Let's Talk - Cobra Kai

Interview - Joe Seo (Kyler)

December 30, 2020 Just Curious Media Episode 39
Let's Talk - Cobra Kai
Interview - Joe Seo (Kyler)
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Show Notes Transcript

Let's Talk - Cobra Kai
Episode 39: Interview - Joe Seo (Kyler)

Jason Connell and Sal Rodriguez have Joe Seo on the show to discuss his role as Kyler on Cobra Kai and much more.

Original Episode: S02E28

Recorded: 12-18-20
Studio: Just Curious Media
https://www.JustCuriousMedia.com/

Listen:
https://LetsTalkCobraKai.buzzsprout.com/

Watch:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNfekAT0gN4to-6j2iKhGQw/

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Hosts:
https://www.instagram.com/MrJasonConnell/
https://www.instagram.com/SalvadorLosAngeles/

Support:
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Jason Connell:

Welcome to Just curious media. This is let's talk Cobra Kai. I'm Jason Connell.

Sal Rodriguez:

And I'm Sal Rodriguez.

Jason Connell:

All right, Sal, we just had our third interview or conversation at word I prefer with another cast member from Cobra Kai.

Sal Rodriguez:

Yes. I mean, I could definitely say right, uh, official bad guy. We got her first bad guy,

Jason Connell:

a first bully.

Sal Rodriguez:

Oh, big time excited to have Kyler on the show.

Jason Connell:

Yes, we have Joe Sewell, who plays Kyler. And I caught up with him the other day. And he was absolutely wonderful. He gave me more than an hour of his time. And we went through all sorts of things. I mean, Joe has some acting credits. I mean, this isn't his first thing. So it was fun to kind of explore his filmography. And just so many other things, and just a wonderful time great actor. And I'm excited to see where his career goes. I think he's on his way to a very, very bright future.

Sal Rodriguez:

Yeah, it's almost like as intense as his role as Kyler is the roles he's done previously in other projects. I mean, this guy's a serious actor. He's, he's done some serious drama. Yes, he has.

Jason Connell:

And we get into that, and it's true. And playing a role like this. You get to try different things. You get to be a bully. It's exciting. And you get to own that and do the best job you can on it. But absolutely, he's done some heavy things. He also was in some big movies, working with some big names such as Dwayne The Rock Johnson, Hillary Swank two time Oscar winner, and so many others. And so we get into a lot of that, which is super exciting, as well as his role as Kyler. Oh, yeah,

Sal Rodriguez:

I can't wait to hear all about it.

Jason Connell:

I hope you guys enjoy it. This is our conversation with Josue who plays Kyler. Joe, it's great to have you on the podcast today.

Joe Seo:

Thank you. Definitely an honor as well. And I know we had planned this

Jason Connell:

and it was already in motion to do this interview. And then lo and behold, I see you on the trailer for season three of Cobra Kai. So I'm even more elated to see that they brought you back.

Joe Seo:

I know me too. Definitely. Season two was a bummer for me. I was like, oh, man, I wish I was in it. But you know what they were on summer break. And the producers and the writers they told me that Kyler was still in the universe. The cover call universe. So don't be too like, you know, bond. But now they're going back to school and season three, you'll see Kyler and I'm super stoked. Yeah, I just can't wait to see how He instigates even more. You know what I mean? I may is the gator.

Jason Connell:

Oh my gosh. Well, and not to get into Season Three spoilers. But what did you think, Joe? When you saw Netflix take over Cobra Kai and then kind of launch it to a much wider audience.

Joe Seo:

I thought it would get bigger because YouTube read was fairly new as a medium. But then once it jumped to Netflix, I didn't expect this tidal wave to happen. Honestly, I don't think anyone really expected this great reception that we've had, and especially to all the fans that rewatched it right, since you know watching it from YouTube read. It's amazing. The reception was is amazing. I still get hate mail. So I know we did it, right. Yeah, it's it's been unreal. Like, definitely, it's been a real like, for everyone in the cast. It's it blew up.

Jason Connell:

It's so true. I was telling so many friends about it. And most of my friends have kids. So what happens is, the younger generations into it, they're like, Wait, there's a movie called The Karate Kid. So it's such an interesting crossover, you know, generational type of show. And Netflix was the right partner to just blow it up, as you said,

Joe Seo:

Yeah, I mean, we knew like it had the most subscribers and everything.

Jason Connell:

Yeah, they did prove themselves. And they had a great show. And these filmmakers, these creators, obviously, they have a great track record. They have a great sensibility to the original trilogy. And I'm telling you, this is the first time I've ever seen a hit movie trilogy franchise, then get reconfigured into a hit show. I don't know of any other time this has happened.

Joe Seo:

No, it has no, it all stems from the producers and the writers, Josh, John and Hayden. They were fans of the original. So because they were fans, and they were so meticulously involved with dissecting the story. It all makes sense and all comes together and for the audience perspective, and for the other fans perspective. It doesn't disappoint. You know me because No,

Jason Connell:

I'm a fan. I saw the original movie 84 So I would have been 13 I was the perfect age for it. But on that note, how about you? You're much younger than I am and did you have a love affair or connection with the original movie?

Joe Seo:

Not at all. I'd never watched it. I actually had to Watch it. And yes, I didn't know where this story was coming from. So it's definitely fun. I was like, Whoa, Johnny dude, he looks the same, but he got a little bit older Daniel. Oh my gosh, it looks the same.

