The Ultimate Dojo Showdown: Where The Cast Of Cobra Kai Is Now Ahead Of The 2025 Series Finale

The epic saga of Miyagi-Do and Cobra Kai is finally drawing to a close, and the incredible cast that brought this *Karate Kid* sequel to life is making major waves across Hollywood. As of December 2025, the anticipation for the final installment of the series has reached a fever pitch, with fans eager to see how the decades-long rivalry between Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence concludes. The conclusion of *Cobra Kai* Season 6, Part 3, is one of the most highly-anticipated streaming events of early 2025, promising a definitive end to the All Valley and Sekai Taikai tournaments that have defined the show’s run. This final chapter marks both an ending for the beloved show and a launching pad for the careers of its young stars.

The show’s genius lies in its ability to seamlessly blend the nostalgia of the original film franchise with a fresh, modern narrative, creating a new generation of martial arts heroes and villains. From the seasoned veterans like Ralph Macchio and William Zabka to the breakout stars like Xolo Maridueña and Peyton List, the ensemble cast has cemented their place in pop culture. This is your essential, up-to-date guide to the biggest names in the dojo, including their key biographical details and what they’re doing next after the final bow of the Netflix phenomenon.

The Main Cast: Full Biography and Current Projects (2025 Update)

The core of *Cobra Kai* is built on the shoulders of its talented and diverse cast. Here is a detailed look at the actors who define the heart and soul of the series, including their birth dates, main roles, and current career focus.

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• Ralph Macchio (Character: Daniel LaRusso)
  • Born: November 4, 1961 (Huntington, New York)
  • Key Roles: *The Karate Kid* film series (1984–1989), *My Cousin Vinny*, *The Outsiders*.
  • Current Focus: Macchio continues to be the face of the franchise. Beyond the *Cobra Kai* series finale in 2025, he is confirmed to be reprising his role as Daniel LaRusso in the upcoming standalone film, *Karate Kid: Legends*, alongside Jackie Chan, ensuring the Miyagi-verse lives on.
• William Zabka (Character: Johnny Lawrence)
  • Born: October 20, 1965 (New York City, New York)
  • Key Roles: *The Karate Kid* (1984), *Back to School*, Oscar-nominated short film *Most*.
  • Current Focus: Zabka has successfully transitioned his iconic 80s villain into a complex, fan-favorite protagonist. Like Macchio, his involvement in the *Karate Kid: Legends* film is highly anticipated, suggesting his journey as Johnny Lawrence is far from over. He also continues his work as a producer.
• Xolo Maridueña (Character: Miguel Diaz)
  • Born: June 9, 2001 (Los Angeles, California)
  • Key Roles: Victor Graham in *Parenthood*, and his breakout role as Jaime Reyes / Blue Beetle in the 2023 DC film *Blue Beetle*.
  • Current Focus: Maridueña is the biggest breakout star of the new generation. His performance in *Blue Beetle* has launched him into the DC Universe, and fans are eagerly awaiting news on his next appearance as the superhero, which is likely to be his primary focus post-*Cobra Kai*.
• Tanner Buchanan (Character: Robby Keene)
  • Born: December 8, 1998 (Lima, Ohio)
  • Key Roles: Leo Kirkman in *Designated Survivor*, Mason Kendall in *Game Shakers*, and the lead in the Netflix film *He's All That*.
  • Current Focus: Buchanan has proven his versatility in both drama and comedy. Following the final season, he is expected to pursue more lead roles in film, capitalizing on his massive fanbase from both *Cobra Kai* and his romantic comedy work.
• Mary Mouser (Character: Samantha LaRusso)
  • Born: May 9, 1996 (Pine Bluff, Arkansas)
  • Key Roles: Lacey Fleming in *Body of Proof*, and numerous voice acting roles.
  • Current Focus: Mouser is a vocal advocate for diabetes awareness, having been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Professionally, she is poised to take on more mature dramatic roles, moving past her teen character arc in the series.
• Peyton List (Character: Tory Nichols)
  • Born: August 6, 1998 (Florida, U.S.)
  • Key Roles: Emma Ross in Disney's *Jessie* and *Bunk'd*, and currently stars as Maddie Nears in the Paramount+ supernatural teen drama *School Spirits*.
  • Current Focus: List is successfully balancing her final run as Tory with her lead role in *School Spirits*, which has been renewed. She is one of the busiest young stars and is also exploring production and directing credits.
• Jacob Bertrand (Character: Eli "Hawk" Moskowitz)
  • Born: March 6, 2000 (Los Angeles, California)
  • Key Roles: Kirby Buckets in the Disney XD series *Kirby Buckets*.
  • Current Focus: Bertrand’s transformation as Hawk was one of the series' most dynamic character arcs. He is expected to continue voice acting work and pursue more roles that showcase his range beyond the martial arts genre.

