I, Elisabeth Shue, a California-born actress with a background in martial arts and academia, was thrilled yet naive when I joined the “Karate Kid” universe during the pandemic. Having grown up knowing of Ralph Macchio, Billy Zabka, and Martin Kove only through their iconic roles, it was a surreal experience to work alongside them as colleagues.
Warning: The following narrative reveals key details from the first part of “Cobra Kai” Season 6, which is currently available on Netflix. Proceed with caution if you prefer to avoid spoilers.
Last season on “Cobra Kai,” Alicia Hannah-Kim‘s character, Kim Da-Eun, served as a major adversary and appeared to be written off. However, it turns out that Kim isn’t finished yet. She has joined forces with Kreese (Martin Kove) in their quest to prepare the latest Cobra Kai trainees for success in the prestigious Sekai Taikai, a global karate competition.
The duo faces off against the entire Miyagi-Do team, headed by Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) and Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio). “Cobra Kai” premiered in 2018 as an original series on YouTube, exploring the events that unfolded decades after the 1984 “Karate Kid” movie. [Link to interview] for a detailed conversation with “Cobra Kai” creators Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg about Season 6 Part 1.
For over four decades in the “Karate Kid” franchise, Hannah-Kim stands out as its first female sensei. She acknowledges the significance of this role, being “deeply conscious” of it. Introduced in the fifth season, she was recruited by Terry Silver (Thomas Ian Griffith) to train his new Cobra Kai students. Notably, she is the granddaughter of Master Kim (C.S. Lee), a renowned karate master who mentored both Silver and Kreese, ultimately shaping Cobra Kai’s ruthless, victory-driven ethos.
In the last episode of Season 6’s sixth part, Tory (Peyton List), who was the first group’s finale character, bid farewell to Miyagi-Do following her mother’s demise. The stunning climax of this episode saw Tory reappear at Cobra Kai to join forces with Kim Da-Eun and Kreese for the Sekai Taikai tournament in Barcelona.
I had a chat with EbMaster not too long ago, where Hannah-Kim opened up about Kreese and their supposed friendship. She shared that she hadn’t seen “The Karate Kid” series until after filming the fifth season of “Cobra Kai.” As for her relationship with Tory in future seasons, she left us hanging with an intriguing hint.
What was it like for you to explore the evil, villainous persona your character has?
Experiencing Kim Da-Eun’s unfiltered emotions is genuinely exhilarating. In our daily lives, we often suppress anger or conform to societal norms. However, Kim seems unfettered by such constraints, freely venting her rage and disappointment. Witnessing her uncensored emotional outbursts provides a thrilling sense of release.
Did you have any inspirations that helped you channel that evil inner rage Kim Da-Eun has?
Based on my personal perspective and experiences, I believe that everyone carries a complex set of emotions and thoughts within them, which some may refer to as a “dark side.” These aspects of ourselves are not necessarily negative or harmful, but rather parts of our whole being that can be challenging to navigate at times.
I love watching villains. I took a lot of weird inspiration from Kylo Ren, Adam Driver. There’s this very Adam Driver quality of just letting go, and I find that really exciting to watch.
Before joining the series, were you a fan of the “Karate Kid” universe?
As a kid, “The Karate Kid” wasn’t something I had seen in my home. It seemed to have passed us by. I recognized Ralph from other contexts, and I knew “Cobra Kai” was a popular show. But my knowledge of the whole world surrounding it was limited, which turned out to be beneficial for me.
During the final stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, I arrived in the US after spending most of the previous year in Canada. It was as if I’d emerged from a cocoon, feeling naive and unburdened by prior knowledge or expectations. I approached each new experience with an open mind and without any initial apprehension about joining such an established franchise with a rich 40-year history. My interactions were genuine and unpretentious, making for a straightforward and authentic beginning. Later, once I completed Season 5, I returned home and eagerly consumed all the previous content, only then experiencing the delayed sensation of awe and recognition.
It’s been an amazing experience working together with “Karate Kid” icons such as Ralph Macchio, Billy Zabka, and Martin Kove to continue that legacy.
As the first female and only person of color sensei in the Karate Kid universe’s long 40-year history, I’m acutely conscious of this groundbreaking role I’ve taken on. The thrill and novelty of occupying this position are palpable and invigorating. Standing alongside my fellow senseis, I can’t help but sense a positive shift in the air – a much-needed change that is both an honor and a chance to bring fresh perspectives.