Jason Connell:

He does like the same. It's crazy. He likes

Joe Seo:

a little bit like Yeah. And to see these legendary figures, iconic figures, like, you know, Ralph and you know, Billy onset. It's, it's humbling, number one. Number two, you get to learn so much from them. And to me, that's amazing. I wish Pat was with us as well. Because I think that'll be so much fun. Oh my gosh. But yeah, it's just fun working with them. You just soak in so much.

Jason Connell:

Yeah, Ralph macho was such a childhood actor in his own right that he probably helps you guys and shares things and he just seems like a very genuine person. I don't know him yet.

Joe Seo:

No, you're right. Billy, Super Down to Earth. Ralph as well. Really nice guys. Just it's a testament to their career length in Hollywood. You know, they wouldn't be getting work if they were not. That's true.

Jason Connell:

So when you finally did see it, was it because you were casting Cobra Kai by then is that you said Oh, I gotta do my homework. I better watch the original part two, part three. Is that what you did?

Joe Seo:

Yes. Yes. After I got it. I was like, Okay, let's look this up. I definitely know the references, but I never had to pay more attention, I guess.

Jason Connell:

Did you enjoy the trilogy? At least the original which I think is by far the greatest of all of them? Oh, yeah,

Joe Seo:

definitely. The original was, was the best but it was it was fun. Definitely. It was fun. We all watched it as a cast to like Oh, cool. Like a screening. Yeah. For fun. And we're like, Oh, yeah. Young Ralph looks. So it's definitely fun. It's amazing to see this story flourish in this manner. And like all the little details like they put in is quite amazing. Like, you know, wax on what you know, like that thing. Like how you want me to paint this? I don't give a fuck. Just paint it where I'm like, Really? Really? Oh, good. Just brilliant. Yeah, just little things like that. It's just, I think for the fans that are that want that nostalgia. It doesn't right, you think crossed out all the T's and dotted the I's for everything.

Jason Connell:

They sure did. So just to be clear, because we didn't talk about it at the top, but you play Kyler and you're in seven episodes of season one. Yes. And you have all people played the bully kind of Johnny Lawrence's role from the original film. But I would also credit Kyler for getting Cobra Kai Dojo back open. Because if you bullying led to all these series, yeah, it all goes back to Kyla

Joe Seo:

love Kyler. It should be team Kyler all the way. That's what I'm talking about. I started this. If it wasn't for me, Johnny wouldn't have gotten off. No, no, I've been eating that pizza, he would have just been eat joy that pizza at the liquor store. But um, it's actually really cool. It was an honor to take the first hit from Johnny. And I even told him that I told him literally like, even before seeing the fight scene at the liquor store. I was like, You know what, it's an honor to take this hit for me for the first time in like 20 years. It's not that he's ever stressed out. Yeah, like he told me, dude, this is gonna be awesome. Like he even said, like, you know, this brings back memories. And he's just really happy about it. And to me, I was so honored, I guess, you know, just working with him, like the whole action sequence and everything, even with the stunts, like heroes on they that team is incredible. And they made that scene look legendary.

Jason Connell:

Oh, it's great. It had to be fun Joe to bounce around with your buddies and just play a bully. I mean, it had to be kind of fun.

Joe Seo:

It's very different from my personality. So I can imagine. Yeah, just as an actor, you do want to diversify your I want to I want to play all kinds of roles. Yeah, this is just a once in a lifetime chance to play an Asian bully, you know, Asian American Bully. And to me that's, that was incredible. I jumped at that opportunity. And yeah, it was definitely challenging, but it was fun is because like all the reservations that normal people go through in society, they kind of let you go, go for it, you know, do whatever the hell you want. And these directors and screenwriters, they, they actually give me that freedom to play however, I wanted it as stupid or crazy. I wanted for Kyler so it was definitely fun.

Jason Connell:

What do you have any background in martial arts by chance?

Joe Seo:

I do um, I actually studied it when I was in Junior High and Elementary School. Because my parents I know so stereotypical, but yeah, we did all that went to summer camps.

Jason Connell:

Was it taekwondo or have keto? Or was it what was the

Joe Seo:

I should there's something called Tachyon, which is a little bit different. But also did Tai Chi. Yeah. So it's, you know, it's fun to go back. But, um, like, I hadn't touched that for like, forever.

Jason Connell:

Until now. Yeah. And now you're being forced to to do it again. Well, because I could tell I practice in martial arts and I thought, well, Kyler has got some moves. Although he's not really in the Cobra Kai Dojo yet. Air quotes, because season three, we don't know we do spot you in the Cobra Kai dojo in the belly of the beast, if you will. But I could tell like you had some moves. You weren't just some novice Kyler was probably a little cocky. He probably thought he knew more than he did. He ran up against someone who was who could best him like Johnny, but I can tell that you probably had some background in it to some degree. Yeah.

Joe Seo:

But like I said, this is probably the worst bully ever. Film because he gets killed by everybody.

Jason Connell:

You can't discredit Martin Cove, since a crease because that's a pretty good bully as well.

Joe Seo:

Right? Right. Right, right. Yeah. Like I've seen, I've never seen this type of bully get beat up just to show all the time. You know, I mean, I've never seen Kyler winning. So it's kind of funny. Yeah, but it's definitely like, I think as our two protagonists in this film, you know, like for people to cheer Miguel on and yeah, cheer Johnny on. So it's, I love it. I love fighting that fight.

