Mouser has appeared in the likes ofBody of Proof,Freakish, and even took over the role of Karen Grant, Fitz & Mellie’s daughter, on Season 4 of the ABC hit,Scandal.
Tanner Buchanan as Robby Keene
Son of Johnny, Robby is the perfect example of the benefits of learning karate. From hisdestructive days as an unruly teenager to becoming respectful of discipline through the dojo, Robby is a fan favorite. What not many people know aboutTanner Buchananis that his first-ever role came when he was just twelve years old on the hit sitcomModern Family. Since then, his acting ability has proven fruitful, carving out roles in the likes ofGame ShakersandDesignated Survivor. Most recently, Buchanan’s talents translated into a starring role in the Prime Video teen flick,How to Date Billy Walsh, in which he played the titular heartthrob.
Peyton List as Tory Nichols
Everyone loves Tory Nichols. Troubled? Sure, but Tory thrives by speaking her mind and never backing down from a challenge and was integral in putting Terry Silver (Thomas Ian Griffith) away for good. Perhaps the most famous of theCobra Kaicast,Peyton Listwas a child star on Disney, and, much like many of her peers, has gone on to great success. Just 26 years old, List has appeared in the likes ofSchool SpiritsandValley Girl,and will soon appear in theupcoming horror movieThe Inheritance. What many might not know, is that, aged just 13, List made a one-episode appearance in the classic proceduralLaw & Order: Special Victims Unit.
Jacob Bertrand as Eli “Hawk” Moskowitz
Another example of the powers of learning a discipline, Hawk was once a shy and socially introverted kid, only tofind his identity inside the dojo. A star from a young age,Jacob Bertrandfound his big breakthrough in Disney, as many seem to do, notably in the 2014 seriesKirby Bucketsand the 2016 Disney Channel Original Movie,The Swap. Still, with plenty left to achieve in his burgeoning career, Hawk will likely be a character Bertrand is long-remembered for,such is the endearing nuance of the role.
Gianni DeCenzo as Demetri Alexopoulos
One of the transfers fromCobra Kaito Miyagi-Do Karate,Demetri is like many of his peers in that he turned to karate due to bullying. Los Angeles-bornGianni DeCenzois an impressively talented young actor, withCobra Kaia wonderful platform for his ability. Alongside the Netflix hit, DeCenzo has also appeared in the likes of100 Things to Do Before High School,Eagleheart, and, most recently, in an episode ofNCIS: Los Angeles.
Dallas Dupree Young as Kenny Payne
Kenny is the bullied younger brother of Shawn, with hisintense desire to find a way to defend himself turning him to karatethrough the help of Robby. Unlike much of the rest of theCobra Kaiensemble, Young is perhaps best known not for playing Kenny. To some, Young will forever be Corey inThe Fosters, despite only appearing in three episodes. Besides these two projects, Young has also appeared in the likes ofShameless,The Big Show Show, and9-1-1, although it still feels as if the best of Young is yet to come.
Griffin Santopietro as Anthony LaRusso
Anthony’s journey throughCobra Kaiis fascinating, with his spoiled upbringing leading him to bully Kenny into the clutches ofCobra Kai.Anthony is expected to become a pivotal player in these final three chapters. Born in 2006,Griffin Santopietrois one of the youngest cast members inCobra Kai, but that hasn’t stopped him from achieving many film and television credits thus far in his career. These include appearances in the likes ofNew Amsterdam,The Week Of, andBull, with him set to play Tom in the upcoming drama,Turning.
Oona O’Brien as Devon Lee
A show-stealing supporting character in both Season 4 and 5,Devon Lee is competitive and feisty, with a strong moral code, no matter if wrong or right, leading her to happily stand for what she believes in and leave a toxic environment. Apart from a role as Mia Savage in the short filmSky High,Oona O’Brien’s only work to date has been inCobra Kai, proving just how impressive her raw talent is. Although her filmography may be short as of now,prepare for it to grow as her young career continues to grab attention.
Friends & Family
Courtney Henggeler as Amanda LaRusso
Daniel’s wife and the mother of his children,Amanda is the steadfast voice of reason when Daniel’s emotions get the better of him. ActressCourtney Henggelerhas found fair success in both television and film, most notably for bothCobra Kaiand Sheldon Cooper’s sister, Missy, inThe Big Bang Theory. Most recently, Henggeler played the role of Hazel Ulbrickson in theGeorge Clooney-directedThe Boys in the Boat. Normally appearing in one or two episode roles in major series, Henggeler is clearly talented, withCobra Kai’s end hopefully opening bigger doors for the New Jersey-born performer.
Okea Eme-Akwari as Shawn Payne
Shawn Payne is a wonderfully drawn antagonist inCobra Kai, with hisactions often cruel but his intentions sometimes redeemable. Case in point, Shawn found himself sentenced to juvenile detention after attacking a former friend, although he only did this to defend his younger brother, Kenny (Dallas Dupree Young). With an acting career that only dates back six years,Okea Eme-Akwari is certainly one to watch for those with a keen eye for talent. Thus far, Eme-Akwari has appeared in the likes ofMiles From Nowhere,Greenland, and, most famously, as Elijah in 19 episodes ofThe Walking Dead. The future certainly looks bright for this gifted young actor.
Vanessa Rubio as Carmen Diaz
Miguel’s loving mother,everyone could do with someone like Carmen in their lives, including Johnny with whom romantic sparks fly. A mainstay on the series, Colombian-AmericanVanessa Rubiois a multi-talented performer who never fails to impress. Rubio’s filmography reads like a list of publicly adored television series, including the likes ofChilling Adventures of Sabrina,Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings, andBonding.
