CinemaBlend The world of The Karate Kid has expanded and evolved thanks to the first two seasons of the original series Cobra Kai. Though the show sank its roots into the inherent rivalry between one-time bully Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) and Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), the program has done an outstanding job of getting its audience to invest in a world of new characters who get caught up in the wake of this contentious relationship, whether it be Danielâs daughter Samantha (Mary Mouser), Johnnyâs top student Miguel (Xolo Mariduena), or Sith Lord karate master John Kreese (Martin Kove).