What does it mean to you to be the first female sensei in the “Karate Kid” universe? Since there are so many strong women featured on the show, how do you hope to promote female representation within the franchise?
The introduction of this character by the showrunners is truly commendable from my perspective for two reasons: First, it provides much-needed representation for the Korean community, and second, it adds to the show’s female representation. As an actor portraying this character, I feel privileged to embody these representations and serve as a role model for young Asian girls watching the show. Although there are already many strong female characters on the series, I understand that my presence can make a significant difference for those who see themselves reflected on screen.
What was it like working with Martin Kove, who plays Kreese?
In Season 5, it was hinted that Kim Da-Eun had traveled to America on Kreese’s orders. Unfortunately, things did not go as planned. Now, we get the chance to delve into their relationship. Their bond is pure and mentor-like. Through this exploration, we gain insights into their past – how Kreese shielded and cared for her when she was young, under the watch of her grandfather.
Marty stands out as quite the character on set, with his role in the original “Karate Kid” causing plenty of sleepless nights for devoted fans. I received numerous messages from friends exclaiming, “Wow, you’re collaborating with Marty Kove! What’s he like?”
As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing Marty’s captivating performances both on and off-screen. During filming breaks, his sense of humor shines through as he lightheartedly entertains the crew. His unwavering spirit and tenacity are truly remarkable.
In Episode 3, Kreese significantly changes the way you teach at your dojo. What do you believe this transformation might mean for your students during the Sekai Taikai competition?
When you meet up with a friend, there’s this unspoken competition where you try to outdo each other. You both seem committed to your shared objectives. It’s not that they bring out the worst in each other, but rather, they keep pushing things further. As for Kreese, his determination to attend the Sekai Taikai with Cobra Kai is a deeply rooted and long-lasting desire for him.
You’ll have to wait and see. It’s quite catastrophic.
As a movie critic, I’ve been following the intriguing developments between Peyton List’s character Tory and the rest of the Cobra Kai crew. Last season left us with the cliffhanger of Tory seeking refuge in Miyagi-Do after some intense confrontations. So, I’m eagerly waiting to see how her relationship unfolds, particularly considering my character put her through a tough test last season. What new challenges or obstacles might they face together? Stay tuned to find out!
The return of Tory to Cobra Kai brings turmoil for the entire cast. For the Miyagi-Do students, especially Kim Da-Eun, their connection is complex. It’s filled with conflict, yet there’s also a hint of a mentor-mentee dynamic. I believe that Kim Da-Eun recognizes Tory’s potential and similarities. She sees herself reflected in Tory and knows just how to channel those emotions to triumph and shape her into a younger version of herself.
In simpler terms,
What was it like working with Peyton?
I have a great admiration for Peyton. Her impression on me is indelible. Having been in this line of work since she was young, her dedication and longevity are commendable. When I first encountered her, I was struck by her effortless demeanor, yet she exuded an unmatched level of proficiency and accuracy. Such a combination truly reflects her extensive industry knowledge. Above all, Peyton is not only an awe-inspiring performer but also an authentic and sincere individual.
During our heated moments in our relationship, we attempt to keep the mood relaxed during filming. I can recall numerous instances when we sang Taylor Swift tunes to ease the tension and pass the time between takes with Peyton.
Wait, I love that. What songs would you guys sing?
After saying “22,” we’d like to perform the floss dance. Since I’ve been shouting at her so frequently, she gazes at me with her captivating, large eyes. Then they call “cut,” and as Swifties, that’s where we bond, bringing some relief between takes.
What is it like filming some of those intense karate scenes?
The thrill of being fully engaged in a fight scene during the filming of “Cobra Kai” is the aspect I enjoy most. When we’re halfway through such a scene and I’m completely immersed in the moment, it’s an indescribable joy. And when my scene partner and I manage to get it right in a single take, the excitement is palpable. This experience truly is my favorite part of the entire process.
What can viewers expect for your character within the next two parts of the season?
In the series, Kim Da-Eun experiences significant transformations during each of its three parts. The first part serves as an introduction and foundation for the events that follow. Keep an eye out for the second part – it promises to be full of excitement, humor, unpredictability, and shocking twists!
This interview has been edited and condensed.
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2024-07-20 04:50