The Cobra Kai Cast: Where Are They Now? Full Biographies & New Projects (2025 Update)

The highly-anticipated final season of Cobra Kai, a cultural phenomenon that successfully resurrected the Karate Kid franchise, has put the spotlight back on its incredibly talented ensemble cast. As of December 2025, fans are eagerly awaiting the final installments of Season 6, which promises to be the biggest and most dramatic conclusion to the Miyagiverse saga yet. This article dives deep into the lives of the main actors, providing fresh, updated biographies, a look at their latest non-dojo projects, and the confirmed cast list for the show’s epic conclusion.

The journey from YouTube Red to Netflix global smash hit has transformed the careers of its young stars and reignited the legacy of its original legends, Ralph Macchio and William Zabka. From massive DC superhero roles to major voice acting gigs and new thriller films, the Cobra Kai cast is busier than ever, proving their success extends far beyond the walls of the All Valley dojos. We’ve gathered the most current details on what these stars are doing and who is confirmed to return for the final bow.

Cobra Kai’s Main Cast: Detailed Biographies and Latest Projects

The heart of Cobra Kai lies in its dynamic cast of young actors who masterfully blend martial arts with complex teenage drama. Here is a look at the core cast, their character profiles, and their most recent career developments in 2024 and 2025.

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• Ralph Macchio (Daniel LaRusso)
  • Character Profile: The original Karate Kid, now a successful car dealership owner and sensei of Miyagi-Do, perpetually locked in a rivalry with Johnny Lawrence.
  • Biography: Born November 4, 1961, Macchio rose to fame with The Karate Kid (1984). Beyond Cobra Kai, he has worked as an executive producer on the series and is a key figure in the franchise’s future.
  • Latest Project Update (2025): Macchio is confirmed to star in the upcoming 2025 film Karate Kid: Legends, which is set to take place after the events of Cobra Kai, further solidifying his role as the face of the franchise.
• William Zabka (Johnny Lawrence)
  • Character Profile: Daniel’s original nemesis, now a redeemed, albeit flawed, sensei whose journey from antagonist to protagonist is central to the show’s success.
  • Biography: Born October 20, 1965, Zabka is an Academy Award-nominated filmmaker (for the 2004 short film Most) and has spent decades embracing his iconic role from the original films.
  • Latest Project Update (2025): Like Macchio, Zabka serves as an executive producer on Cobra Kai. His primary focus remains the series finale, though his career has seen a massive resurgence due to the show’s popularity.
• Xolo Maridueña (Miguel Diaz)
  • Character Profile: Johnny Lawrence’s first student, whose journey from bullied teen to top martial artist mirrors Daniel’s original story.
  • Biography: Born June 9, 2001, Maridueña is one of the show’s breakout stars. His career exploded after being cast as the first Latino lead in a DC live-action film.
  • Latest Project Update (2024-2026): Following his starring role in the 2023 film Blue Beetle, Maridueña is confirmed to reprise his DC superhero role as Jaime Reyes in an upcoming Blue Beetle animated series, scheduled for 2026. He also recently voiced two villains in the third season of the animated series Invincible.
• Tanner Buchanan (Robby Keene)
  • Character Profile: Johnny’s estranged son and Daniel’s former student, whose constant moral struggle between Miyagi-Do and Cobra Kai drives much of the conflict.
  • Biography: Born December 8, 1998, Buchanan has built a strong resume in both television and film, including a lead role in the Netflix film He's All That.
  • Latest Project Update (2024-2025): Buchanan has a new Prime Video romantic comedy project in the works. Furthermore, he has teased the possibility of a role in the upcoming Karate Kid: Legends film, though his involvement remains unconfirmed.
• Mary Mouser (Samantha LaRusso)
  • Character Profile: Daniel LaRusso’s daughter, who is a skilled martial artist and a central figure in the dojo wars.
  • Biography: Born May 9, 1996, Mouser has been acting since childhood, with notable roles in *Body of Proof* before landing the role of Sam LaRusso.
  • Latest Project Update (2024-2025): Mouser’s primary focus remains the conclusion of Cobra Kai Season 6. She has been actively participating in fan conventions and cast panels, such as PaleyFest 2025, to discuss the series finale.
• Peyton List (Tory Nichols)
  • Character Profile: A tough, working-class fighter who was initially the main rival to Sam LaRusso and a star student of Cobra Kai.
  • Biography: Born April 6, 1998, List is a former Disney Channel star (known for Jessie and Bunk'd) who successfully transitioned to more mature roles with Cobra Kai.
  • Latest Project Update (2024): List starred in the 2024 thriller movie The Inheritance, alongside Rachel Nichols, showcasing her versatility outside of the martial arts genre.
• Jacob Bertrand (Eli "Hawk" Moskowitz)
  • Character Profile: The fan-favorite character who transforms from a bullied outcast into the aggressive, mohawk-sporting "Hawk," eventually finding redemption with Miyagi-Do.
  • Biography: Born March 6, 2000, Bertrand previously had roles in Nickelodeon’s *Kirby Buckets* before his breakout performance in Cobra Kai.
  • Latest Project Update (2025): Bertrand has been embracing new challenges in the voice acting world, recently joining the cast of the anime series Sakamoto Days Part 2 to voice the formidable villain, Gaku.

