Jacob Bertrand Unpacks Hawk’s Game-Changing Cobra Kai Season 4: Mohawk, All-Valley Victory, and Season 5 Teasers
Season 4 of Netflix’s martial arts phenomenon, Cobra Kai, proved to be a pivotal and transformative period for Eli “Hawk” Moskowitz. The journey of this beloved character underwent a dramatic shift, culminating in moments that redefined his identity and challenged his perceived weaknesses. From the shocking removal of his signature mohawk to his climactic victory at the All-Valley Karate Tournament, Hawk’s arc was a profound exploration of self-discovery and resilience. He shed not only his defining hairstyle but also the insecurities that once fueled his aggressive persona, emerging stronger than ever.
In an exclusive interview with HollywoodLife, actor Jacob Bertrand, who masterfully brings Hawk to life, delved deep into these game-changing moments. Bertrand shared his personal reactions to the mohawk’s demise, the intense showdown with Robby Keene, the evolving dynamics of Hawk’s relationships, and tantalizing hints about what Cobra Kaiseason 5 has in store for the reigning champion. We also explored his endeavors outside the dojo, including his popular podcast and his meaningful ambassadorship with Smile Train. Join us as Bertrand unpacks the emotional weight of Hawk’s transformation and his vision for the character’s future.
The Mohawk Moment: A Symbol of Hawk’s Evolution in Season 4
Arguably one of the most talked-about and emotionally resonant scenes in Cobra Kaiseason 4 was the dramatic shaving of Hawk’s iconic mohawk in episode 5. This jaw-dropping event, orchestrated by Robby Keene amidst the brutal rivalry between Miyagi-Do and Cobra Kai, served as a profound turning point for Hawk. For many seasons, the mohawk had been more than just a hairstyle; it was a physical manifestation of Hawk’s aggressive, confident, and sometimes reckless persona. Its removal symbolized a stripping away of his external identity, forcing him to confront who he was beneath the bravado.
Jacob Bertrand shared his candid reaction to learning about this pivotal plot point. “You know, I’m not going to lie, I was a little sad,” he confessed. “When I first started the show, I was like, ‘Oh, I gotta get a mohawk and buzz my head? Oh my god, this sounds crazy.’ And then I got the mohawk, and I got so attached to it. I was like, ‘What? I got to get rid of it? What do you mean? You told me this is me! Why?!’” This heartfelt sentiment underscores the deep connection an actor can develop with their character’s defining features. However, Bertrand quickly grasped the immense narrative potential of the change. He elaborated, “But I think it provided a lot of growth for the character. I’ve never had to do that for a role before. I think that’s almost like a rite of passage of buzzing your head for a role and that transformation, so I think that was fun to do.” He recalled the reassurance from the creative team, saying, “The writers were definitely like, ‘Hey, man, I know that this is a little crazy making you buzz your head. It sounds really extreme but trust us, it’s for a good arc.’ And I was like, ‘Okay, I’m trusting you and believing you.’” This trust ultimately paved the way for Hawk’s inspiring resurgence and demonstrated his true inner strength.
Confirming that the mohawk was entirely his own hair, Bertrand noted its impressive length: “Oh, yeah. I think the longest my hair has ever been was actually at the end of season 3. It was about 9 inches in season 3.” The physical change was as real for the actor as it was for his character. Reflecting on filming his first scenes without the signature style, Bertrand admitted, “It definitely felt really weird. The biggest thing was when I was in the shower. I was so used to having the weight of so much hair, and it felt so weird to shower and move my head around. I’d always give myself whiplash because I’d be shaking my head too hard.” This humorous anecdote perfectly illustrates how deeply the mohawk had become ingrained in both his performance and daily life.
Looking ahead, Bertrand shared his thoughts on whether the iconic mohawk might ever make a return. “Honestly, I don’t think he will,” he stated. “I just don’t picture him doing that. The writers might have something different up their sleeve and a different approach to the role, but I don’t know. I just really don’t see him growing it back out. I just don’t know if that’s the most likely scenario.” This suggests that Hawk’s new, less flamboyant look is here to stay, symbolizing his journey beyond a superficial identity.
