Cobra Kai has completely changed how Karate Kid fans view and respond to the character of Johnny Lawrence, according to star William Zabka.

Cobra Kai has completely changed the Karate Kid fan reaction to the character of Johnny Lawrence, according to star William Zabka. The bully and villain of the original Karate Kid film, Johnny becomes the protagonist in Cobra Kai and undertakes a long and bumpy journey toward atoning for his mistakes and becoming a better person. Zabka’s reprisal of Johnny has been a huge hit with fans, who now have a more positive perspective on the character than they used to.

At the beginning of Cobra Kai season 1, Johnny isn’t much better than he was in The Karate Kid. He’s a meanspirited alcoholic who lashes out at the world and holds onto old grudges to avoid accountability for his own shortcomings. But in time, and through many stumbling blocks, Johnny becomes a much more responsible and sympathetic character, even reconciling with his old nemesis Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) in Cobra Kai season 3.

According to William Zabka, Johnny’s Cobra Kai arc has led to some major changes in how Karate Kid fans treat him. Zabka discussed the series during a recent appearance on the WTF podcast, explaining how the show has given Johnny some redemption in the public eye. “I was the table [at conventions] that the dads would walk by with their kids,” Zabka said, “and go ‘I just want my kid to meet you. This guy was the biggest asshole. Nice to meet you,’ And then they’d walk away. Now I got people walking up and going ‘Hey, I love you on the show, Johnny’s cool.’”

Johnny has indeed come a long way since the original Karate Kid, and his story has remained the central focus of Cobra Kai. Season 3 saw him finally confront his old sensei John Kreese (Martin Kove) for his emotional and physical abuse, resulting in a climactic battle between Kreese and Johnny and Daniel. The trio’s feud will carry into season 4, where their students will fight it out at the All Valley Karate Tournament.

With season 4 having wrapped filming and reportedly on the way in the fall, fans don’t have too long to wait for the next chapter in Johnny’s story. The new season will feature a dojo team-up between Johnny and Daniel, uniting the students of Miyagi-Do and Eagle Fang against Kreese’s violent and dangerous Cobra Kai. Johnny’s friendship/mentorship with Miguel Diaz (Xolo Maridueña) and budding romance with Miguel’s mother Carmen (Vanessa Rubio) will also continue to play big roles in the overall story. Cobra Kai season 4 arrives on Netflix later this year.

Next: How Cobra Kai Season 4 Can Fix Miguel's All Valley Tournament Mistake

Source: WTF Podcast