Jason Connell:

I gotta say, the show really has done some interesting things to like, Robbie's character. First, you're thinking, Oh, here's another bully, I don't like this guy. And then you know, after a season, you're rooting on Robbie, and you're torn. So this show, expecting the unexpected, I could see Kyler becoming someone we do root on, I wouldn't put anything past these guys, these creators, yeah,

Joe Seo:

the creators, they, they do a good job and bringing layers to every character. And it just, it makes it more real. So like, even when I read this, it wasn't too cheesy, you know, like, it had good solid moments. And just like in everyday life, you know, not everyone is good. Nobody is good. You know, no one's perfect. There's always a dark side to everybody. And I think this, you know, the series brings that out in all these characters, that they all have flaws that they all could turn one way and the other, you know, so definitely plays with emotions. And I wish season three people will see it just develop even more, you know, people could see that these characters could develop even more. But credit to all the writers there. They're brilliant.

Jason Connell:

I'm excited for not only season three, but season four. And I've talked about this on the podcast with Sal, my co host. I've said, I wouldn't be surprised in the future. If this spawned spin offs and other movies. You just never know what can happen. Because right now they've got a hot property here. And it's not cheesy, it's hitting all the right notes. Well, the possibilities are endless.

Joe Seo:

I agree. I agree. They had tons of great characters in the show. Um, I just, there's not enough time to develop everybody. So we'll see. I mean, the show could go on. But it's definitely I'm so happy for all the fans. Like, they're the ones that do cheer us on. They're the ones even though you know, like we don't get too much airtime for every character because of the number of characters on the show. They still cheer us on to like, actually try harder or make our like five minutes grand. So to me, it you know, credit to all the people that watch the show love it, dissect it. It's pretty crazy. Yeah, it's true.

Jason Connell:

And I always say this show in all the art that I've done, the documentaries I've produced, but leave the audience wanting more rather than overwhelm them. So this is an ensemble piece got a little bit of Kyler here a little bit of Hawk here. Make them want more, they'll keep coming back. So I love the balance that they have crafted here. So absolutely. What about friendships? I know the show starts well we come into Kyler and you're dating Sam and there's this romance kind of reminds me of Johnny and Ali was it was flaming out and the Karate Kid and then the new guy comes in but what what are your friendships? I mean, you're about the same age as some of the other cast members. Did you guys form a bond or was it also like the movie Animal House? I've talked to John Landis about it and read books as well where he kept like the guys apart the the two groups of people like the partiers and the college people and they formed this like clique. Did they do that on Saturday? No,

Joe Seo:

no, no, they did not do that all set. We're all great friends like, like almost brother like, like, offset onset. Doesn't matter. Like when we play a role. We play a role. Yes. Do I hang out with them? Even like now? You know, I'm like we go out to get stuff to eat. It's just just an everyday thing. We all hang out. That's great, man. Yeah, definitely. It just, I don't think there's anyone that's like I'm the shirt or anything like that. There's nothing like that.

Jason Connell:

No, I don't get that sense from anybody. Maybe you got to blow fans minds if they see you and Miguel and Sam walking down the street. Like you have to have that more recognition. Now due to Netflix

Joe Seo:

we do to get noticed a bit more. But we still king doesn't matter. Like people say hi, we say hi. You know, it's not like, that's really great.

Jason Connell:

It makes being on set a lot more fun. And what's it like? I know you live in Los Angeles as well. But what's it like filming in Atlanta?

Joe Seo:

It's different. It's, it's

Jason Connell:

to say the least.

Joe Seo:

It's sticky during the summer, in the winter is freaking cold. But it's cool. I mean, Atlanta has his charm. Um, I'm really happy with the hospitality in Atlanta. It was yeah, the reception there is great as well, of some of the people that were were on set our Atlanta natives. So they're all sweet people. And for us to film over there. It's actually actually cool. I think it kind of helps people who've always lived in LA or California to actually brought in their sights on a different culture within America. You get what I mean. So

Jason Connell:

well probably makes you guys come together even more you guys are fish out of water there. So then the whole Cobra Kai clan just kind of really gets to know each other. You're not going home to your places in LA when you're shooting. So it's probably good. The location person in me because I love locations. I'll drive around California and like, oh, there's that house. So that's where that was filmed. Um, so I love that stuff, the landmarks, if you will. And that's one thing. It's like when I'm watching the show, they still do some scenes, some exteriors in Los Angeles, as you know. But I've loved the original movie. It's like, oh, there's Ali's house and the Encino hills. And there's this me I used to go by Miyagi house, and they, well, they tore it down. But you see, the cell sees where Danielson grew up. So the purist in me wishes it was all shot in Los Angeles. But I understand how things are,

Joe Seo:

of course, I mean, if we have more tax breaks and stuff for people to film here, I think definitely people will fit in with film here. But yeah, the laws are a bit different here. And, but we do try to cheat it as much as possible so that people could still feel like, oh, yeah, I could see that being in the valley. Yeah, like a strip mall. You know, I mean, totally. So like, I know, they shoot a lot of exteriors here as well. And hopefully doesn't take away too much from the essence of you know, the series. But I'm sure purists such as yourself will be a little bit disappointed. I wish that was really the beach, you know, like,

Jason Connell:

I'm over it. I'm not gonna describe the show by any means. It's just like, oh, yeah, maybe a couple more scenes. As the show gets bigger. You don't wind up at golf and stuff at some point in time. Take everybody to golf and stuff in the valley. And they have just dropped it a couple of those things. But it's a great show, no matter where they shoot, it doesn't matter to me. But I want to transition for a second just to hit on some of your to some of your filmography, if you will, leading up to you becoming Kyler on Cobra Kai. Okay. Let's start at the top. You are in grid iron gang in 2006. With one Dwayne The Rock Johnson and you played Joy, I believe. And I didn't I never saw this movie. But I do love the director of Phil Giano, who did a lot of YouTube music videos three o'clock high. An incredible movie about bullying. If you haven't seen it, I highly, highly recommend it. It's it's great comedy. Great director. So what was that experience? Like? It's your first movie. And it's kind of a big movie.