The Return of the OG Legends and New Faces in Season 6

The final season of Cobra Kai, which is being released in three parts, is set to feature a massive ensemble, including the return of nearly all major and recurring characters. This ensures that every storyline and rivalry, from the decades-old feud between Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence to the modern-day conflict over the soul of the Valley, receives a proper conclusion.

The confirmed list of returning core cast members for the final episodes is extensive and includes key legacy characters and modern favorites:

• Courtney Henggeler as Amanda LaRusso
• Martin Kove as John Kreese (following his dramatic prison escape at the end of Season 5, his return is highly anticipated)
• Yuji Okumoto as Chozen Toguchi (who has become a fan-favorite ally to Daniel)
• Vanessa Rubio as Carmen Diaz
• Gianni DeCenzo as Demetri Alexopoulos
• Dallas Dupree Young as Kenny Payne
• Oona O'Brien as Devon Lee
• Paul Walter Hauser as Stingray (who has confirmed his return for the final part of Season 6)

Adding to the excitement, the final season introduces three new cast members to the Miyagiverse, though their specific roles and affiliations (Miyagi-Do, Eagle Fang, or Cobra Kai) have been kept under wraps to maintain suspense. The introduction of new characters so late in the series suggests a major shake-up, possibly tied to the international Sekai Taikai tournament, the ultimate karate championship that will serve as the backdrop for the final battle.

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Beyond the Dojo: The Future of the Miyagiverse Franchise

While Cobra Kai is concluding its run, the world of The Karate Kid is far from over. The show's massive success has ensured the longevity of the franchise, paving the way for new stories and new generations of martial arts students. The final season of the Netflix series is widely seen as a bridge to future projects, providing topical authority to the entire saga.

The 2025 Film: Karate Kid: Legends

The most concrete post-Cobra Kai project is the new film, currently titled Karate Kid: Legends, slated for release in 2025. This film is confirmed to star Ralph Macchio, reprising his role as Daniel LaRusso, alongside the original Karate Kid, Jackie Chan, who played Mr. Han in the 2010 reboot. The film’s timeline is crucial: it is set to take place after the events of the Cobra Kai series finale. This means the ending of the series will directly set the stage for the film, potentially determining which characters, if any, from the younger Cobra Kai generation (like Miguel, Robby, or Sam) might make an appearance alongside Macchio.

The Potential for a Cobra Kai Spin-off Series

The creators of Cobra Kai have been open about the possibility of a spin-off series, ensuring the Miyagiverse continues to expand. Co-creator Jon Hurwitz has teased that the final season will set up a potential new series. Fans have speculated about several possible directions, including:

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• A series focusing on an adult Miguel Diaz or Robby Keene as a sensei.
• A prequel series detailing the origins of John Kreese or Terry Silver.
• A continuation of the story centered around Chozen Toguchi and his life in Okinawa and the Valley.

The young cast members, especially Xolo Maridueña, Peyton List, and Tanner Buchanan, have all expressed interest in returning to their roles if the right spin-off concept emerges, keeping the hope for future appearances alive.

The final episodes of Cobra Kai Season 6 are not just an ending; they are a grand finale that celebrates the legacy of the original films while launching the careers of a new generation of stars. The recent projects and upcoming roles for actors like Xolo Maridueña in the DC universe and Jacob Bertrand in the anime world demonstrate the incredible talent nurtured by the series. As the dojo doors prepare to close, the careers of the Cobra Kai actors are just beginning their next exciting chapter.