Cobra Kaico-creator Hayden Schlossberg has discussed why the show decided against a particular cameo, despite it being credited with the show’s existence.Cobra Kaitook off as a revival and pseudo-reimagining after the events of theKarate Kidfilm series, told from the perspective of Johnny Lawrence, instead of Daniel LaRusso. The show evolved to become much more than the sum of its parts, and sprawled six seasons, 65 episodes, and an ever-growing ensemble cast. Many actors made cameos inCobra Kai, but there was one notable omission who many fans were hoping would appear.
Taking to hisMcScholssbergX account for a Q&A session with fans,Schlossberg addressed whyHow I Met Your Motherstar Neil Patrick Harris never cameoed on the hit martial arts comedy-drama, despite his character Barney Stinson being credited as inspiring the germination of what would becomeCobra Kaiin an episode ofHow I Met Your Mother. When asked whether there was any consideration of a Harris cameo, Schlossberg revealed that there wasn’t, claiming this would have taken viewers out of the story. Check out his comment below:
No that would have taken us out of the story
What These Comments Mean For Cobra Kai’s Legacy
Choosing Not To Cast Him Was Probably The Right Decision
One of the key factors that is believed to have influenced the development ofCobra Kaiwas theHow I Met Your Motherepisode “The Bro Mitzvah,” which featured guest appearances from both Ralph Macchio and William Zabka. In the episode, Harris' characterBarney proclaims Johnny to be the true hero of theKarate Kid, instead of Daniel, berating Daniel for being a cheat and a bully. This could be considered the moment the idea forCobra Kaiwas born, and prompted many to call for a Harris cameo in series.
Cobra Kaihad to move away fromThe Karate Kidto evolve as its own show, so shackling it toHow I Met Your Motherwould also not have made sense narratively.
However, Schlossberg’s comments do make a degree of sense, and, though Harris could well have cameoed in a small role in an episode of the show, there is the chance that this meta nod toHow I Met Your Motherwould have detracted from the magic ofCobra Kai, and taken viewers out of the show. What’s more,Cobra Kaibecame its own show, elevating and enhancing the IP on which it was based, and the writers would not have wanted to detract from that.
Our Verdict On The Decision Not To Include A Harris Cameo
The Show Became Its Own Pop Culture Phenomenon
While a Harris cameo would undoubtedly have gone down well with viewers beforeCobra Kaicame to an end, it would always have felt like it was a Barney Stinson cameo, and this would have hurt the show moving forward.Cobra Kaihad to move away fromThe Karate Kidto evolve as its own show, so shackling it toHow I Met Your Motherwould also not have made sense narratively. Overall, it was the correct decision not to have Harris appear.
Cobra Kai
Cast
Cobra Kai is a sequel series continuing the narrative of the Karate Kid saga, set 30 years after the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament. It focuses on Johnny Lawrence seeking redemption by reopening the Cobra Kai dojo, reigniting his rivalry with Daniel LaRusso, who strives to maintain balance in his life.