Joe Seo:

Yeah. Got to work with a rock and exhibit can ask for more. Yeah. Done. No, but they, it's when I was like, starting off. I was like a kid. And it was fun. It was definitely fun. That's where I first like, got the break to become an actor like I because Asian Americans. We grew up in a fairly, you know, like, I'll say conservative family, you know, like, you don't go into the arts. Like, unless you want to go like homeless, you know, I mean, like this. That's, it's, it's like that. So, you know, like, I just went out on my own that it and I was able to get that opportunity. And Phil Giuliano, the director of that film, he was really just meticulous, like a general Yeah, just Papa. It was really different set, completely different set than what we have Cobra Kai. But definitely, you know, you learn a lot, you know, like also like learning from you know, Dwayne He's, he's a great guy. He's just a great guy. And I'm to see, like from him from getting from there to what he is now. Yeah, it's, it's a great story. And I would love to work with him again and see how he has, like, develop as an actor. Yeah, it's amazing. And like, I would love to be at his level someday and just work with them. You know? I mean, yeah. So, like, I was able to touch one of my heroes in real life. So that's kind of cool. And yeah, it's, it was definitely a cool experience. Like you get to learn a lot, even with a small character. And I was just like, extra.

Jason Connell:

Let's set you on your way. What a great way to get going. He probably needed that to propel you forward. So

Joe Seo:

you learn so much these these professionals in these in these films and you they are there for a reason. And you see, like, you get to learn you soak it up, like Okay, thank you to those big guys for being there and being humble enough to reach out.

Jason Connell:

So moving on to another movie and we'll rapid fire through a few of these. If you have anything you want to add. We'll explore it so then I saw Freedom Riders 2007 Hilary Swank's movie and you played a gang member? Yeah. How was that as

Joe Seo:

a gay member? It was fun. Yeah, it's it's Hillary Swank, gosh, Academy Award winning Hillary exact right. So two Oscars. Amazing. So by far the best actor that I've ever as an actor to work with. By far, the most I've ever soaked up. Wow, was through Hillary Swank. And she was a definition of what, like, professional like serious professional, like her art. You know, she was super just on point with her art. And to me, that's something that yeah, I till this day, it motivates me to be just as good or even better, you know, like, just to keep going, you know, I mean, yeah, cuz I remember like on set, she, she was going through like this emotional scene where she's talking to one of her students. It was from like, literally, she was happy one second. And then she had to be like, no, just be emotional. Tearing up. And it just that arc. They did like three, four takes. She hit it every single time. And I was just like, she is breaking good. And also, what I learned later on, is that, yeah, unfortunately, she was going through a divorce. Right? So like, we did not know anything about that. You know, like when we're all set, we always knew her as she's as happy, amazing lady. And for her to go through that like on like in a real life and then just switched it off for work. I think that's just a different level. She's a professional. Yeah, she's

Jason Connell:

a consummate Pro. She was dealing with a divorce. I think it was Chad Lowe, if I'm not mistaken. She was so extraordinary movies, like boys don't cry, and Million Dollar Baby in which she won an Oscar and each. She's incredible and other movies. And let's go back one step further. This is the six degrees of separation Joe, she was in The Next Karate Kid. So there's your talk, and you were you were bound to go down this path at some point in time, which is

Joe Seo:

awesome. Yeah, I was just like a little kid during those times and to film them when they're, like, so huge and big. And, like, yeah, I just know that I'm bit old. I wish I could like spend more time on film, just like, you know, just working with them like Dwayne Hillary. Like all those guys. It's, it'll be different for me. Definitely. But it'll be heartwarming. And yeah, I wish we could work together.

Jason Connell:

It may just happen. So keep doing what you're doing. But uh, you're on the right path. Thank you. And then let's go to message from the King 2016. And you played in this Netflix movie that unfortunately, Chadwick Boseman. Passed away rest in peace. Yeah, way too young. But you played Sam. And so was this, like, the biggest thing you've done at this point in time?

Joe Seo:

Yeah, it's one of the biggest stuff that I've done. Like, I worked overseas as well. So but this was huge, because I've had to work with Chadwick. Chair. He's just, there's a lot of things that he told me like when we're working together, and I'll just take that to heart. Not gonna say it. But it's, yeah, he's a stand up guy. He's also from LA. Yeah, he he inspired me a lot like to don't just like wait for opportunity, but to make your own opportunity. he's and he's just a lot of inspirational things that he told me. Wow. Yeah, I feel kind of gutted that he's away. Yeah,

Jason Connell:

no Oh my gosh. I mean his career, although he had hit some heights, of course Black Panther, but I would think that his career was really just taking off. And we lost a great actor far, far too young. And amazing. You got to work with him. You have really had some incredible mentors along this short journey, I would say that you've been on but I mean, even Cobra Kai, luckily you've surrounded yourself with it's like Manny, gosh, Joe is in great company. This is really where you're supposed to be. This is the path that you should be on. Yeah, definitely

