As the highly anticipated Cobra Kai Season 6 Part 2 approaches, Patrick Luwis, who portrays the physically imposing and emotionally complex Axel Kovacevic, joins Pop Culture and Point to discuss his debut in the Cobra Kai universe. From stepping into a beloved franchise to navigating intense fight scenes and emotional moments, Patrick opens up about his experience bringing a new layer to the show.
Joining the Cobra Kai Legacy
Patrick describes stepping into the Cobra Kai universe as an honor. “As an actor, you want people to see your work and affect them in some way. To step into something with such a massive fanbase and legacy—it’s just really exciting,” he shared. To prepare, Patrick immersed himself in the world of Cobra Kai and revisited The Karate Kid films, though he admits the added pressure of joining such a beloved franchise. “Sometimes, being a fan yourself adds pressure to live up to expectations. But ultimately, it made the experience even more rewarding.”
Axel Kovacevic: A Unique Force in Cobra Kai
Axel, described as “Dolph Lundgren-esque,” brings a fresh dynamic to the series. “Axel’s backstory—being trained from birth to be a karate champion—feeds into his stoic, physically imposing presence,” Patrick explained. However, he hinted at a deeper side to Axel. “While he starts as this intimidating figure, fans will see glimpses of vulnerability and humanity as the season progresses, especially in his interactions with Sensei Wolf and Samantha.”
Intense Martial Arts Training
Despite having no prior martial arts experience, Patrick embraced the challenge of portraying a world-class fighter. “I had no martial arts background, so I started with kickboxing classes and learning basic karate moves online,” he revealed. Once on set, he underwent rigorous choreography training to ensure he could keep up with the experienced cast. “It’s a challenge to match the energy of actors who’ve been doing this for years, but I’m proud of how it turned out.”
The All-Out Brawl in Episode 10
One of the standout moments of Season 6 Part 2 is the chaotic and action-packed brawl in Episode 10. “We filmed the entire sequence in about two days. It was high-pressure with so many moving parts, but the end result is incredible,” Patrick shared. “Fans are going to lose their minds—it’s one of the craziest fight sequences in the series.”
Kwon’s Death and Its Emotional Impact
Patrick also reflected on one of the most shocking moments of the season: Kwon’s death. “Kwon’s death adds an emotional weight that hasn’t been seen in the show before. It’s devastating, and it hits everyone hard,” he said. Patrick praised Brandon H. Lee’s portrayal of Kwon and acknowledged the emotional depth the character brought to the season. “Brandon is such a talented actor, and fans are going to feel the loss deeply.”
Axel’s Layers and Future Potential
Though Axel begins as an antagonist, Patrick teases the complexities of his character. “Axel’s narrow focus on karate and his interactions with Sensei Wolf reveal the immense pressure he’s under. Fans will get to see him question everything he’s been taught.” When asked about a potential spinoff focusing on the Iron Dragons, Patrick expressed his excitement. “I’d love to explore Axel’s story more—there’s so much potential for these characters in the Cobra Kai world.”
A Message to Fans
Patrick closed the interview with gratitude for the Cobra Kai fanbase. “Thank you for supporting the show and embracing these characters. The fans are what make Cobra Kai so special, and it’s an honor to be part of something so beloved.”
Interview Highlights:
Patrick Luwis shares his experience joining the Cobra Kai franchise and preparing for his role as Axel Kovacevic.
Discusses the physically and emotionally intense challenges of playing a fighter with no prior martial arts experience.
Reflects on the filming of Episode 10’s massive brawl and the emotional weight of Kwon’s death.
Teases Axel’s vulnerabilities and potential for future storylines, including a possible Iron Dragons spinoff.
Expresses heartfelt gratitude to the Cobra Kai fanbase for their passion and support.
Be sure to catch Cobra Kai Season 6 Part 2 to see Axel Kovacevic and the Iron Dragons in action. This season promises to deliver unforgettable fights, shocking twists, and the high-energy drama fans love!