Creating an antagonist dynamic between two characters whose actors get along behind the scenes is a delicate balance. ForCobra KaiactorsMary MouserandPeyton List, this was of the utmost importance. When it came to playing Samantha LaRusso (Mouser) and Tory Nichols (List) in the hit Netflix series that concluded earlier this year, one half of the duo went to interesting lengths. When talking with Collider’sAidan Kelleyat Newport Beach TV Fest, Mouser says that in order to convincingly present the rivalry between Sam and Tory, Mouser had to create a version of List in her head that was “terrifying.” Across the six seasons of the Netflix drama, a follow-up to theKarate Kidmovies, Tory and Sam’s rivalry was one of the bigger focal points with the drama between the teenage characters. It not only was verbal but oftentimes became physical since both teenagers practiced karate. She says of working with List in that way:
“Peyton [List] is such a kind person, and such a wonderfully warm person thatcreating this version of her in my mind that was terrifying, was complicated at firstbut was a really fun journey finally of getting to have the relief to just sit in a room with each other and talk, and not want to kill each other…Every part of that journey was very meaningful to me.With aspects of things I experienced in my personal life and so getting to bring them to screen and get to tell that story with somebody who cared as much as Peyton did about Tory and I cared about Samantha and being able to tell those stories even when they butted heads were both incredibly important to me.”
What Is ‘Cobra Kai’?
Cobra Kaiis a sequel series that serves as a follow-up to theKarate Kidmovies that began withThe Karate Kidin 1984. The original film stars Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso, who learns karate after running into a group of bullies, led by Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) from the dojo known as Cobra Kai. Fast-forward to 2018, Cobra Kai focuses on Johnny rebuilding his life, deciding to reopen Cobra Kai, and taking in a rag-tag group of students. Daniel isn’t far behind, operating Miyagi-do after the passing of Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita), and old rivalries, like old habits, die hard. The series concluded earlier this year, but the franchise continues withKarate Kid: Legends, where Macchio reprises his role as Daniel LaRusso. He’s joined byJackie Chan, who reprises his own role from 2010’sThe Karate Kidand he, along with Daniel, take a new student, Li Fong (Ben Wang), under their wings.
All six seasons ofCobra Kaiare available to stream now on Netflix. Stay with Collider for the latest updates.
