With fans currently awaiting the finale of the highly anticipated Netflix series Cobra Kai, William Zabka appeared on Jimmy Fallon’s talk show. Expressing his excitement for the final part of the series, the actor fondly recalled his initial entry into The Karate Kid franchise in 1984.
Expressing his gratitude for the opportunity that shaped his career, William Zabka recalled the first time he went to the premiere of The Karate Kid, with a theater full of Ralph Macchio fans. Claiming to have a bizarre experience, particularly during the final fight scene, where his character lost the match with a front kick to his face, Zabka narrated the story with humor.
William Zabka Recalled Watching The Karate Kid Premiere with Fans in a Theatre
Amid the excitement surrounding the finale of Cobra Kai, William Zabka appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to discuss the final season of the hit Netflix series. While acknowledging the fanbase that the show has acquired over time, Zabka did not shy away from expressing his gratitude for the original 1984 movie, that paved the way for the cult classic franchise.
Although initially it wasn’t expected that The Karate Kid franchise would have a lasting cultural impact, William Zabka who portrayed the antagonist Johnny Lawrence, claimed to have high hopes for the film. Considering how the 1984 movie was his first-ever prominent role, Zabka expressed his gratitude for the opportunity. Thereafter, the actor began recalling his experience of watching the premiere in a theater filled with Ralph Macchio fans.
I remember it was in Westwood at a premiere, I went with all the original Cobras… and sitting in the audience and watching the movie for the first time, I was also seeing myself for the first time ever in a movie.
You know, I was with the movie and when Miyagi said ‘wax on, wax off’ and all the magical moments happened, I was completely sucked in, I got chills, you know, like everybody.
Claiming to have had a phenomenal experience watching himself perform onscreen, William Zabka told during his candid interview with Jimmy Fallon, how he felt proud of himself and even got the thrills, alongside the audiences.
William Zabka Had a Bizarre Experience During the Final Fight Scene, Compared to Ralph Macchio
However, while William Zabka was enjoying the immersive experience of being surrounded by fans cheering for the film, the actor suddenly recalled how people began rooting for Ralph Macchio, given that he was the protagonist. Although it initially didn’t bother him, the actor mentioned the hilarious experience by the end of the film.
Addressing the final fight scene where Ralph Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso executed some of the coolest moves and planted a face kick at William Zabka’s Johnny Lawrence, to defeat him, Zabka mentioned feeling cornered by the audience. Although it was all fun and exciting for him, the actor mentioned having a majorly different experience from Macchio.
And then at the very end you know when the kick comes, you know that was a different story… Ralph describes the end of The Karate Kid and watching it like when he was watching his first screening as winning the Super Bowl and the Stanley Cup…
And for me it was more like getting a head-on collision in the Indy 500, getting trajected into an angry mob. The audiences were rooting against you.
Well, in the end, despite the less-than-glamorous reception from the crowd, William Zabka expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity that shaped his career.
The Karate Kid films are currently available to watch on Netflix.
Cobra Kai is available to watch on Netflix.
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