“The Karate Kid” (1986) cast members William Zabka (Johnny), Ralph Macchio (Daniel) and Martin Kove (Kreese) visited New York Comic Con 2014 to reminisce about their time on set in honor of the film’s 30th anniversary on Sunday.
Macchio described to a NYCC crowd the details of his audition process, claiming director John G. Avildsen didn’t hide his desire to sign him onto the role of Daniel.
“I knew I was in the running [when] the director told me to get karate lessons,” Macchio said.
However, Zabka had to audition against many other "Johnnys" before landing the part.
“I was at the gym…when I was told I had an interview for the ‘Karate Kid’,” Zabka said, adding he was nervous about the meeting since he’d only been in commercials before the call back.
“Everyone was in character trying to out 'Johnny' the other,” Zabka told the crowd, explaining everyone was in character when they arrived for the audtion.
Zabka decided to play his “Johnny” a little differently and show off his tough guy attitude using his physicality. While taking on the persona of “Johnny,” he decided to throw a chair in a fit of rage. Zabka left believing he'd bombed the audition, but wasn't beating himself up for possibly ruining an opportunity of a life time.
“Oh well, at least if I don’t get the part I got to throw the director’s chair,” he said laughing.
The attention soon turned to Macchio’s on-screen love interest, Elizabeth Shue. The panel moderator made a comment about Shue’s role in the franchise being cut too short, and the audience agreed.
“She was the first one in,” Macchio began, “[John said] It was interesting because ‘there is no way in the world you two should be together.’ He called us the strawberry shortcake and the cannoli.”
Macchio didn’t want to speak on behalf of Shue, but shared he felt the actress was “short changed” by the Daniel and Ali break up in “The Karate Kid” sequel. He kept in contact with the actress, admitting he tries to weasel his way into guest arcs in her show “CSI."
The actor also shared his thoughts about the film’s iconic status and why it’s become a cult classic amongst all ages. It was Family Day at NYCC, and parents brought their young children to meet the cast, which he believed shows why "The Karate Kid" is a timeless hit.
“The fact is that film works on a human level,” Macchio said. “The coming of age [story] touches people on many levels.”
But “The Karate Kid” wouldn’t have reached stellar levels of success were it not for Mr. Miyagi. Macchio reminisce about the “soulful, magic” the late Pat Morita possessed.
“There was an ease in the scenes we did together,” Macchio said. “This character emerged…from the human Yoda to my young Skywalker.”
Macchio is grateful his character Daniel lives on 30 years after its release, even if he has to share the title with actor Jaden Smith, adding, “Who knew 20 years later [The Karate Kid] would [still] be on my tombstone. Or should I say, ‘original'."
