From 'Hawk' To Hollywood Director: 5 Shocking New Projects Jacob Bertrand Is Tackling After Cobra Kai

Jacob Bertrand, the actor who masterfully brought the iconic, transforming character of Eli "Hawk" Moskowitz to life on the hit Netflix series Cobra Kai, is officially entering a new phase of his career. As of this current date in December 2025, the final bow of Cobra Kai Season 6 has cemented his status as a young Hollywood star, but the biggest question for fans is: what comes next? The answer involves a surprising pivot behind the camera and a high-profile relationship that continues to capture the internet's attention.

The journey from the bullied "Lip" to the confident, mohawked "Hawk" was one of the most compelling arcs in the entire Karate Kid universe, and Bertrand's portrayal earned him massive critical and fan acclaim. With the dojo wars finally over, Bertrand is leveraging his newfound fame and experience to explore new creative avenues, including a significant focus on directing and producing his own content.

The Complete Biography and Profile of Jacob Bertrand

Jacob Scott Thomas Bertrand has been a fixture in Hollywood since he was a child, but his role as Eli Moskowitz is what catapulted him into global recognition. His career trajectory showcases a dedication to his craft, moving from Disney and Nickelodeon roles to a major streaming drama.

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• Full Name: Jacob Scott Thomas Bertrand
• Date of Birth: March 6, 2000
• Age (as of December 2025): 25
• Place of Birth: California, USA
• Nationality: American
• Height: Approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm)
• Known For: Eli "Hawk" Moskowitz in Cobra Kai (2018–2025), Kirby Buckets in Kirby Buckets (2014–2017), and Jack Malloy in Jinxed (2013)
• Net Worth: Estimated to be between $1.2 million and $2 million (as of 2025)
• Current Partner: Peyton List (since March 2022)

Early Career and Rise to Stardom

Bertrand began his acting career early, landing his first commercial at age seven. His early work included the film Duress (2009) and guest roles on various television series. He gained significant recognition as a teen idol for his lead role as Kirby Buckets in the Disney XD series of the same name, which ran from 2014 to 2017.

However, it was his casting in Cobra Kai that redefined his career. The character of Hawk, a bullied, timid teenager who finds confidence (and then loses his way) through karate, allowed Bertrand to showcase a remarkable range. The character's transformation, from a shy student to a ruthless fighter with a signature blue mohawk, became a fan-favorite storyline throughout the series' run.

The End of an Era: Jacob Bertrand's Reflections on Cobra Kai Season 6

The conclusion of Cobra Kai with its sixth and final season marks a major turning point for Bertrand. The final season saw Hawk dealing with a new state of emotional uncertainty, despite his character finally turning a positive leaf. The series finale wrapped up the epic story of the Valley's dojo wars, and Bertrand has been vocal about his satisfaction with how Hawk's arc concluded.

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Bertrand's performance in the final season was praised for bringing depth to Hawk's journey of redemption. After his dramatic shift back to the Miyagi-Do side, Season 6 focused on the fallout of his past actions and his efforts to maintain his newfound balance. The final episodes, which saw the ultimate showdown against the remnants of Cobra Kai, provided a fitting send-off for the character.

The camaraderie on set was a key part of the show's success, and Bertrand's strong bond with co-star Xolo Maridueña (Miguel Diaz) extended beyond the screen. The two actors co-host the popular podcast Lone Lobos, where they discuss everything from their lives to binge-watching new shows, providing fans with a continuous connection to the duo even after the series finale.

Behind the Scenes: Jacob Bertrand’s New Focus on Directing and Producing

Perhaps the most exciting development in Jacob Bertrand's career post-Cobra Kai is his determined shift toward working behind the camera. This move showcases his ambition to be more than just an actor and expand his creative footprint in Hollywood.

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Bertrand has made it a clear goal to get into directing, a desire he often expressed during the latter half of his time on the hit series. He has already taken concrete steps toward this by completing his latest short film. This project is a significant milestone, allowing him to gain practical experience in storytelling and production outside of his established acting roles. Fans and industry observers are keenly watching to see what kind of stories Bertrand will tell as a director, signaling a potential long-term career pivot.

This pursuit of new skills aligns with his general approach to growth, as he has mentioned how trying new things has helped him grow as an actor. His future filmography is likely to include more producing and directing credits, making him a multi-hyphenate talent to watch in the coming years.

The High-Profile Romance: Jacob Bertrand and Peyton List in 2025

One of the most talked-about aspects of Jacob Bertrand's life is his relationship with co-star Peyton List, who plays Tory Nichols on Cobra Kai. The couple confirmed their romance in March 2022, and their relationship remains strong through 2025.

The relationship gained significant media attention, not just because they are co-stars, but because of their genuine affection for each other. In a February 2025 interview, Bertrand spoke warmly about List, even referring to her as his "muse." This public display of support and admiration highlights a deeper connection that has developed over years, as the two have known each other for a long time, both having grown up as child actors in the industry.

Their relationship is a perfect example of a professional connection blossoming into a personal one, providing a sweet, real-life story amidst the on-screen drama of the dojo. Their public appearances and social media interactions continue to be a source of fascination for their combined fan bases, making them one of Young Hollywood's most beloved couples.