Joining the Cast of Cobra Kai
Brandon H. Lee expresses his excitement about joining the cast of Cobra Kai, describing it as a dream come true. As a lifetime martial artist and a fan of the show since season one, he is thrilled to be part of the final season, especially since this is his first significant acting role.
From Martial Arts to Acting
Brandon shares his journey from growing up in a Taekwondo school owned by his father to pursuing a career in acting. Influenced by martial arts legends like Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee, he decided to give acting a shot, especially after realizing that traditional schooling wasn't for him.
The Audition Process
Brandon recounts his initial failed audition for Cobra Kai and his eventual success in landing the role of Kwon. After submitting a self-tape in April 2023, he was called back for a Zoom audition with the show's creators. Due to the strike, he had to wait eight months to find out if he got the part, which he finally did just a week before filming began.
Character Development and Influence
Discussing his character, Kwon, Brandon highlights the character's relentless and unapologetic nature. He explains how Kwon embodies the true spirit of a Cobra, with an intense focus and aggression that sets him apart from other characters. Brandon also shares his admiration for Yuji Okumoto’s portrayal of Chozen, which influenced his own performance.
Training and Preparation
Brandon talks about the physical and mental preparation required for his role, including his background in Taekwondo and learning choreography on set. He emphasizes the spontaneity and adaptability needed for TV productions, which differ from the extensive prep time typical in movies.
Kwon's Journey and Relationships
Without giving away spoilers, Brandon teases Kwon’s interactions with other characters, particularly John Kreese and Kim Da-Eun. He hints at Kwon’s complex relationships and the character’s significant role in the unfolding events of the season.
Future of Kwon
Brandon discusses the possibility of Kwon’s future in the Cobra Kai universe. While he leaves it to the fans to speculate, he suggests that Kwon might have a place in potential spin-offs or future storylines, reflecting on the character’s unique attributes and strong Cobra identity.
Reflecting on the Experience
Brandon expresses his gratitude for being part of the iconic Cobra Kai series. He acknowledges the show's legendary status in pop culture and is honored to contribute to its legacy. He also shares a memorable moment when Jon Hurwitz welcomed him to the Cobra Kai family, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Final Thoughts and Future Projects
Brandon mentions his upcoming projects, including comedy sketches on his YouTube channel. He hopes fans enjoy the first part of season six and looks forward to discussing the show further when part two is released. He concludes by expressing his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to be part of Cobra Kai.