Sean Kanan.Photo: Curtis Bonds Baker/Netflix
Ever sinceSean Kananwatched the first season ofCobra Kaiin 2018, theKarate Kid Part IIIstar was hoping his phone would ring with an offer to join theNetflixspin-off. Last summer, that call finally came. Kanan just had one crucial request before signing on.
Going into filming forCobra Kai’s fifth season (out now), the martial artist and actor had no interest in playing a quintessential, one-dimensional bully and knew it was imperative that his character Mike Barnes be fleshed out for his return.
Kanan got his wish. Show creators Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg brought Barnes into the fold with depth and purpose while incorporating some ideas from the 55-year-old Emmy winner.
Everett Collection
PEOPLE:Karate Kid Part IIIdid not go over well with fans, and Ralph has said he was disappointed in how it turned out. How do you feel about the film?
Sean Kanan:Well, you have to understand that for me, it was such a monumental event that really changed the trajectory of my career and my life. For me, it was an amazing experience. It was a lot of different emotions. I was almost critically injured while filming. So that film holds a lot of importance for me on a lot of different levels.
I understand why there was a lot of criticism of the film. A lot of people feel that the third one should have been the second one. There were a lot of production issues that created havoc. I don’t hold any judgment against anybody who says it was their least favorite, especially Ralph.
Curtis Bonds Baker/Netflix
How does it feel returning to the franchise and this character? Fans were clamoring for Mike afterThomas Ian Griffithreprised Terry Silver. Did you know the call was coming?
I started thinking about it as soon as I found out the show was happening! And it was alongwait to season 5. And you know, waiting — there were moments when it was very frustrating, when I thought, “Maybe they’re never going to call.” Then last June, Josh and John called and said, “Okay. We’re ready to do this.” I was on cloud nine. It was so gracious of them to have a creative meeting. They asked my ideas and I said, “Look, I am now 34 years older and a more evolved human being, certainly a more evolved actor. So, I want to make sure I’m not playing this guy as a one-dimensional bad guy like he was in the film,” which is what John Avildsen wanted then. I really was hoping that wasn’t what I was coming back for, which they assured me wasn’t the case. And I also wanted some humor infused into the role because the show is so funny. They agreed.
I love that Netflix only released a production still of Mike and did not include him in the trailers. Fans know nothing about his return. What’s the anticipation like for you?
Journalists who have seen all of season 5 have had a really positive response, but the biggest positive response that I’ve had — the one that to me really matters in addition to the creators — is Ralph, who texted me last week how much he loved how the season turned out.
Lastly, do you have a favorite Pat Morita memory you wouldn’t mind sharing?
I grew up watchingHappy Days, so to me, he was Arnold. Pat was very kind, and he was very funny. I wouldn’t say I got to know him well, but he was very warm to me. I have a great picture of me and Pat, and he’s making a funny Pat face and, in the back, you can see sensei Fumio Demura dressed exactly like Pat as his double, just walking out of the frame. It’s a really cool, weird photo. It was a really beautiful, cinematic moment watching him transform because he’s not like Mr. Miyagi at all. And that’s what makes it such a brilliant performance. He should have won the Oscar.
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All five seasons ofCobra Kaiare streaming now on Netflix.
This interview was edited for length and clarity.
source: people.com
