The super talented Dallas Dupree Young can be seen next in the fourth season of Netflix’s Emmy-nominated series, “Cobra Kai” opposite Ralph Macchio, William Zabka, Tanner Buchanan and Xolo Maridueña.
A continuation of the1980s blockbuster film franchise, “The Karate Kid” (Columbia Pictures), the series pick-ups over thirty years from where the films ended with Daniel LaRusso (Macchio) and Johnny Lawrence (Zabka) once again becoming karate rivals in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley and now teaching a new generation of students with their own dojos. Dallas shines as Kenny, a bullied new student in school, who turns to karate to defend himself and gain confidence. Having struggled throughout his childhood, Kenny finds hope and strength through the teachings of his dojo.
Check out my Q&A with Dallas!
What inspired you to become an actor?
Dallas: What inspired me to become an actor was the love I have for portraying new characters and expressing different emotions on camera.
How excited are you for people to see season 4 of “Cobra Kai”?
Dallas: I am honestly so excited for the world to see Cobra Kai and witness all the action, hard work, dedication, and preparation on December 31.
Were you a fan of the show before coming on to play Kenny? How about the Karate Kid movies, were you a fan of those as well?
Dallas: Before coming on Cobra Kai to play Kenny, I was a huge fan of the show and the Karate Kid movies. I love how the rivalry between Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence is being carried on after their iconic showdown in the 80’s!
Kenny is a new character being introduced this season. Who is Kenny?
Dallas: Kenny is a bullied new kid in school who is struggling with a tough home life and turns to karate to gain confidence and strength through the teachings of his dojo.
What was it like joining a cast that has already been working together for a few years?
Dallas: Joining the cast of Cobra Kai has been extremely incredible. The cast welcomed me with open arms and were very supportive of me throughout the entire season. Even though they have been building friendships for 4 seasons, the cast treated me as if I had been on the show since Season 1.
What was it like working with Ralph and William and the cast?
Dallas: Acting alongside Ralph and William is still surreal to me. Those two are incredibly talented and very knowledgeable when it comes to karate and acting!
Do you have any favorite moments or funny stories from filming this season?
Dallas: Without giving away spoilers about this new season, some of my favorite moments on set were during the All-Valley karate tournament. Behind the scenes, the cast and I had so many fun moments – like when we played games on set or had meaningful conversations about character choices and upcoming fights that you will get to see very soon.
Did you face any challenges during this season?
Dallas: I did not face many challenges on set, but the toughest part would probably be learning and performing stunt choreography. Thanks to the outstanding stunt team being masters at guiding and teaching, I had the greatest time learning and studying karate.
What can we look forward to in season 4?
Dallas: Season 4 of Cobra Kai is the most ambitious, emotional, and action-packed season yet! I can’t wait for you to watch it.
I also hear you have two other projects 1-800-Hot-Nite and The Royal coming soon, congratulations! Can you tell me about these? What are they about and who do you play?
Dallas: My role in the upcoming movie 1-800-Hot-Nite is about a kid who has just witnessed the unimaginable sight of his father being arrested. He then goes on an adventurous journey with his two best friends to escape his unfortunate reality of foster care.
In The Royal, I play the younger version of a famous baseball player named Willie Mays Aikens who had an illustrious career as a baseball player who struggled with a drug addiction and other hardships that tore his life apart.
Is there anything else you’d like to add about “Cobra Kai”?
Dallas: There are so many twists and turns in the upcoming season, but the best news is that Cobra Kai has just been renewed for Season 5. Stay tuned!
