Cobra Kai: Xolo Maridueña Reflects on Final Episodes and the Impact of William Zabka
In the six seasons of "Cobra Kai," the journey has spanned from the San Fernando Valley to Okinawa to Barcelona. However, the core element has remained the bond between Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) and his protégé, Miguel Diaz (Xolo Maridueña).
Maridueña recently shared with Variety that his final day on set for the show's concluding five episodes was made memorable by the fact that Zabka, who he describes as "our beacon of light throughout these six seasons," was directing the episode.
"It was really cathartic and wonderful to be with him on my last day, hang out, and hug him – and to close this chapter with him," Maridueña said. "He was the one I met before I even got the part."
Maridueña, who has also starred in "Parenthood" and "Blue Beetle," was a teenager when "Cobra Kai" premiered in 2018. He credits the influence of Zabka and Ralph Macchio, the original "Karate Kid," for much of his growth in the ensuing seven years.
"The biggest honor has been working with these two and quietly realizing that this is the end of this chapter for them as well," Maridueña said. "So, it's been incredible to have them as these guiding forces in life."
While open to continuing his martial arts training, Maridueña also expresses an interest in pursuing theater and improving his culinary skills. However, he envisions his dream job as one that enables him to represent the communities he identifies with, including Angelenos, young men, and Latinos.
The final five episodes of "Cobra Kai" premiere on Netflix on February 13.