Pop-Culturalist.com

Karate Kid fans, it’s time to get ready to return to the dojo. Daniel Larusso and Johnny Lawrence are bringing back their rivalry for the new YouTube Red series, Cobra Kai. And yes, the original cast members will be back! They’re joined by new actors and characters including Courtney Henggeler, who plays Amanda Larusso, Daniel’s wife and new Miyagi. She’s the grounding force when he starts to go off the rails, and Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to chat with her ahead of its premiere at Tribeca to learn more about the series, her character, the show’s tribute to Mr. Miyagi, and how she built her bond with Ralph Macchio.

PC: Tell us about Cobra Kai, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Courtney: Cobra Kai is every kid from the ’80s dream! It brings back two hugely iconic characters and reignites their feud with some pretty fun twists. I get the honor of playing Daniel Larusso’s wife, Amanda Larusso. She’s pretty grounded and has a great sense of humor, especially when Daniel starts to get dragged into his past drama. Plus, she has killer business-wear wardrobe.

And what drew me to this project? Um, it’s THE KARATE KID!

PC: Were you nervous about joining this project since the film is such a cult classic and has a huge following?
Courtney: I had no idea what to expect. But I quickly learned that Karate Kid fans are fiercely loyal and knowledgeable about all things Karate Kid. I must have seen the original Karate Kid 100 times as a kid. But I still can’t throw my hat in the ring with Karate Kid trivia the way the hardcore fans do. I was equally excited and terrified.

PC: Amanda is one of the new characters that we’ll be introduced to. Was that an advantage or disadvantage going into filming?
Courtney: It’s funny with a character like Amanda. Last time we saw Daniel Larusso, he still didn’t get the girl. And then we cut to thirty years in the future to find he is settled down and has been growing his family for the last twenty years. So I’ve been established yet no one knows anything about the woman who finally won the Karate Kid’s heart. So it’s a little intimidating. You don’t want to disappoint fans who have their own ideas of how Daniel’s love life should have panned out.

PC: What can you tell us about Amanda and Daniel’s relationship? How did you and Ralph build that bond?
Courtney: Amanda and Daniel are true partners in every sense. They can run a wildly successful business together while also raising some pretty great kids and still remain in love and with humor.

I think Ralph and I built our relationship by bringing in our own personal relationship experiences. We’re both married with children. With all of our scenes together, we would talk about how our own spouses would react in such situations. We kind of learned about who we are together by learning about who we’re with.

Oh and of course, our love for big red wines.

PC: What was your favorite moment to film this season and why?
Courtney: I’m not sure I’m allowed to say my favorite moment just yet! Just know we have a killer guest star who made for some very fun scenes.

PC: Will the series pay homage to Mr. Miyagi? And if so, what can you tease?
Courtney: I don’t think we could possibly make this show without properly honoring Mr. Miyagi. He was just as iconic to the Karate Kid as Daniel. And from what Ralph has told me, he was a truly lovely man in real life.

We definitely have that. But even more interestingly we have characters stepping into their own version of Miyagi. And that’s really cool to watch.

PC: If you could adapt another cult classic ’80s film for the small screen, what would it be and why?
Courtney: Hands down Troop Beverly Hills. I don’t even know if that’s a cult hit. I just know it was the movie that made me want to be an actress. And sell cookies.

PC: Besides Cobra Kai, do you have any other upcoming projects that you can tease?
Courtney: I recently finished a thriller called Do Not Reply, starring Jackson Rathbone and Amanda Arcuri. And popped by the set of Jane the Virgin to do a fun little guest star.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Courtney: Reruns of Beverly Hills 90210

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Courtney: Zoolander

PC: Favorite book?
Courtney: Don’t let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Courtney: Jesus Christ Superstar

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Courtney: Ol’ Dirty Bastard

PC: Favorite social media platform?
Courtney: Instagram

PC: Last person you texted?
Courtney: My husband to make me a kale salad.

PC: Hidden talent?
Courtney: Freestyle rap about changing diapers.

Make sure to follow Courtney on Twitter and Instagram, and check out Cobra Kai when it hits YouTube Red this spring.