Joe Seo:

feel blessed. Definitely. It's not just because, you know, luck. And I'm just like, Yeah, I feel like, you know, there's a bigger higher power that helps me out. And definitely, I don't take any of these experiences for granted. And yeah, working with these legendary figures is, is great. But then I do want to keep working on myself and trying to get into ratios as well. I'll make my own footprints

Jason Connell:

on 2016. Same year, you were the lead in this movie, I guess, independent movie called spa night, you play David shells? So yes, I mean, you went from all these things led you to this leading part in this indie film. So I mean, tell me about

Joe Seo:

that. Yeah, that was one of the hardest roles that I had to take. It's, it dove into a lot of emotion, a lot of a lot of the stuff that comes out into film, the reason why this film was so important, is because sort of almost for the first time, like we got to see an Asian American family on the screen, like Joy Luck Club was there before, you know, like stuff like that. But I think this is like an actual Asian American, like, you know, American film, and to see it being portrayed this way. Yeah, I thought it was great. I read the script that Andrew wrote, he was the director of spa night. And he wrote this beautiful story about a coming of age, and also just the different types of small little dramas that this character one has to take in order to express himself. And I thought it was really tastefully done. The art in that project was, oh, my gosh, it could have been a billion, a million dollar film, like millions of dollar film, like the art, like I thought it was really well done. So like with something that money really can't buy, you have to be creative. And I think he did that. And Keiji into the DP, he also made that happen. His selected shots were just amazing. And through that, I was able to go to Sundance. And that's just another, you know, like, it might be independent film. But to me, this was a high budget film, in a sense, like, because man, you get to go to Sundance, it was so much so many accolades as well. And that's just a testament to the people that actually wrote the story like Andrew, and his expression I think he does definitely deserves a bigger platform to create more films. Because his his vision is completely different than tons of other people in Hollywood right now. And I think that's someone who is definitely needed.

Jason Connell:

And listen, having produced and directed 10 independent films independent is not a slight on a movie. It can be an incredible film, it doesn't matter the size of the budget, you have the team and the vision, and the wherewithal. So congrats to you guys for making it to Sundance and I'm sure you made it to America, if you got into Sundance, you played a lot of festivals. I know that

Joe Seo:

Oh, yeah. Yeah, we won awards that Sundance which follow up with awards and other festivals as well. And through that, I was able to travel to other places I've never been to and so great. Yeah, so spawn I was amazing.

Jason Connell:

And that probably pushed you on your way to I'm sure that did not hurt for you to land a role on Cobra Kai. Either you had been a lead you'd been in other movies. Well, I have to say that you're doing something very smart in your relationship building with some of these directors because guess what happens and I know this from being in the industry longer than you being a little bit older. But you build these relationships and when they need that person for that role, you've already got this, this directors already has you in their mind. So there's probably going to be some residual effects because of some of this. So you're doing it the right way.

Joe Seo:

Well, I hope so. I hope so. And hopefully I do a good enough job for them to remember. Yes, all I can hope for Right Is this for me to keep developing. Keep getting More work. And that's what I'm hoping for as well. It doesn't always have to be just an amazing American roll. It could be like any roll up. Hopefully I could just go in there and yeah, satisfy what the directors had in mind.

Jason Connell:

Absolutely. Well, now to bring it back to Cobra Kai. And by the way, they remembered you enough to bring it back for season three of Cobra Kai. So this is a step in the right direction.

Joe Seo:

I'm grateful. I'm super grateful. And yeah, I just wish I could be a bigger dick. Yeah, like make a bigger impact. I guess that's, that's my goal. Like I want to, like if they if they want Kyler in there among make sure you'll see Kyler you get what I'm saying? Yeah. So I'll try to bring it every time. So I want

Jason Connell:

to go through just a couple of scenes memorable scenes from Kyler. On Cobra Kai. So a couple things here. Tell me about the pool party at the looses the ill advised unauthorized pool party that Samantha throws but that looks like a fun shoot. I remind me when I was in high school or college like oh, yeah, that looks like a fun day. Yeah,

Joe Seo:

definitely a fun shoot. It was kind of cool, though. Yeah. So there were moments like when stunt guys were doing crazy flips and stuff in the pool. And oh, yeah. Yeah, definitely fun. I'm glad it came out. Well, it came up better than what I had envisioned. So credit to the directors.

Jason Connell:

Sure. Here they are, again, was the pool not hated. It

Joe Seo:

was kind of it was kind of worn by there's a lot of moments where we had to go in and then come out, which makes it even worse, like, but it's cool. It was fun. Definitely worth it. Because it came

Jason Connell:

out. Well, it did. And I also love the fact that everybody was borrowing Daniel's swimming trunks. It's kind of gross, but everybody was borrowing. Yeah, exactly.

Joe Seo:

He got the tightest source period, like, oh my gosh, it's so fun. Such a great character.

Jason Connell:

So we talked about the fight with Johnny. But what about the fight in the cafeteria that goes viral when Miguel finally has an aha moment that he can do these things kind of like a born film, and all this kind of muscle memory kicks in. But that was a super well choreographed and well executed fight. Same. Yeah,

Joe Seo:

credit goes to the hero son and a team. It's an Janelle they are their power couple. I just say they're a power couple, because they just dish out great choreography and makes it. It makes everything so fun. Yeah, they're brilliant. The writers are brilliant. And that's why you get this really show. I feel like and without them. Cobra Kai wouldn't really exist.

Jason Connell:

That wouldn't work. Probably no.

