Oona O’Brien, who plays the fiercely driven Devon on Cobra Kai, joined Pop Culture Unplugged to discuss Season 6, Part 2 of the hit series. From Devon’s transformative journey to the intense training and emotional scenes, Oona shared her experiences and what fans can expect from the final chapter of the series.
Balancing School and Stardom
Despite the whirlwind of Cobra Kai's success, Oona keeps her feet on the ground.
“I’ve been pretty heads-down in the books,” she revealed. “But my favorite part of a new season dropping is posting behind-the-scenes moments. It’s always fun to look back at the amazing memories we created.”
Devon’s Evolution in Season 6
Devon’s character arc has been nothing short of transformative.
“Devon has gone through so much this season,” Oona said. “In Part 1, she made a morally questionable choice by spiking Kenny’s drink. It was a big moment of conflict for her. But in Part 2, she takes accountability for her actions, which was a huge step for her character.”
When Oona first read the script, she was shocked.
“I couldn’t believe it. I thought, ‘No way, Devon wouldn’t do this!’ But she’s so competitive, and she wanted to win so badly. It was an interesting challenge to portray that moral dilemma.”
A Journey of Growth
Devon’s journey has been about more than just karate—it’s been about self-discovery and redemption.
“She started as someone with a lot of ambition and drive but didn’t know where to channel it,” Oona explained. “Through her karate journey, she’s grown not just in her skills but also as a person, learning to take accountability and support her teammates.”
Her relationship with Johnny Lawrence (played by William Zabka) was a key part of that growth.
“The scene where she owns up to spiking Kenny’s drink was pivotal. It was my first time having to cry on camera, and Mr. Zabka was so supportive. He told me, ‘You’ve got this,’ and that trust translated into the scene.”
Tackling the Sekai Taikai
Season 6, Part 2 sees Devon and her dojo compete in the high-stakes Sekai Taikai tournament.
“All these characters who’ve been on top now face real challenges,” Oona shared. “It was fun to play out Devon’s frustrations and struggles, especially since my own karate skills were still catching up with the cast.”
The intense action sequences were a highlight for Oona.
“The brawl scene in Part 2 was chaotic and so much fun to film. We rehearsed our pieces separately, and seeing it all come together on set was incredible. It was two full days of filming for just that scene!”
Reflecting on the Cobra Kai Experience
Looking back on her time in the Cobra Kai universe, Oona expressed gratitude for being part of such a beloved franchise.
“Devon is a strong, fierce, and unapologetic character, which I think is so important for young girls to see, especially Asian-American girls. She breaks stereotypes and shows that strength and vulnerability can coexist.”
When asked about her favorite moments, Oona highlighted the camaraderie on set:
“The sleepover scene with Johnny and the other kids in Part 1 was a blast to film. Mr. Zabka kept improvising hilarious lines, and it was a challenge not to break character.”
What’s Next for Devon?
Without giving too much away, Oona teased an exciting conclusion in Part 3.
“It’s a satisfying ending for all the characters, and as a fan of the show myself, I can’t wait for everyone to see it. There’s more fighting and some powerful moments that wrap up the series beautifully.”
A Potential Spin-Off?
With talk of spin-offs and prequels swirling, Oona is ready to continue her journey in the Cobra Kai universe.
“I would absolutely love to be part of a spin-off. This cast and crew have become a family, and I’d jump at the chance to work with them again.”
A Message to Fans
As Cobra Kai comes to an end, Oona expressed her gratitude to the fans.
“You’ve made this show what it is, and we couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you for being so badass and bringing your energy to the Cobra Kai universe. We love you!”
Catch Oona O’Brien as Devon in Cobra Kai Season 6, Part 2, now streaming. And mark your calendars for the epic conclusion in Part 3, coming this February!