The All-Valley Triumph: Hawk’s Redemption Against Robby Keene
Despite the initial shock and emotional impact of losing his mohawk, Hawk’s journey in Cobra Kaiseason 4 culminated in a glorious victory at the All-Valley Karate Tournament. There, he faced his long-standing nemesis, Robby Keene, in a showdown that was much more than just a karate match. It was a deeply personal battle for redemption, self-acceptance, and inner confidence, fought entirely without the external emblem of his former aggression.
The act of Robby shaving Hawk’s head was a deliberate and deeply personal humiliation. When pressed on whether Hawk could ever forgive Robby for such an act, Bertrand’s immediate and emphatic response was delivered with a playful yet firm tone: “No, Robby sucks. No way. No way. Robby is a weenie…” He elaborated on the complexity of forgiveness, especially for Hawk, who himself has undergone significant moral evolution. “I think if anyone should believe in second chances it’s Hawk. I don’t think that guy has a lot of room to judge anyone for stuff like that. But that definitely is something that’s so personal. It would definitely take a long time and some very, very specific circumstances for that to happen. I honestly don’t know if it will but we’ll see. That’s all I guess we can speculate on.” This suggests that while Hawk has grown, some wounds cut deeper and require substantial effort to heal.
Hawk’s ultimate victory over Robby was a cathartic and emotionally charged moment for both the character and the audience. Bertrand himself acknowledged the profound emotional resonance of the win, particularly how it cemented Hawk’s newfound confidence. “Not even necessarily winning,” he explained, “I just think hearing from Moon in that specific way I think really changed him and gave him the confidence that he needed.” This highlights that while the physical triumph was crucial, the emotional support and belief from Moon truly solidified Hawk’s internal self-assurance, proving he didn’t need the mohawk to be formidable.
The intensity of the All-Valley final was undeniable, even leading to both characters removing their shirts mid-battle. Bertrand proudly clarified the authenticity of the stunt work involved: “In terms of the shirt-off stuff, that was all us. Yes, those are my real nipples. That was all us.” He elaborated on his dedication to performing his own stunts: “In terms of the stunts, I think in season 4 there’s only one little take of the show where my stunt double is shown. This is something I’m really proud of. The only time my stunt double came in was for this one little thing. Everything else I got to do. Basically, he jumps up into this flying triangle and Don wouldn’t let Thomas catch me and throw me on the ground, but pretty much everything else I got to do.” This commitment to physical realism adds another layer of impact to Hawk’s formidable and authentic presence on the mat.
When asked about the possibility of a rematch between Hawk and Robby, Bertrand was unequivocal. “Oh, yeah. I mean, I would be down for a rematch,” he stated. However, he quickly added with a touch of humor, “I don’t know if Robby would be. He got owned. I don’t know how you come back from that. It’s just kind of embarrassing.” This playful jab underscores the decisive nature of Hawk’s victory and his clear confidence moving forward as the champion.
Evolving Relationships: Moon, Kenny, and Miguel in Cobra Kai Season 4
Beyond the dojo rivalries and tournament triumphs, Cobra Kaiseason 4 also explored Hawk’s deepening and increasingly complex relationships with the people around him, reflecting his ongoing journey of maturity.
Moon and the Future of Their Romance
The touching moment between Hawk and Moon right before his big fight was a fan-favorite, showcasing their stable and supportive relationship. When asked about where he’d like to see them go in season 5, Bertrand offered a pragmatic, yet humorous, perspective. “I think they have a good relationship. I think because they have a good relationship I don’t know if that’s probably the most interesting thing to watch. It’s not that interesting to watch a healthy relationship as it is. It’s more interesting to watch Sam kiss three other dudes and a lot of love triangles.” He playfully points out the typical dramatic tropes often favored in teen shows. However, he concluded with a desire for deeper character exploration: “I guess I would like them to just continually have a good relationship, and I think it’d be cool to see her get some backstory and learn about what makes Moon tick. I think that’d be kind of fun.” This suggests a desire to flesh out Moon’s character, even within the context of a stable romance.
