Actor Jesse Kove (Cobra Kai) has been keeping busy, and his latest project is the action-packed thriller President Down, now streaming on Tubi. In an exclusive conversation with Pop Culture Unplugged, Jesse opened up about stepping into the role of Agent Jacob Pike, working with director Nick Lyon, and why the movie feels like a throwback to the classic action films audiences have been missing.
A Throwback to ’90s Action Movies
Jesse shared that one of the most common things he’s heard from fans is how much they miss the energy and entertainment of mid-’90s action thrillers. For him, President Down captures that spirit perfectly:
“A lot of people have been telling me how much they miss those kind of movies… You sit down, you root for the good guys, and you just want them to win.”
Doing His Own Stunts
One of the most impressive parts of Jesse’s performance is that he tackled nearly all the stunts himself — from gunplay to fight sequences to hanging off the side of an airplane.
“I don’t think I had a stuntman for anything, actually. Which was great.”
The high-octane atmosphere on set made the experience exhilarating for him as both an actor and action fan.
Chosen for the Role
Jesse was handpicked for the role of Agent Jacob Pike by director Nick Lyon, with whom he had previously worked on a World War II film.
“Nick called me out of the blue and said I was his first choice. He knew what this movie was going to require and believed I could bring it to the table.”
That trust made the project even more personal for Jesse.
Building Agent Jacob Pike
To bring authenticity to his Secret Service character, Jesse researched interviews and real-life accounts, even talking to friends in military and tactical fields. He wanted Pike to feel approachable yet fearless when it came time to protect the president.
If he had to sum up Jacob Pike in three words? Jesse chose:
“No holds barred.”
The Unique Storyline
The film’s central hook — terrorists hacking into the U.S. President’s pacemaker — stood out to Jesse as fresh and exciting. He even consulted a heart surgeon friend who praised the idea as both inventive and chillingly plausible.
Chemistry On Set
Jesse had nothing but praise for his co-stars, including David Chokachi, Paul Logan, and Gail O’Grady, highlighting the instant connections and shared passion for action storytelling.
What’s Next for Jesse Kove
Beyond President Down, Jesse has a packed slate of projects:
A Western with Kevin Sorbo (Gunfighters Deal), due in October.
An action movie on human trafficking, currently titled Coastal Extraction.
A new film with Kelsey Grammer and Jon Voight, set for release early next year.
He also hinted at possible continuations of the President Down story, whether through sequels or prequels exploring Agent Pike’s backstory.
Final Thoughts
Jesse Kove’s dedication to doing his own stunts, his enthusiasm for throwback-style action films, and his growing list of upcoming projects prove that he’s carving out a powerful place in the action genre. With President Down now streaming free on Tubi, fans have the chance to see him in one of his most thrilling roles yet.
👉 President Down is available now on Tubi. Don’t miss Jesse Kove as Agent Jacob Pike in this high-stakes political thriller.