Joe Seo:

So like, like, even the cafeteria scene, it was envisioned by them. And it was definitely fun. And I don't know if anyone knows this. But the GIL show actually really hit me in the face. Really? Yeah, he really punched me in the face. Like, it was definitely fun.

Jason Connell:

Was that by accident? Of course. Well, sound I looked for that. And he's kind of a FIDE expert as well. So I'm like, what was the stunt person here? And I gotta say they do it. And if there are some stunts that it's seamless it is and then you just devolves you're actually getting hit some time. So because it looks super authentic from me, a viewer,

Joe Seo:

it was authentic for me. I hit the table. I did all that. Wow. It was fun. I grabbed shoulda bought a shirt. Drag them around. Yeah, there's some parts that were a little bit left out. But yeah, shoot, they got all of it?

Jason Connell:

Well, it's kind of cool, great job, and you're crediting them. And I'm also going to credit you and the other actors as well, because you have to perform those stunts to make it real. And it was and so very memorable. Indeed.

Joe Seo:

Thank you so much course, of course, yeah. I'm glad to felt like the two because that's kind of what started all the action sequences afterwards, as well, like in season two, you know, the long action sequences as well. So it kind of they kind of wanted to go, Okay, here's a cafeteria, which starts it and then let's go along with it.

Jason Connell:

They went big in the finale. I mean, you'll see as he's doing so you're saying the stakes keep getting raised?

Joe Seo:

You know, you know, they have to it's you know, son, he's not that let you down.

Jason Connell:

I have much faith. So here's a scene that's a much more intimate, smaller, same, but I always found it funny, Joe, and it's when you have dinner with the Russos there was something about that sequence. It was just so brilliant. Like talking about a fish out of water. First of all, I think Daniel assumes you're Japanese, because it's like hey know, you like sushi and

Joe Seo:

Asians in general. Like we love sushi, right? That was a 1,000% I think because I love sushi because who doesn't love sushi? I love sashimi more than sushi. I don't like rice in my soup, you know? I'd rather have just sashimi straight up. I even took the Toro after the shoot. I actually took you home and ate it. Really? Okay, because it's probably in total.

Jason Connell:

Like Kyler did not like that. He's a fish stick type

Joe Seo:

of fish they do. He likes the boozy stuff. You know. I mean, he likes Alaskan cod. Yeah. Here battered.

Jason Connell:

And then I liked that. Daniel was like, Oh, where are your parents from thinking they're from the old country? And what did you say? Which is so great. I think that's so funny. He nailed it. And it was hilarious. Because January's is so disappointed like, oh, man, I'm just not connecting with this guy. Great. Great dinner. Yeah, completely shut him down. He didn't know what to do. Yeah. That's good acting, that show can do that. It doesn't have to all be action packed. You can just have a little intimate scene that way. And it just works with the through line of the show.

Joe Seo:

I want to make it nonchalant to like, I didn't want to be like over to Yeah, I did not want to make that over to Todd. Because I think that's what a small bit of like, you know, humors you know, I mean, like, it's what you like, he just doesn't know how to be smooth. No. Like,

Jason Connell:

most people in that role are going to be on their best behavior to win over the parents for college is like oblivious to it. Like, nah, I don't want this and I want some fish sticks. And, you know, he's like a little brat. He's like, What? No, I don't want to do this. But you played it. Well, and good job. Thank you. One more. And I don't know if this is even a big one. But this might be the last time that I remember seeing Kyler but when you guys were at the canyon, and you kind of got party jumped by the people that went there earlier, and you will roll up with your friends and you see Hawkins like Annette, let's get out of here. And then you just bounced. I know that you had to play it that way. Of course, like you're scared, but was that the last time that Kyler was on the show? Or my Am I missing the same?

Joe Seo:

I think that was the last shoe of the entire season. Okay, and that was it season. Yeah, that was yeah, that was the last not just for carnivore for everyone. I think it was like one of the last few days in Atlanta. So like, um, yeah, it's, it was fun shooting that. We got to see our buys and everything. Definitely bittersweet moment.

Jason Connell:

Yeah, well, I also look like a party besides you playing Kyler and that one bit moment, which is kind of nice to see the arc. We start with Kyler the bully to Kyler avoiding conflict with the kid he bullied. It was kind of a nice closure to that. But it also looks like a party. Like when you're not shooting. It looks like a fun kind of festive thing much like the show and like a bunch of young kids together teenagers, if you will. How to be fun.

Joe Seo:

Yeah, the production. Yeah, they did like the art department. They did it well, like they added you know, beach balls they had they held the right things there to make it look like a party. And that day was cold. It was friggin cold. But they made it warm by adding a lot of color. Yeah, so credited the art department the wardrobe, because it just made it see the scene come alive. You know, I mean, yeah, it did. It. Absolutely did. Yeah. So I think to distract people from the lack of sunlight. Yeah, it is so nice from all the clothes and everything else. So definitely cool.

Jason Connell:

And it didn't make me miss the ocean like it had that been in the Karate Kid, we would have been at the ocean, that would have been the beach. But I didn't miss it. Because they really made that kind of a cool area I liked it was called the canyon. It was warm and inviting. So it really worked. It really worked well

Joe Seo:

as it appears. We're glad we got that.

Jason Connell:

That's awesome. All right. So lastly, Joe, I just got to pivot into your social media, a couple of things stood out and I want to bring up and if you want to say your Instagram handle, by all means do

Joe Seo:

sure my Instagram is Joe Joe's ta JOEJOESE Oh,

Jason Connell:

one of the first things that stood out was the Zoom read for what is love?

