Peyton List Dives Deep into Cobra Kai Season 4: Tory’s Future with Miguel, Major Twists, and Her Martial Arts-Inspired Fitness Journey

The highly anticipated return of Cobra Kai for its fourth season promises more drama, more karate, and a significant expansion of Tory Nichols’ storyline. Fans will be seeing a lot more of the formidable Cobra Kai student as Peyton List, the actress who brilliantly portrays Tory, has been officially promoted to a series regular on the hit Netflix series. As production for the fourth season recently kicked off, HollywoodLife had the exclusive opportunity to chat with Peyton List about what’s in store for her character, the show’s overarching plot, and how she manages to stay in top form for such an physically demanding role.

One of the most talked-about relationships in the Cobra Kai universe is the tumultuous dynamic between Tory and Miguel Diaz. Their on-again, off-again romance has captivated viewers, leading many to wonder if a reunion is on the horizon. Peyton List herself admits to pondering these very questions. “I think about these things a lot. I’m like, I wonder what would happen if they got back together?” Peyton shared with HollywoodLife during an interview promoting her exciting partnership with STRONG Nation. She acknowledges the complex web of relationships in the Valley, hinting at the ongoing “triangle-square thing happening” that keeps fans on the edge of their seats.

Delving deeper into her character’s past with Miguel, Peyton offered a candid assessment. “I think Miguel was really good for Tory, but I don’t think Tory was very good for Miguel because he has such a pure heart. He has such good intentions. He’s such a sweet person.” This insightful observation highlights the core differences between the two characters. Miguel, with his inherent goodness and optimism, often found himself caught in the crossfire of Tory’s anger and past traumas. For Miguel’s sake, Peyton believes Tory needs to undergo significant personal growth before they could ever rekindle their romance in a healthy way. “For his sake, I don’t want I think Tory to figure herself out before they’d get back together. But I would like to see them back together. I think they understand each other. I don’t know if it will ever happen, but I would like to see it.” This sentiment resonates with many fans who hope for Tory’s redemption arc, envisioning a future where she can overcome her challenges and find genuine happiness, potentially with Miguel. The potential for a powerful reunion, built on mutual understanding and Tory’s self-improvement, remains a tantalizing prospect for the series.

The “triangle-square” Peyton refers to undoubtedly involves Samantha LaRusso, Miguel’s primary love interest and Tory’s arch-nemesis, and possibly Robby Keene, who has had relationships with both Sam and Tory. This intricate web of relationships is central to the emotional depth of Cobra Kai, constantly fueling the rivalries between the dojos and driving character motivations. Tory’s journey, in particular, is one fraught with challenges. Her tough exterior often masks a deep well of insecurity and a challenging home life. For her to “figure herself out,” it would likely involve confronting her past, learning to manage her anger, and finding a sense of belonging and self-worth outside of Kreese’s manipulative influence. Such a transformation would not only make her a better person but also open the door for a more stable and loving relationship, perhaps finally with Miguel, who despite everything, showed her kindness and understanding.

Season 3 of Cobra Kai left viewers with a monumental cliffhanger: the unexpected alliance between Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso. The former rivals, whose animosity has defined the franchise for decades, finally joined forces to take on John Kreese and his menacing Cobra Kai dojo. Peyton List admitted she was “completely shocked” by this twist, a sentiment echoed by many loyal fans. “I never expected those two to be together because I just thought the show wouldn’t work that way. I just thought they would never do it,” Peyton confessed. This alliance signifies a massive shift in the show’s paradigm, promising an even more intense and unpredictable Season 4. The stakes have never been higher, with the fate of the Valley’s karate scene, and indeed the souls of its young practitioners, hanging in the balance as the All Valley Karate Tournament looms large.

Beyond the narrative twists, Season 4 will also bring a subtle but noticeable change to Tory’s appearance. In a move that reflects the show’s commitment to authenticity and Peyton’s dedication to her character, she has dyed her hair brown for the upcoming season, replacing the infamous wig from Season 3. “It was a big thing because last season I had a wig, and it looked horrible,” Peyton openly admitted, a touch of humor in her voice. “It looked so bad, and so they said, okay, this season we dye it. It’s growing on me. I’m going back and forth, back and forth, hoping my hair doesn’t fall out of my head.” This minor physical transformation underscores the production’s efforts to enhance the realism of the show, allowing Peyton to more fully embody Tory. The change also subtly reflects the character’s journey, perhaps symbolizing a shift or evolution that fans will witness as Tory navigates the increasingly complex world of Cobra Kai and her own personal demons.

Just like millions around the globe, Peyton List’s life, including her fitness routine, underwent significant changes during the global quarantine. As an actress with a demanding schedule and a physically active role, maintaining peak physical condition is paramount. She discovered and now champions STRONG Nation workouts, praising their incredible flexibility and how seamlessly they integrate into her often unpredictable schedule. STRONG Nation is not just another workout; it’s a high-intensity, boot camp-style group exercise class designed to push participants to their limits. What sets it apart is its unique combination of bodyweight, muscle conditioning, cardio, and plyometric training moves, all meticulously synced to original music. The music isn’t just background noise; it’s reverse-engineered to perfectly match every single move, enhancing motivation and ensuring precise execution. This innovative approach makes for an immersive and highly effective workout experience, particularly appealing to those seeking an intense and engaging fitness regimen.

For Peyton, whose professional life often involves erratic hours and travel, the accessibility and adaptability of STRONG Nation have been game-changers. “I have such a weird schedule with filming and also just a weird sleep schedule, even when I’m not. They do 24/7 classes, and they have so many options,” she told HollywoodLife. The ability to access high-quality workouts at any time, from anywhere, is invaluable for someone balancing a successful acting career with personal well-being. Furthermore, the martial arts-inspired nature of STRONG Nation holds a special relevance for Peyton, given her role as a formidable karate practitioner in Cobra Kai. The workouts feature a significant amount of cardio and dynamic movements, mimicking the intensity and agility required for her on-screen fights.

“I feel like I’m dripping sweat and getting all of my energy out. And I need that in a class. I feel like I need something intense,” Peyton elaborated. This need for an intense, energy-releasing workout is a common desire for many, but particularly beneficial for actors who often need to maintain high energy levels and manage stress. The mental and physical benefits of such rigorous exercise extend beyond just physical fitness, contributing to overall well-being. Another significant advantage Peyton highlighted is the caliber of the instructors available through STRONG Nation’s online platform. “They have great teachers like Ai Lee Syarief, who is a professional martial artist in Switzerland. So I feel like that is the beauty of these online classes. We have access to these teachers that we never had access to before and a lot of these really cool professionals.” This global access to elite professionals, who might otherwise be geographically inaccessible, democratizes high-quality fitness instruction, making expert guidance available to everyone. For Peyton, it means she can learn from the best, enhancing both her personal fitness and potentially even adding to her understanding of martial arts for her role as Tory. As Cobra Kai Season 4 unfolds, fans will not only be captivated by Tory’s evolving story but also by the dedication Peyton List brings to her craft, both on and off the screen, powered by her commitment to health and fitness.