The Senseis and Supporting Cast: Legacy and Impact

The success of *Cobra Kai* is not just in the student rivalries, but in the compelling stories of the returning veterans. These actors brought a level of gravitas and topical authority to the show, exploring themes of redemption and legacy that resonate deeply with viewers.

Martin Kove (John Kreese): Kove, born March 6, 1946, reprised his role as the menacing John Kreese, the original sensei of the Cobra Kai dojo. His character’s dark influence and complex backstory have been central to the series’ dramatic tension. Kove’s work ensures that the legacy of the original *Karate Kid* films remains a foundational element of the show.

Thomas Ian Griffith (Terry Silver): The return of Terry Silver, born March 18, 1962, was a major highlight, bringing back the charismatic yet utterly ruthless villain from *The Karate Kid Part III*. Griffith’s performance as the primary antagonist for the penultimate seasons elevated the stakes immensely, with his character’s downfall being a major plot point leading into the series finale.

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Courtney Henggeler (Amanda LaRusso): Henggeler, born December 11, 1978, plays Amanda LaRusso, Daniel’s wife, who often serves as the moral compass and voice of reason in the midst of the martial arts chaos. Her character is a vital entity, representing the grounded, non-karate perspective and the importance of family.

Vanessa Rubio (Carmen Diaz): Rubio, born December 6, 1983, portrays Carmen Diaz, Miguel's mother and Johnny Lawrence's romantic partner. Her relationship with Johnny is one of the most heartwarming developments, symbolizing Johnny’s journey toward redemption and stability. Their impending parenthood is a key storyline for the final season.

The Rising Stars: What’s Next for the Next Generation

Beyond the primary cast, several other young actors have captured the attention of fans and casting directors alike. Their involvement in the series has given them a platform to launch their careers, and they represent the future of the franchise’s legacy. These young talents are the LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keywords of the show’s success, expanding the topical authority beyond the core rivalry.

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• Gianni DeCenzo (Demetri): DeCenzo, born October 27, 2001, plays the lovable, often awkward, but ultimately heroic Demetri. His transformation from a bullied nerd to a Miyagi-Do fighter with a killer "Binary" move is a fan favorite.
• Dallas Dupree Young (Kenny Payne): Young, born October 25, 2006, joined the cast in Season 4 and quickly became a central figure, representing the cycle of bullying and the dark side of Cobra Kai’s influence. His future roles will likely capitalize on his dramatic range.
• Oona O'Brien (Devon Lee): O’Brien, born October 15, 2006, portrays Devon Lee, a formidable female fighter. Her presence underscores the show's commitment to showcasing strong female martial artists.

The younger cast members, including these rising stars, have leveraged the show’s massive global reach to secure new projects and build their personal brands. The intense training required for the series, which often involves real-life martial arts, has also prepared them for the demanding physical roles in action and drama genres. The chemistry between the 'Cobra Kai kids' is a huge reason for the show's massive appeal, creating a dynamic that resonates with the teen demographic and keeps the story fresh.

The Highly Anticipated Series Finale: Season 6, Part 3 (February 2025)

The final episodes of *Cobra Kai* are scheduled to debut on Netflix on February 13, 2025. This final part will resolve the major cliffhangers left by the previous installments, primarily focusing on the Sekai Taikai—the global karate tournament. The entire cast will be returning for this grand finale, which is expected to be the biggest and most action-packed conclusion to the series.

The final season is not just about the tournament; it’s about the emotional closure for characters like Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso. Will they finally find a lasting peace? Will the new generation of fighters—Miguel Diaz, Robby Keene, Samantha LaRusso, and Tory Nichols—be able to move beyond the legacy of their senseis and forge their own path? The series finale is set to answer these questions while providing a fitting tribute to the entire *Karate Kid* universe. The ultimate showdown promises to deliver the high-stakes drama and incredible martial arts action that fans have come to expect. The journey of the cast, from YouTube Premium to a global Netflix phenomenon, is a testament to the enduring power of the underdog story and the enduring popularity of the original film’s themes.