KARATE KID BAD BOY DOES GOOD

THE SEAN KANAN STORY

Written By Allen Woodman / Photography by Mario Prado

In the creation of cinematic villains, few have left as lasting an impression as Mike Barnes from "The Karate Kid Part III."

Portrayed by the talented Sean Kanan, Barnes is the quintessential bad boy of the franchise, a character who embodies the darker side of competition and rivalry in the martial arts world.

His fierce demeanor and relentless ambition made him a memorable antagonist, but it’s Kanan’s recent reprisal of the role in the hit series "Cobra Kai" that has truly reshaped the character’s legacy.

"The Karate Kid Part III" was released in 1989, Mike Barnes was the embodiment of everything Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) had to overcome. As a fierce competitor trained by the notorious Terry Silver, Barnes was ruthless and cunning, determined to crush LaRusso’s spirit and secure victory at all costs.

When Kanan’s portrayal brought a level of intensity to the character that resonated with audiences, cementing Barnes as one of the franchise's most iconic villains. Yet, the world of "Cobra Kai" is not merely a continuation of old rivalries; it’s a re-examination of characters and their journeys.

As the series progressed, fans were thrilled to see Kanan return as Mike Barnes, but this time, the story delves deeper into his character, revealing complexities that were previously unexplored.

Barnes is no longer just the arrogant bully from the past; he’s a multi-faceted character who grapples with his past mistakes and seeks redemption.

The series artfully blends nostalgia with modern storytelling, allowing viewers to see a different side of Barnes. He becomes a mentor figure, aiding the students of the Miyagi-Do Karate school as they prepare for the prestigious Sekai Taikai competition.

This unexpected plotline turn adds depth, showcasing how time and experience can lead to growth and transformation.

Kanan’s performance shines in this new light, balancing Barnes’ darker undertones with a genuine desire to help the next generation of martial artists. His journey reflects a broader theme within "Cobra Kai" that people can change, and that redemption is always within reach if one is willing to confront one's past.

In an In-Depth Interview with International Martial Arts Magazine, Sean Kanan shared insights into his portrayal of Mike Barnes and the character’s evolution Kanan also discusses his diverse career, which spans multiple soap opera appearances, various film roles, producing, and author of several books

IMAMAG: First, thank you for sitting with us live and sharing your incredible story.

SK: It’s an honor for me to appear in this magazine, and it’s great to be a part of the worldwide Martial arts community.

IMAMAG: Your role as Mike Barnes is an Iconic role that brought you fame and success. How did you land that role.

SK: It was such an honor for me to get the role at the time and I am grateful that the producers hired me for the part, but it took a couple of auditions to get the role for me. At one point I didn’t think I was going to get it however a last-minute call from the producer finally landed me the part. It has been an incredibly fun ride.

IMAMAG: Well, we at IMAMAG are glad they made the right choice How did it feel to come back to the role after so many years on the new series Cobra Kai?

SK: Returning to the role of Mike Barnes was an incredible opportunity, The writers did a phenomenal job of taking a character who was once a one-dimensional villain and giving him layers. It’s a testament to how people can grow and evolve, which is a central theme of ‘Cobra Kai.’”

IMAMAG: Can you tell us about your relationship with your co-stars, especially Ralph Macchio and William Zabka?

SK: I have a great relationship with Ralph and Billy. I’ve known Billy since probably 1988, well before I did The Karate Kid III. I’ve had to wait all these years for us to be able to work together Billy is an incredibly humble, funny, and great guy, and he’s a terrific actor one of the things that was a huge gift from my time on Cobra. Kai was the opportunity they gave me to reintroduce myself to RALPH effectively. When we first met, I was a 21-year-old kid, and now, 35+ years later, we have a lot more in common than simply the Miyagi verse

IMAMAG: How is your current relationship with Ralph Machio (Daniel Larusso) and Billy Zabka (Johnny)?

SK: Ralph and I are both committed husbands and fathers. Ralph is extremely down-to-earth and considerate. Most recently, he was kind enough to write a blurb for my newest book, Way of the COBRA Couples. When you ’ re with Ralph and Billy, you would never know that they are two internationally famous stars. I’m truly happy for their success, and it couldn’t happen to two more admirable guys.

IMAMAG: What was the most rewarding part of reprising your role in Cobra Kai?

SK: The opportunity to reprise my role 35 years later presented a unique opportunity to show evolution in the character.

SK: When you play a role, it’s not often 35 years later that you get another bite at the apple. And if I’m being completely honest, which is what I always strive for, the fact that the show has become a global sensation didn't hurt.

IMAMAG: How do you balance your acting career with your other ventures, such as writing and producing?

SK: Generally, I tend to act in almost all the projects in which I write and produce. Although wearing multiple hats professionally does require me to work long hours, I’m doing something that I love.

My wife, Michele is my producing partner and she’s a tremendous asset to anything I do and is the next best thing to cloning myself. Actually, I’m going to amend that last sentence. She’s better than just having a clone of myself.

SK: “Every role I take on teaches me something new. Mike Barnes is a character that challenges me to explore the darker aspects of human nature while also seeking redemption.”

IMAMAG: Can you share any upcoming projects or plans you ’ re excited about?

SK: Next year will mark the 25th anniversary of my beginning the role of Deacon Sharpe on The Bold and the Beautiful. It’s hard to believe. I’m involved with several other projects that are already underway and look forward to sharing them with everyone as soon as possible.

My fifth book has just been released and co-authored with my wife, Michele. It’s the third installment in the Way of the COBRA franchise called Way of the COBRA Couples. It’s a fantastic book about relationships, written from two perspectives. Whether you ’ re looking to take your relationship to the next level or are single and ready to find the right partner, this book will be indispensable. For anyone unfamiliar with the books, they are structured that I’m the sensei, and you ’ re in my dojo.

IMAMAG: Thank you for your time and your down-to-earth answers. We appreciate you and the legacy that you leave behind you as you pursue your future endeavors. We wish you all the best.

As we part from Sean Kanan we are left with an incredible story and wonderful memories.

His experience in the entertainment industry has equipped him with the skills to tackle complex characters, and he brings that depth to Barnes.

As "Cobra Kai" prepares to air its final season in early 2024, fans are eager to see how the story will conclude

The culmination of Barnes’ arc, intertwined with the journeys of other beloved characters, promises to deliver a gripping finale that honors the legacy of the original films while paving the way for new narratives.

Kanan’s portrayal of Mike Barnes has evolved from a teenage villain to a complex figure grappling with his past, embodying the series' theme of redemption

As the final credits roll on "Cobra Kai," viewers will not only remember the legacy of Mike Barnes but also appreciate the journey of a character who has come full circle.

Thus, Kanan's return as Mike Barnes proves that growth is possible, even for the most unlikely heroes. In the end, Kanan’s return as Mike Barnes celebrates character development, nostalgia, and the enduring spirit of martial arts, leaving an indelible mark on fans old and new.

As we look forward to the conclusion of this iconic series, one thing is certain: the legacy of Mike Barnes will continue to inspire and resonate for years to come.