Hawk’s Nuanced Interaction with Kenny
The introduction of Kenny, a new student who progressively gravitates towards the “dark side” of Cobra Kai, also brought Hawk’s past aggressive behavior into sharp focus. Interestingly, Bertrand offers a nuanced perspective on Hawk’s interactions with Kenny, challenging the notion that Hawk was merely bullying him. “You know, when talking about season 4, I actually don’t view Hawk as ever bullied Kenny, which I know is probably an unpopular opinion,” Bertrand stated. “But I mean, from his perspective, when he first sees him in the bathroom he pins him up against the wall. He just walks in and sees Kenny about to beat up two kids, so he steps in and intervenes.” Bertrand clarified Hawk’s motivations, portraying them as more corrective than malicious: “Seeing him having a Cobra Kai T-shirt, he sort of assumes a lot and I think decently for the most part gets it right. He’s just a very aggressive kid who’s in Cobra Kai and is being led astray.”
He continued, “I think Hawk’s very harsh in the way he delivers the message of you got to be careful dealing with those Cobra Kai guys. Get out of there while you can, but that’s actually something I talked about with the writers. I didn’t want Hawk to feel super abusive and aggro towards Kenny just because I feel like Hawk has grown past that. Now he’s on the good side. He’s not going to be actively seeking out people to bully.” Bertrand characterized Hawk’s approach as “tough love,” acknowledging the difficulty of portraying this nuanced dynamic within a show centered on physical confrontation. “I think that is especially a hard thing to do in a karate show when we’re constantly punching each other. But other than that, I would say he’s just a little mean to Kenny.” This perspective adds significant depth to Hawk’s character, illustrating his growth from a bullied outcast to someone who, despite a rough exterior, is genuinely trying to prevent others from making the same destructive mistakes he once did.
Miguel’s Search for His Father
Miguel’s sudden departure in the All-Valley finale, embarking on a journey to find his biological father, left fans with a major cliffhanger. Bertrand confirmed his co-star’s return and teased Miguel’s compelling storyline: “He’s definitely in the season, and he actually has a great little arc going off looking for his dad. I can’t wait for people to see it.” He also expressed his own desire to be part of the adventure, adding, “I was very adamant about going on the trip to help look for his dad, but you know, we’ll see if I end up making it to Mexico with him.” This hint leaves fans eagerly anticipating how Miguel’s storyline will unfold and whether Hawk might join him on this personal quest.
What’s Next for Hawk in Cobra Kai Season 5?
With Hawk now cemented as the reigning All-Valley champion, significant changes and new challenges undoubtedly await him in Cobra Kaiseason 5. Jacob Bertrand offered tantalizing hints about his character’s future. When asked if his character will be referred to as “Hawk” or “Eli” in the upcoming season, he playfully dodged the direct question, saying, “I can’t tell you that.” However, he reassured fans that the essence of the character will remain. “No, I definitely don’t think you get rid of Hawk for good. I think that’s something that will stay around forever. At least the energy will stay around forever. But who knows? I honestly don’t know what the plan is.” This suggests that while his identity might continue to evolve, the core “Hawk” spirit—the confidence and strength—will endure.
Regarding specific teases for the fifth season, Bertrand shared, “He’s a champ now and a lot comes with that. Being the champ—the All-Valley champ in The Karate Kiduniverse at least—is like winning the Super Bowl, so I think a lot of eyes are on him. He’s got a lot to live up to. I think with that comes a lot of confidence. I think Hawk is walking around with a lot of confidence now. Do with that information what you will. Next season will be really fun.” This sets the stage for a more confident, perhaps more mature Hawk, who will now grapple with the responsibilities and heightened expectations that come with being the top martial artist in the Valley. His newfound status promises exciting new challenges and further character development.
