Cobra Kai Season 4: Creators Unveil Johnny & Daniel’s Epic Alliance, Intense Rivalries, and the Future of the Miyagiverse

Following the explosive debut of Cobra Kai’s highly anticipated third season on Netflix in early 2021, fans immediately clamored for insights into season 4. While the show had already secured a renewal before season 3 even premiered, the dramatic conclusion of the latest installment significantly amplified excitement and speculation for what’s next. HollywoodLife had the exclusive opportunity to delve into the biggest moments of season 3 and explore the upcoming narratives of season 4 with the brilliant minds behind Cobra Kai: creators Jon Hurwitz, Josh Heald, and Hayden Schlossberg.

The third season’s finale delivered a moment fans had yearned for: the seemingly impossible alliance between lifelong rivals Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso. This unprecedented team-up sets the stage for a new chapter, which Heald hints will be quite a “journey” for the duo in season 4. Beyond this seismic shift, the creators also offered their perspectives on the escalating Sam and Tory rivalry, Miguel’s inspiring yet challenging recovery, and their grand, long-term vision for the beloved series.

The climactic end of season 3 finally saw Johnny and Daniel join forces. Was this pivotal moment always part of your overarching plan for the series?
Jon Hurwitz: Absolutely, this alliance was a foundational element of our vision from the very beginning. When we originally pitched Cobra Kai, we knew we would reignite the iconic rivalry between Johnny and Daniel in season 1. Our discussions for season 2 centered on a “dojo versus dojo” theme, deepening the conflict between these two central figures. However, both we as creators and our audience grew to love seeing these characters interact. Throughout the first couple of seasons, there were glimpses – moments where they almost put aside their differences, almost forged a friendship, almost teamed up in various ways, only to be thwarted by their own stubbornness and ingrained rivalry. As we entered the writers’ room for season 3, especially after the bleak and tumultuous ending of season 2, where the world around our characters felt like it was crumbling, we consciously decided to conclude season 3 with the ultimate pay-off: Johnny and Daniel finally uniting, poised for action. It felt like the perfect resolution to a season fraught with despair, offering a beacon of hope and a new dynamic for the future.

With Johnny and Daniel now collaborating, the dynamic between them is fundamentally altered. What can fans anticipate regarding their shared journey in season 4?
Josh Heald: Their relationship has been a slow burn, marked by numerous attempts to reconcile that inevitably failed. Early in the series, their efforts were like touching a hot stove – they’d recoil instantly. Over time, they’ve become more accustomed to the heat, able to remain in proximity a little longer before chaos inevitably ensued. Those incremental moments were crucial in preparing them for this new arrangement, allowing them to understand each other’s triggers and approach this partnership with a more informed mindset. Our hope is that, given these unique circumstances, they can genuinely set aside their profound differences and maintain a united front for more than just a fleeting moment. We’ve witnessed their collaborations unravel dramatically and swiftly in the past. This time, however, feels different; it feels like the definitive moment where these two rivals were destined to bury the hatchet for good. Despite this, they remain Johnny and Daniel at their core. Each possesses a distinct and deeply ingrained philosophy and worldview that will undoubtedly challenge the other. Audiences are truly in for an exciting journey in season 4 as we explore the central question: can they truly make this work?

Shifting to another fierce rivalry, we must discuss Sam and Tory. Season 3 culminated in their intense confrontation, with Tory explicitly stating their feud isn’t over. Are you, in a sense, mirroring the Johnny and Daniel dynamic with Sam and Tory?
Hayden Schlossberg: To some extent, yes, we are drawing parallels, but we’re also committed to giving it a fresh, contemporary spin. We acknowledge that the experience for a character like Sam in modern times is distinctly different from Daniel’s in the 80s. We’re keen to explore the lingering psychological impact, the post-traumatic stress, that can arise from a major, dramatic incident, especially when it fundamentally alters how peers perceive you in high school. We aimed for this rivalry to possess its own unique characteristics, yet it undeniably echoes the iconic 1980s conflicts. On one side, you have Sam, a staunch proponent of Mr. Miyagi’s philosophy, deeply rooted in that specific style of karate. Conversely, Tory appears to have always carried a chip on her shoulder, finding solace and a sense of belonging in Cobra Kai – arguably the worst possible environment for someone with her temperament. While Cobra Kai’s aggressive philosophy might inadvertently validate her anger, for Tory, it provides a deeply cathartic and empowering feeling. This volatile dynamic ultimately fueled the awesome battle royale that marked the end of the season, a moment we absolutely loved creating.

