'Cobra Kai' Season 2 on Netflix: Mary Mouser shares how 'TV-dad' Ralph Macchio turned bug exterminator for her
When the Karate Kid was first released in 1984, it managed to win the hearts of millions and it is ready to do that once again as Cobra Kai makes its way into the world of web series. Set in 34 years after the original movie aired, the comedy-drama will follow the reopening of the Cobra Kai karate dojo by Johnny Lawrence and the rekindling of his old rivalry with Daniel LaRusso.
Stars Ralph Macchio (Daniel LaRusso) and William Zabka (Johnny Lawrence), reprising their roles from the films, can be seen next to Mary Mouser, who is playing the role of Samantha LaRusso, Daniel's daughter, on the show. Talking to Meaww, Mary reveals what the show has in store for its audience and gives us all the juicy details from behind the scenes.
1. Were you a big fan of the movie before landing the role?
I hadn’t seen the movies before booking the role, but honestly because once the audition came around I was way too nervous to add even more pressure! After I knew I was leaving in a few days to Atlanta, my boyfriend and I binge-watched them and I was instantly obsessed.
2. Could you tease us a bit with what the fans of 'Karate Kid' can most look forward to, from 'Cobra Kai'?
There is so much heart throughout the show that really keeps the original Karate Kid saga alive, and on the other hand, all of that fun, exciting, butt-kicking is in there too. Fans of the original movies will experience something new and different, but the show stays true to its roots in the tone.
3. Can you tell us a bit about your character Samantha LaRusso? How similar or different are your personalities?
Samantha is awesome. I loved every second of playing her. She’s kind and caring, she definitely inherited some of her father’s attitude. She’s learning some of the lessons her father learned back in the day, but in a different way. Sam has to figure out the difference between ‘popular’ and ‘cool’, which I know I had to navigate through as well in high school. At the end of the day, she’s strong, she kicks butt, and she knows in her heart what’s right and what’s wrong. I hope I’m like her in those ways, though her karate skills are far beyond my own.
4. How do you hope people respond to her?
People have told me how happy they are with the character and how she carries on the family name, which is all I could hope for. Samantha’s character-arc involves bullying and boys and what it is to be a teen today, and I hope that above all else, people walk away knowing through her story that we’re all human and that it’s okay to mess up, just know when to put your foot down and stand up for yourself, and when it’s time to admit your faults and apologize.
5. What was the audition process for the show like?
I auditioned once, then had a callback. Then after that came the big step: a screen-test/mix-and-match. They had me read with Ralph Macchio, which was crazy intimidating, but they also had me and the two other girls up for the role at that point read with a few guys who were being considered for Miguel. The process was nerve-wracking in a sense, but after reading with Xolo, I felt right at home. We got along pretty well instantly, and I had hoped he would get the role as well.
6. Have you always been interested in Karate? Did you have to undergo special training for the show?
I’ve always thought it was super cool to see but never thought it was something that someone as clumsy as me could take on. I did train a bit, though not as extensively as some, I loved every bit of it. I tugged on every producer’s sleeve I could, begging for more karate opportunities.
7. Could you tell us a little bit about the experience of working with the legendary William Zabka and Ralph Macchio?
Working with Ralph and Billy was truly exceptional. From the second I read with Ralph at the final audition, I was in awe. They’re both such fun, talented, friendly and kind men, I had to remind myself that walking down the street next to them was a pretty big deal. Ralph was very warm from day one, he kept saying that if I ever needed anything I could just call my “TV-Dad”. And I did! I had some bugs in my apartment one night and I panicked and texted him. Low and behold, Ralph Macchio shows up outside my apartment door five minutes later with a broom and got rid of them for me.
8. Are there any incidents from behind-the-scenes of the movie set that stays with you still?
The set itself was like a giant family. Xolo and I were always hanging out and making trouble. We had this running prank where he would leave loose change in my car every time we hung out, and we both hate coins, so on the last day I went to the bank and got $10 worth of pennies and filled Xolo’s backpack with them. That was one of my favorite moments, but I don’t think he’d agree.
9. In what ways do you think the series is made different to fit in the context of the 21st century as compared to its original which first released in 1984?
Though both projects deal with bullying, it’s changed a lot over the years. With cyberbullying introduced, there are new layers to address, not so much the old-fashioned kid getting hurt physically, if that makes sense. So the way that the topic is handled has to be modified to fit the way that kids are influenced by the bullies of today. However, it still handles those moments with the heart and cares that the original films portrayed.
10. How optimistic are you about a season 2 for the series?
I’m always very cautious about getting my hopes up, this business is so incredibly unpredictable, but the response has been so overwhelmingly positive that I have my fingers crossed tightly.