Joe Seo:

Yeah, that just happened. That actually just happened yesterday. And it's by these two amazing creators, Joe, Kevin Aw, and Kang. And they wrote up a story in Title what is love, and it ties into a lot of drama, and also romance and comedy. So it's all three of those really combined. And we had a read yesterday zoom read. And the reception so far was great. I want to be involved because the script was great. I thought it was refreshing. I thought it wasn't cheesy. So it was actually something great, you know, so hopefully this will fruit into something that we could see on Netflix or turned into a pilot or I don't know what they had in mind. But it's now are out there. And we've kind of see, like how this story can come out. What's your role in it? My role was Paul. Okay, which is the protagonist in this film? And he's not like, he's not a jerk. Okay, I can cover. Yeah. But yeah, he's just the, he's just a guy. He's a writer, and he's just trying to find is what love is to him, you know. And it's, it's fun. I think it's a really fun script. And it deals with family drama, and it feels deals with his own drama, that he has to be a little bit more aware of what love is to him.

Jason Connell:

And that's interesting. Well, I Good luck with that. That sounds really exciting to you. Thank you. It's funny how you play Kyler I'm getting to know you better now. Joe, the person Joe the actor. And it's interesting that your sensibilities are just so not what Kyler is its fact I could see you doing more drama work you seem to be and lots of things. You seem very multifaceted. But I could definitely see you doing some good work in that genre, if you will.

Joe Seo:

Thank you. Yeah. Whatever they have out for me, I'm willing to transform. You know, that's my job as an actor and yeah, Cobra Kai, I think has its merits. I think there's for Kyler is especially for Kyle's character, I really enjoy it. There's charm in his character. Nice, all that roughness. And also, I want to explore why he's like that, you know, and now I want to explore the reasons like, that's, that's something that I would love to see. And maybe for him, like, is there any hope that this guy could be someone they could root for? Yeah. You know, like, I want to explore that as well. We'll see where the creators go with it. Yeah, hopefully defense won't be disappointed.

Jason Connell:

That's well said. And thanks for sharing that because that's something I wanted to ask you. Where do you see the character going? And the reason I mentioned that a minute ago, because you're not the type of person is going to be typecast. You're not going to be a bully forever. I think the role of Kyler is amazing. And I like your idea of exploring him more. Because when I watch the show, I want to see the other side. He's charming and intriguing. And I want to see if there's any good in him as well. Much like since the crease, although I've kind of written him off to be honest. I don't know if there's any good neck, but I haven't given up on Kyler yet. So why since

Joe Seo:

a crease has his chart, no,

Jason Connell:

he's got I just don't trust him. You know, that's

Joe Seo:

the difference. Yeah, he's the definition of a cobra is right like

Jason Connell:

totally snake in the grass.

Joe Seo:

is great. You someone that yeah, enjoy working with as well. Oh, just amazing.

Jason Connell:

Yeah. Well, I loved seeing him pop up. And once upon a time in Hollywood, which is an incredible movie. It's like, oh my god, there is Martin Cove. And what a role of a lifetime to revisit, much like Ralph maggio and William Zabka. But Martin Cove was a small part of it. But yet his legend lived on is the Cobra Kai leader, and now he's back better than ever. It's really amazing to see,

Joe Seo:

gosh, the creators are great, right? Oh my gosh, they know how to press those buttons like they

Jason Connell:

absolutely did. You thought it's gonna be bad. Worse. Exactly. Alright, so next I see a movie that I'm very fond of also saw in the theater when we could still go to movies. And I was raving about it before a lot of the accolades happened. And to me, it was my second favorite movie last year, if once upon a time in Hollywood, and you have parasite, oh my gosh. And I saw that you, you know, have a shout out there. How incredible of a movie is

Joe Seo:

that? Josh? I'm jealous. I'm so jealous. Like to be I know, Director of poems, you know? Is he? Gosh, like ever since like, memories of a murder a watch that maybe 10 times, you know, at least 10 times and it's every time you're just done. And then he makes something like Paris. I'm just like, Yeah, of course, he's gonna make something like curl. So you know, but because we all knew everyone in Asia knows like, he was you know, is great. You know, like all his movies so far. But parasite, I thought it hit the right rhythm. I mean, like, timing was great, like Hollywood's having is Enlightenment movement, supposedly, we'll see. But it's, we're not there yet. But I thought this was a small token of appreciation of like, a good piece of art, just coming to the forefront, no matter what color is on screen, no matter what kind of language it's in. And to me that speaks volumes. So it encourages me as an Asian American actor. So we'll see like, I would love to see poets you know, start creating more things like that is more suppose a token like American like Marvel, I would love to see him create something Marvel. You know, like, I know he was Hi, I paint a completely different picture or even DC. And, you know, like, I think it'd be great, I think it'd be great for people to see different characters that we've all walked through grew up watching and see them in a different light, you know, like, a different vision. And that's something we really need. I feel like in Hollywood, instead of this stereotypical, okay, you know what's going to happen? You know how it's going to look? All right, the comedic timings, okay. You know, like, it's just so mundane, but I love what Bongiorno did. And the cadence in his filmmaking, editing. Everything is just, yeah, it's just a piece of art.