It seems Cobra Kai offers Tory a sense of control that she largely lacks in other aspects of her life.
Hayden Schlossberg: Precisely. That’s a crucial aspect, and we’re continually peeling back the layers of that complex character. From our perspective, both Miyagi-Do and Cobra Kai offer distinct forms of “therapy” for teenagers grappling with adversity. Miyagi-Do emphasizes inner peace, balance, and focused discipline, providing a pathway to calm internal turmoil. Cobra Kai, in stark contrast, teaches you to channel all your pain and anger outward, to assert dominance. For someone experiencing the struggles Tory faces, Cobra Kai initially feels like the perfect outlet because it allows her to momentarily forget her own problems. However, this outward projection of anger and aggression inevitably transforms her into a problem for others, perpetuating a cycle of drama and conflict.

Having discussed this with Peyton and Mary, is there any genuine hope for Sam and Tory to ever move past their enmity and perhaps even find common ground?
Jon Hurwitz: You know, if Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso, after decades of bitter rivalry, can ultimately find a way to come together, then theoretically, it’s certainly within the realm of possibility for Sam and Tory. Of course, the success and longevity of Johnny and Daniel’s alliance remain to be seen in itself. There’s an undeniable, intense dynamic between these two young women, and we are thoroughly enjoying exploring where that relationship can go. They are currently the most bitter enemies and rivals imaginable. While many viewers naturally hope to see progress and growth within such an intense relationship, their journey is far from over, and its ultimate destination is something we are eager to unfold.

Johnny finds himself in an incredibly difficult position, especially concerning Robby’s allegiance. How will Johnny reconcile with Robby siding with Kreese, particularly now that Johnny and Daniel are united against Kreese?
Josh Heald: The generational and familial relationships within our show, while at times feeling heightened and dramatic, are always grounded in the realistic complexities of human connection. Sometimes, for various profound reasons, children simply want nothing to do with their parents. Johnny and Robby represent an extreme manifestation of this dynamic. Robby grew up burdened by the pain of feeling neglected by his father, harboring a deep-seated resentment. Johnny, in turn, carries immense regret. He experienced arrested development and genuinely felt incapable of being a good father, leading him to believe his absence would be less damaging than his presence – a choice he has obviously come to deeply regret. We’ve witnessed their relationship develop through agonizingly slow, tentative steps, much like the volatile connection between Daniel and Johnny. There have been moments where reconciliation seemed possible, even likely. In times of crisis, Robby has instinctively turned to his father for help, revealing that fundamental human need for an adult figure. For Robby, however, that adult figure has fluctuated dramatically throughout the series. He found a surrogate father in Daniel, only to feel betrayed and lose that bond. He briefly rekindled a relationship with Johnny, only to feel abandoned once more. Now, he’s found himself indoctrinated by Kreese, the “Emperor on the dark side,” who appeals to his anger and vulnerability. During adolescence, it’s far easier to be influenced and swayed by strong mindsets or positions of perceived power that resonate with immediate interests and emotional turmoil. Robby is currently navigating a profound period of anger and confusion. The Cobra Kai mentality, with its aggressive tenets, actively fuels this anger, encouraging him to embrace and act upon it. This stands in stark contrast to the more Miyagi-Do approach, which would advocate for working through anger to achieve inner peace and move past it. The relationship between father and son, and even between Daniel and Robby, has never been more strained or hotter. Both Johnny and Daniel genuinely care for this young man, and he is undeniably at the epicenter of this brewing war. His journey will certainly be a central element we continue to explore moving forward.

Will we ever delve deeper into the backstory of Amanda LaRusso?
Hayden Schlossberg: We definitely possess a deep understanding of Amanda’s backstory within the writers’ room. Sometimes, to fully grasp a character’s motivations and origins, we meticulously craft detailed backstories, even if those scenes don’t directly make it into the final cut. Whether it’s due to lack of screen time or strategically waiting for the perfect moment, we’ve extensively thought about her past. Our show, while dealing with epic stakes, operates within a half-hour format, making it almost like a “Game of Thrones” compressed into this unique structure, juggling numerous characters and complex storylines. Every season, our ambition is for each character to have not just a fleeting moment, but a complete and compelling storyline that unfolds over ten episodes. While you might not see her backstory addressed in every single episode, we carefully select and integrate those crucial moments throughout the season. We are absolutely committed to doing that in season 4. As fans ourselves, we often wonder: How did Daniel and Amanda first meet? How will she react to her home being completely torn apart by the ongoing dojo war? These are all questions we’ve considered deeply, and viewers will certainly see us explore these aspects in season 4. We assure you, we think about all of these elements, and we have some specific, exciting ideas about her backstory that we believe fans will truly appreciate if and when they are revealed.

