Like every year, Fan Expo 2023 is an interesting experience that allows fans and their idols to interact in ways that normally isn’t possible. From chasing down autographs, to taking pictures and even getting to shake hands with celebrities and get to say a few words to them, fans get an experience unlike anything they could ever have dreamed possible. It’s not just the fans that get a unique experience though, the celebrities get one too. Such is the case with the cast of Cobra Kai.
Ralph Macchio and William Zabka have known each other since 1984 when they starred in Karate Kid as Daniel and Johnny. Although they were as far from friends in the film as possible, in real life it was an entirely different story. Two years later Yuji Okumoto joined the duo in the sequel. The films were huge hits, leading to more sequels and spin-offs, but eventually the hype died down and they took their place in Hollywood history. What none of the stars could have realized however was the lasting effect the movies would have on audiences. They wouldn’t really know either until 2018 when YouTube decided to make a TV series sequel called Cobra Kai and bring back Macchio and Zabka to star once more.
In Cobra Kai, things were a little different between the characters, with Zabka’s Johnny taking center stage as he tried to get his life back on track. He was the one fans were clamoring to see finally win and get what he deserved. Over five seasons other familiar faces started returning to the franchise, including Okumoto. Currently the first five seasons can be seen on Netflix, with the sixth and final season on hold until the strikes in Hollywood have ended. On Friday, Macchio, Zabka and Okumoto took to the stage to show their fans how much they appreciate them.
Hosted by Kim’s Convenience star Andrew Phung, the Cobra Kai actors answered questions and shared laughter, while avoiding the topic of their hit series. They all admitted that their careers have hit highs and lows, and at times they were focused on other things. Macchio still made movies during his lean years, in front of and behind the camera. Zabka was a member of several bands, and made some short films. Okumoto took a different route, opting to quit acting and open a restaurant, which he jokingly said he regretted at times after realizing how hard it was and how many hours he needed to work a week to be successful. Still, through it all they remained friends. Zabka compared their friendship to a pair of old jeans. He said you don’t throw them out just because they are old, because they can suddenly become new again. Therefore in his view they were like new old jeans.
The trio also expressed their appreciation for their fans. While they couldn’t name the movies, or the TV series, and couldn’t talk about it too much without going into the “forbidden zone”, they were able to admit that they were surprised by how multi-generational it was. Some fans had been with them from the beginning, while other started with the show and moved backwards.
While Macchio and Zabka had done conventions before, Okumoto hadn’t. Fan Expo 2023 was his first experience meeting the fans, and he was loving it. Before the event he didn’t know what to expect, but once it began he discovered that it was a true blessing to see the faces of the people who enjoyed his work and to see how passionate they are. Macchio went on to say that he enjoys connecting with the fan base at events like Fan Expo. He said as an actor he usually only gets to hear about the people, and not actually get to see them or meet them. He said there was no greater reward than getting to meet the fans. To him it is like getting to hear directly from the consumer. Zabka said getting to hear stories from their fans on how their work affects their lives was rewarding.
Sometimes meeting your heroes isn’t everything you thought it would be, but during their time on stage at Fan Expo 2023 Macchio, Zabka and Okumoto proved that sometimes it’s more. Even if the actors and writers strike forced them to watch what they said, they were still able to express how much their fans meant to them.