Jason Connell:

It really was, it was amazing to see it for that first time. It challenged me, it was so provocative, and I could not stop talking about it. And what an honor to become Best Picture wins the Oscar

Joe Seo:

absolutely huge. He said that it's like for him to be up there with Scorsese. In that at that level. Oh, my gosh, I mean, for him, it must be like over the moon, you know, I mean, yeah, because the only those are idols that he have always dreamed about. And now he's like, at that level, and I'm so proud of him as a complete trait. And, you know, as even just as a human being, maybe a few years back, he was, you know, having a hard time, like people that go into the arts, especially Asian Americans and Asians in general is just, you're shunned by your family. You're shunned by just a lot of people like that are close to you. So you really have to take that take that leap. You get what I mean, like to be on your own. And for even for someone that permission Oh, that you see, wow, he's great. He was always this great. No, there are times when he used to eat just ramen, you got you got like, No nicaise Ramen, like for dinner? And gosh, what a story. Right? So there's some that's something that's super encouraging to me. And, yeah, I would love to work with Director poems, you know, and make great art. Because I think more than money in his films, it's our aspect, which captures everyone.

Jason Connell:

Yeah. Well put that on your vision board, Joe, because you've already have all these things I can tell in motion and things you're looking for. And this, believe it, feel it. And someday you never know. And he's only going to keep making movies. We know that like fact, after you won an Oscar even more opportunity presents itself. So absolutely. And I can relate. Obviously, hardly anyone is at his level now. But we've all been struggling artists Trust me, I understand the ramen meals. And even though I'm American, Irish American, but American, it was still not the choice my family wanted me to do. So even though it's like, what is he doing? He's moving to California because he's good. Okay. And then you have to have some success or some level of success. And then it's like, oh, yeah, then they're your biggest cheerleaders. So I understand this journey quite well. Absolutely.

Joe Seo:

For all the people going through the arts, everybody in America and everywhere else in the world. It's definitely tough, but it just keep doing what you love. Right.

Jason Connell:

Love it. I love every minute of it. All right, last one. And this is a really high note for you, I believe high note for us both. How about those Los Angeles Dodgers?

Joe Seo:

Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. I was so stoked. I don't know if you saw there was a video. I was going around my scooter.

Jason Connell:

Yeah, I saw like fireworks going off everywhere. Is that the one? Oh, yeah. That's

Joe Seo:

all live like yeah, I was roaming around like with my scooter. And just filming people like right below the stadium. Yeah, just hanging around the hall. Like throughout like sunset and Cesar Chavez, like going up up to the Dodger Stadium area and is coming back down. Going through like, it's, it was surreal man. Surreal.

Jason Connell:

It was long overdue. Oh, yeah.

Joe Seo:

I was so happy. Gosh,

Jason Connell:

yeah. How about this, the Lakers and the Dodgers in the year of the pandemic? It's crazy.

Joe Seo:

I know what a crazy bad but great year right? And say it only happened in 2020.

Jason Connell:

But I just gotta say, Joe, it was an incredible pleasure to have you on today. Get to know you better. Talk about not just your career, but other things. Just you as a person, your ambitions, your sensibilities, how you view life a lot more than I expected. Oh, thank

Joe Seo:

you. Thank you, Jason. Hopefully people feel that way when they're watching season three.

Jason Connell:

We shall see Joe and Kyler they deviate a little bit. Joe, just FYI. Yeah. That's good. That's good acting again. I'd love to check in sometime down the road. You know, maybe after season three, season four who knows other things you're doing but love to reconnect and see what you're up to?

Joe Seo:

Well, just And thank you so much.

Jason Connell:

Sal, that was so much fun meeting with Joe. I learned so much about him. And I'm hopeful that our audience did as well it Jason,

Sal Rodriguez:

I'm proud of you for bringing up the fish sticks which he and I both know and love. I knew

Jason Connell:

he would appreciate that seeing the classic dinner with Lou Russo's one of my favorites with Kyler. Well, super excited to see him and season three, Sal. And hopefully we'll see Kyle's role begin to blossom again, like it did in season one.

Sal Rodriguez:

Well, yeah, because if you look at the trailer, he's standing in the back of Cobra Kai dojo, almost looking like he's going to join or at least auditing. I mean, who knows what he's doing. But he's there in the dojo and Hoxsey ism. So yeah, who seek to our listeners, Jason is very professional. He is a pro see me, I would have asked Joe, let me ask you off the record. Can you tell me this? Let me turn the microphones off. You know, just between you and me. I want the scoop. But no, Jason is not like that. He he respects the privacy. He respects the spoilage. He doesn't go there. So yeah, you got an honest person when you're dealing with Jason Connell.

Jason Connell:

I appreciate that. You're pretty honest to you're just, here's more nosy. I am nosy. Or maybe you just can't wait. You can't control your enthusiasm and that's okay. That's okay.

Sal Rodriguez:

Well, I don't like knowing that people know things that I don't know. I want to know too. I just want to know.

Jason Connell:

Well, I am super excited as I know you are as well for January 8, and then all of our questions will be answered.

Sal Rodriguez:

Yeah. Well, thanks, Joe. Thanks for coming on the let's talk Cobra Kai podcast.

Jason Connell:

Thank you so much for listening and we'd greatly appreciate it if you could subscribe rate and review us wherever you get your podcast. You can

Sal Rodriguez:

also follow us on social media at let's talk Cobra Kai and please message us if you have any comments or questions. If you'd like to become a

Jason Connell:

patreon supporter of the show, just search for let's talk Cobra Kai. And if you're just curious about our other shows, please visit just curious media.com

Sal Rodriguez:

No Mercy

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