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Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) and Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) are two halves of one of the most iconic on-screen rivalries of all time. 1984’sThe Karate Kidremains a timeless flick, passing the test of time with flying colors. While more installments keep coming in the franchise, the OG movie will always hold a special place in our hearts and the Johnny-Daniel rivalry is one of the biggest reasons why.
Due to certain reasons, the on-screen rivalry translated into real life as Ralph Macchio revealed that he and William Zabka never really got along on the set ofThe Karate Kid.He also revealed that the film’s director would keep the two actors away from each other on set. Years after the release ofThe Karate Kid,they finally shook hands and saw eye-to-eye after the funeral of Pat Morita.
William Zabka & Ralph Macchio Were Kept Away From Each Other
William ZabkaandRalph Macchio’s characters reunited on screen inCobra Kaibut this time around things were much better for them than before. In an interview withEntertainment Tonight, Zabka was asked about his relationship with Elizabeth Shue, who plays the role of Ali Mills in season 3.
Ali was the ex-girlfriend of Zabka’s character, Johnny Lawrence, and grew closer to his rival, Macchio’s Daniel. Of course, the member of Cobra Kai dojo was not happy with this budding relationship and made it his priority to torment Daniel.
“I was fans of them in the film”: The 3 Karate Kid Actors William Zabka Regretted Never Sharing Scenes With, Finally Did 33 Years Later in Cobra Kai
While talking to ET, Zabka was asked if he ever developed any real feelings for Shue while filmingThe Karate Kid.His answer was a definite no. He explained that most of his time on set was in hanging out with the Cobras, all except Macchio since director John G. Avildsen kept them separated on set.
He stated,
Well, no. I mean, I was honestly hanging out with my Cobras all the time you know, and all the guys were hanging out and Daniel and I were separated – Ralph and I. John Avildsen didn’t want the two of us hanging out together.
Whether this decision was made to keep the fictional rivalry alive or avoid the real feud between the two actors, we don’t know. However, we do believe that the distance played a part in keeping the actors away from each other for years to come.
How Pat Morita’s Death Affected the Two Actors
Macchio and Zabka’s on-screen animosity ended up becoming very real, very quickly. As perThe Guardian, the two actors didn’t see eye-to-eye from the moment filming began forThe Karate Kidin California.
Their feelings were only heightened when an accident occurred on set while filming the Halloween fight scene. Macchio was knocked out cold at the hands of Zabka, adding to their rivalry. Well, at least they were able to use it to the film’s benefit, right?
“I carried the torch of being the jerk”: Ralph Macchio’s Nemesis William Zabka Almost Didn’t Return for Cobra Kai Unless His 1 Condition Was Met
Years and years later, the two came face-to-face at the funeral ofPat Morita. Morita played the role of Daniel’s mentor, Mr. Miyagi. He passed away in 2005. Zabka, in his memoirWaxing On: The Karate Kid andMe,revealed that when they reunited at the funeral, there was no underlying animosity.
He wrote,“He caught my eye…no smirk, just a simple smile.”Eventually, the two became friends and Macchio even agreed to play an older Daniel in Zabka’s music video.
During his 2019 appearance onThe Jenny McCarthy Show,Zabka revealed that he and Macchio are now much closer than ever before.
Our off-camera antics are so fun. I mean we’ll drive home. I mean we have the same complaints. The same thoughts… Same b****ing. You know, we’ll drive, we’ll get lost together, you know, we crank the music together.
He also once stated (viaHeavy.com) that his young children have a great relationship with Macchio. Well, all’s well that ends well, right?
The Karate KidandCobra Kaiare available to watch on Netflix.
Mishkaat Khan
Senior Writer
Articles Published :2256
A connoisseur of all things horror, fantasy, and the occasional chick flick, Mishkaat has been penning pieces for FandomWire since 2022. She started off as an intern and has worked her way up to a Senior Writer with over 2000 articles to her name.Outside of entertainment, she has also written well-researched medical content as a freelance writer and has experience in social media management.When not writing, you can find her relaxing with a romance novel and a tall glass of iced coffee in her hand or watching re-runs of ‘Supernatural’ and ‘The Office.’
