Pop-Culturalist.com

Gianni DeCenzo is one of young Hollywood’s most promising talents, swiftly kicking his way into the spotlight with his breakout performance in Cobra Kai, the high-flying continuation of the classic Karate Kid films.

In his first series regular role, which he’s embodied for six seasons, Gianni DeCenzo has captivated audiences with his nuanced and layered performance as Demetri, skillfully bringing both heart and humor to the fan-favorite show. His portrayal adds a unique depth that has made him an indispensable part of Cobra Kai‘s success.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Gianni about Season 6, the show’s legacy, and his journey with the series and his character.

PC: Cobra Kai is back for its sixth and final season. When you look back at this experience, what will you remember the most?
Gianni: Oh, my God. Pain. [laughs] I’m just kidding. This was the first big thing I’ve ever been a part of. I had no idea it would turn out the way it did. I went in for one audition, and the rest is history. I started when I was sixteen years old. The biggest takeaway for me is learning how to handle myself in a show that runs this long.

Up until that point, I was doing a lot of guest star and recurring roles. You don’t really get to develop a character as much as you do when you play them for six years. It’s like being in a play where you rehearse for months and months, and you’re still discovering new things about the character. That’s how this experience has been. But it’s been awesome. It’s a good kind of pain. [laughs]

PC: There’s something really amazing about a show ending on its own terms and going out on top. How does Season 6 build on the legacy that you’ve all created? What can you tease about Demetri’s arc?
Gianni: I’m not sure what I can say without them killing me. [laughs] But it’s really cool to end the show on our own terms because it’s tough when a popular show gets canceled, leaving fans wanting more. It’s been a lot of fun. As for Demetri’s arc, we’ve seen him grow into a stronger fighter and a more confident person, eventually getting his dream girl, Yasmine. Personally, I want to see him continue to develop and reach his full potential. It’s going to be a lot of fun for people to watch. It’s definitely worth the wait.

PC: Mentorship is such a huge theme within the show. Who were the people in your own life who shaped the storyteller that you are today?
Gianni: Definitely my parents. When I was eight years old, I went up to them and told them I wanted to start acting. They were like, “Oh, okay!” My mom grabbed my best little button-up shirt and took me to the backyard to take some photos. We submitted them to agents, and soon I was doing a couple of short films. My parents have been my biggest support. They’re always helping with my auditions, and up until recently, my mom was always on set with me. I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

PC: Demetri has grown a lot from Season 1 to Season 6, but without compromising who he is. You brought so much depth to that. What has that collaboration been like working with the writers? How did their trust allow you to take agency over his journey?
Gianni: The really cool thing about this show is that the writers let us explore different things and even improvise. There were a few times where I wasn’t sure why the character would do something, so I’d go up to the writers and ask them. We’d come together and talk it through. They really valued our input and allowed us to share ideas. I’ve never been on a set like that before because I was always guest starring or recurring, just in and out. But with this show, you build that relationship with the writers, and it’s really cool.

PC: Your character brings a lot of levity to the show. How much of what we see is scripted versus just you?
Gianni: It’s all me. [laughs] It’s hard to point out which moments were unscripted. A recent one was in Season 5 when Demetri finally gets a kick in on Kyler, sending him to the ground. He says, “Yeah, how’s that, b*tch?” I added the “b*tch.” It felt like in that moment, Demetri would stoop to his level.

PC: They’ve put your character through the wringer. What’s been your favorite scene to film? What’s been the most challenging?
Gianni: The most challenging scene was the one where Demetri breaks his arm. Rehearsing a scene like that isn’t easy without getting the cops called on you. I had to go into a closet and scream in agony. I was staying at an Airbnb at the time, so it was very awkward. Beyond the physicality, it was a tough scene because my best friend was showing me no mercy.

My favorite scene was in Season 4 when we were doing the weapon demonstrations. It takes three months to film the entire season, so for three months, I was rehearsing with these little sticks with daggers at the end. We have an amazing stunt team, and when one of our stunt choreographers, Craig, showed me the entire routine, I was freaking out. I thought, “Okay, I’ve got to be a weapons expert now.” I definitely dinged up the Airbnb floor, but don’t tell them that—I can’t afford it. [laughs]

PC: I know one of your big goals for Season 6 was to become more flexible. Have you been able to pull off that split?
Gianni: Don’t get me started on the splits. [laughs] That’s 90% of my training for every season. I’m just on the floor in agonizing pain, trying to stretch out.

PC: With this being the final season, what parting words would you share with your character and the fans?
Gianni: This has been an amazing roller coaster. I’m really happy that people found inspiration in Demetri—learning to accept who you are, love who you are, and build that confidence. Demetri was a lot like me growing up. I mean, I didn’t get beat up at karate dojos as often as he did. [laughs] Let’s hope that still doesn’t happen. But it’s been a lot of fun. I just want to say to the fans, thank you for watching. It’s been a rollercoaster, a fun one.

To keep up with Gianni, follow him on Instagram. Watch Season 6 of Cobra Kai on Netflix today.