Kreese Has Caused Real-Life Problems For Cobra Kai’s Martin Kove

Cobra Kai‘s Martin Kove says playing John Kreese has caused him some real troubles. Based on the popular Karate Kid movie franchise, Cobra Kai unfolds some three decades after the events of the original films. The series begins by reexamining one of the film’s main conflicts, focusing on Johnny Lawrence (played by William Zabka) as he reignites his old rivalry with Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio). Over the course of three successful seasons, the show has brought back many original franchise actors.

Kove, in the role of John Kreese, surprised viewers with his return in season 1. And, for the most part, just as he did in the movies, Kreese serves a mostly antagonistic function. He continues that into Cobra Kai season 4, which sees Kreese reunite with old friend and fellow villain Terry Silver (Thomas Ian Griffith). The duo has a keen interest in winning the All-Valley Under 18 Karate Tournament, which puts them directly in the path of Johnny and Daniel. But, in Kove’s view, Kreese isn’t quite the bad guy – even if the actor admits that the character has caused him difficulties.

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Speaking with The Wrap to promote Cobra Kai season 4, which kicks off December 31 on Netflix, Kove stressed that he didn’t want to portray Kreese as a “one-dimensional tough guy.” He also opened up about the fact that playing Kreese hasn’t always been easy, explaining that a part of the portrayal remains with him even after filming is over. As a result, the Karate Kid stalwart explains, he’s had some tumultuous relationships in real life. Kove’s quote is below.

“A lot of John Kreese has fallen into my personality that, unfortunately, some of it has caused problems for me. Because he sits inside Marty Kove until we’re relieved from the series, and then he kind of drops away. But this year, we’ve done two seasons, so John Kreese has been in there for six months of my life in 2021. And he’s a tough guy. It falls into other things you’re doing in your life. And you’ve gotta be careful. It’s innate. It’s not something you can control, you know?”

“Let me tell you: In a relationship, it’s really rough. I’ve had several different tumultuous relationships– same relationship, but very tumultuous. Honestly, I think a lot of it has to do with the values of John Kreese. And you think you will overcome them because you’re Martin Kove, you’re not John Kreese, you’re not the character — but they’re still in there very subtly. They’re still in there. They’re a driving force. Because he’s a winner. And you’re an actor, you want to be a winner.”

Kove does add that he doesn’t consider himself a method actor, even though the work has bled into his personal life. It can often be the case that performers feel a significant need to separate themselves from their work during the time when they’re not filming. Some actors choose to get a different look, to separate themselves from the character, while others will take on a totally different character in a different project to create that feeling of distance. This somewhat emerges from that that actors, no matter how reprehensible the character they’re playing, try to find a way to connect to the character.

Kreese, as a villain, is not as bad as it could get. Through its run, Cobra Kai has shaded Kreese and shown him to be quite capable of kindness and understanding even though his methods often remain suspect. It’s understandable, given how long Kove has spent with the role, counting the Karate Kid features as well, that he’d find redeeming qualities in a character most would readily dismiss. In a way, that sums up the entire ethos of the series.

 

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