On the topic of transformations, we must discuss Hawk. Will his signature mohawk continue to grow larger with each passing season?
Jon Hurwitz: (Laughs) Our playful plan is for Hawk to eventually become more mohawk than human. I envision a future where his mohawk might even have its own dojo! Jokes aside, the journey of Eli Moskowitz to Hawk, and his subsequent evolution, stands as one of our absolute favorite character arcs we’ve developed on Cobra Kai. Reflecting on his character from his initial introduction in season 1 to where he stands after three years is genuinely rewarding. When we were casting the role, finding an actor who could authentically embody both the vulnerable Eli and the aggressive Hawk was incredibly challenging. Many actors struggled to nail either persona. However, when Jacob Bertrand auditioned, I vividly remember seeing Eli and immediately feeling such empathy for this kid; he was just so brilliant. Then, due to a mix-up, he had prepared the wrong scenes for Hawk’s later, more aggressive moments. We quickly provided him with the correct pages, and he said, “Okay, I’ll be back.” He left for literally five minutes, returned completely off-book, and transformed into Hawk – exactly the formidable character you see on screen today. Few actors possess Jacob’s range and ability. We loved where his story concluded in season 3, with his heroic turn in the climactic fight. However, entering season 4, there’s still a significant amount of unresolved history surrounding him. Johnny doesn’t instantly love him, nor does Daniel. Many of the other kids still harbor issues with him, despite his pivotal role in helping to save the day and his burgeoning reconnection with Demetri. Hawk definitely has a fascinating and complex journey ahead in season 4.

Miguel embarked on an incredible journey, making a remarkable physical recovery from his devastating fall. In season 4, can we expect to continue exploring the emotional and psychological aftershocks of his injury and that life-altering fight?
Josh Heald: Our show is deeply serialized, meaning we never truly reboot or initiate an entirely new story in a successive season without directly building upon where we previously left off. We’ve maintained this approach with every season, consistently advancing the stakes and plot points. It’s akin to defeating one monster only to discover another lurking just over the horizon, and this principle applies to every single character. For Miguel, season 3 was largely about his incredible physical transformation, his determination to overcome severe injuries, and his powerful return to the martial arts he loves. However, everything in his life is now fundamentally altered. His relationships are different, and while he demonstrably emerged physically “unscathed” from the climactic fight, the lingering emotional and psychological scars are very real. We meticulously lay narrative breadcrumbs throughout the series, and it’s essential to circle back to some of them or acknowledge their continued presence to tell the unfolding story. Going through something as traumatic as Miguel’s injury isn’t something one simply puts in the past and never thinks about again. I experienced a back injury myself last year, which was quite ironic. I remember texting Xolo [Maridueña] from the hospital shortly after we wrapped the season, highlighting the strange parallel. Even though I’m better, it’s an experience that resurfaces time and again. You inevitably deal with your past choices and actions as you move forward, and we will absolutely delve into that aspect with Miguel as his story progresses.

Some showrunners have a clear vision for the ending of their series from the very beginning. Do you have a definitive end in mind for Cobra Kai?
Hayden Schlossberg: We definitely have a strong sense of where we envision the show ultimately concluding, including some specific key elements of that ending. This overarching vision has been in our minds since the very initial stages of developing the series, and we’ve been discussing it for years. What remains more fluid is the precise path to reach that conclusion, and naturally, how many seasons it will ultimately take. People frequently ask us about a long-term plan, but we don’t operate with, say, a rigid six-season blueprint. We began by knowing exactly what our first season would entail, then strategically set up the second. From there, we’ve always had a wealth of ideas for where the show could evolve, exploring different storylines and charting the eventual trajectories of our main characters towards that planned finale. In our minds, as each season wraps, our focus sharpens on how we’re going to achieve that ultimate goal. We are hardcore, lifelong fans of The Karate Kid franchise. We’re not interested in simply creating a story for the sake of it; it absolutely has to be great. It has to be something that we find genuinely fun and creatively fulfilling. We feel we still have several more seasons of exciting, engaging story to tell to bring us to the specific place we’ve been planning since the outset. Our hope is that along this journey, we’ve not only deepened the existing Karate Kid universe but also significantly reinvigorated the fanbase. So much so that even after Cobra Kai concludes in a few years, there will be an appetite – from fans and perhaps even from us – to explore other facets of this rich universe in new shows or movies. We deeply cherish this franchise, believing that the core themes of The Karate Kid are evergreen and will remain relevant five or even ten years from now. However, Cobra Kai tells a very particular story centered on Johnny and Daniel and their complex rivalry. While we could theoretically have them unite and separate repeatedly, doing different things with that dynamic, we are adamant about avoiding predictability or becoming tiresome. We want every season to feel fresh, exciting, and impactful. We are incredibly enthusiastic about season 4, having meticulously planned its entirety, and we already have a strong grasp of where season 5 will lead. We have a clear idea of the ultimate destination for this saga, and our greatest hope is to be able to play out that vision, having immense fun within this cherished franchise until we reach that definitive end.