Beyond Cobra Kai: Podcast and Philanthropy with Jacob Bertrand
Jacob Bertrand’s talents and commitments extend beyond his captivating portrayal of Hawk, as he is also involved in a successful podcast and meaningful philanthropic work, demonstrating his diverse interests and dedication to making a positive impact.
Lone Lobos: The Podcast with Xolo Maridueña
Bertrand co-hosts an “awesome podcast” titled Lone Lobos with his Cobra Kai co-star Xolo Maridueña, which they launched earlier in the year. He spoke about the ease of balancing this endeavor with their demanding filming schedule: “It’s been actually pretty smooth sailing so far. We haven’t had any crazy scheduling conflicts in terms of when we’re filming the show.” The convenience of their living arrangements during filming plays a significant role in making it manageable: “Xolo and I live together when we’re filming in Atlanta, so that makes it really, really easy because we’re just sitting on opposite sides of the couch from each other when we’re doing the podcast.” Bertrand expressed genuine enjoyment for the project, adding, “It’s been great so far. I’ve been having so much fun doing it. I didn’t listen to a ton of podcasts before we started, and now that we’re fully into it, I’ve been listening to a ton.” This venture showcases their off-screen friendship and shared passion for storytelling.
Ambassador for Smile Train: Advocating for Cleft Community
Beyond his acting, Bertrand has forged an impactful partnership with Smile Train, becoming their new celebrity ambassador. This collaboration holds deep personal significance due to Hawk’s character having a cleft lip, a detail that, while often subtle, is crucial to the character’s origins and emotional journey. Bertrand openly shared his initial lack of knowledge: “When I first got the part, I didn’t know a lot about you know cleft-affected. I didn’t know anyone who was cleft-affected.” His subsequent research and dedicated work with Smile Train profoundly impacted his understanding: “In doing research about it and asking questions about it, getting to work with Smile Train and meeting a lot of people who are cleft-affected, and hearing their stories and all the things they went through, it really helped me with the headspace of the character, especially in the first couple seasons when he’s getting bullied.”
Bertrand emphasized the critical importance of representation that Hawk brings to the screen. “I can’t really truly understand the emotional and physical turmoil of being cleft-affected, but I love that the show has a character like Hawk who does have a cleft lip because I honestly can’t think of a lot of other shows or even a big show on Netflix that has a character that is representing the cleft community.” He thoughtfully acknowledged Hawk’s complex journey, noting, “When Hawk was being a little mean, he’s a bad representation, but now he’s on the good side. He’s on the right track.”
His praise for Smile Train is heartfelt and detailed: “Smile Train is great. I love being able to help them and partner with them. They do a lot of work to destigmatize how the community is viewed, and they do so much work in so many other countries. They’re just a great force, and they go out to all these other countries and they teach other doctors how to give them the tools and how to do all these surgeries. They really do full comprehensive care post-op and pre-op.” He concluded with gratitude and commitment, “They’re just a really awesome community that I get to be a part of, and it’s awesome that I get to get to use my platform to amplify everything that they’re doing.” This impactful partnership showcases Bertrand’s commitment to utilizing his platform for positive social change, aligning perfectly with Hawk’s inspiring journey of growth and redemption both on and off the mat.
Conclusion
Jacob Bertrand’s portrayal of Hawk in Cobra Kaiseason 4 was a masterclass in character evolution, showcasing a journey from external bravado to inner strength. From the emotional weight of shaving his iconic mohawk to his hard-earned All-Valley victory against Robby Keene, Hawk’s path was one of profound change and self-discovery. Bertrand’s insights reveal a thoughtful and dedicated actor, deeply invested in his character’s arc, from the nuances of his evolving relationships to the physical demands of the role. As fans eagerly anticipate Cobra Kaiseason 5, the promise of a more confident, champion Hawk, coupled with Bertrand’s engaging off-screen projects like his podcast and his vital advocacy work with Smile Train, solidify his status as a pivotal figure in the Cobra Kai universe and beyond. Hawk’s transformation serves as a powerful reminder that true strength often comes from within, not from external appearances, and that personal growth can lead to unexpected and inspiring triumphs.