Jacket by Adler
Sweater by Black Brown
Pants by Brooks Brothers

You might have seen actor Patrick Luwis appear in projects such as The Dropout (alongside Amanda Seyfried) and instant international sensation Barbie (starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling). However, the Washington DC native has now made a name for himself as bad boy Axel Kovacevic in Netflix’s well-loved Karate Kid sequel series, Cobra Kai. Below, Luwis divulges his experience playing such an interesting and multifaceted character, what makes Cobra Kai so special, and who he is outside of work.

Jacket by Photographer’s Own
Sweater by Naadam
Pants by Stan Ray
Shoes by Doc Martens

You’ve mentioned that you started acting after taking a college course to fulfill a requirement. What clicked for you at that moment?
It’s not a super exciting answer, but I just couldn’t believe how much fun I was having. I’d had a lot of hobbies and interests up to that point, but nothing stood out to me quite the way acting did. I also knew I really liked it because it was something I was immediately willing to put the work in to excel at, and I couldn’t get enough of it.

If you hadn’t happened upon your love of acting, what do you think you’d be doing now?
It’s hard to say, I’ve always loved animals and being outside, so maybe something in environmental studies or trying to be like Steve Irwin. I also considered going to culinary school at one point. I really like structure, so I could see myself doing something stable and just focusing my energy when I’m not working on things I enjoy / spending time with family and friends. Acting makes for a pretty unpredictable, yet exciting and adventurous life, so if I didn’t want to do this job I imagine I would’ve gone for something more relaxed.

Vest by Marks & Spencer
Pants by Levi's
Shoes by Kenneth Cole

What has been the biggest learning curve you’ve faced in your time as an actor?
I’ve really had to learn how to be patient and trust that perseverance and hard work will pay off. And that on the other side of struggle is usually something great. It’s not easy to do in a business where you can think of a million reasons why you should give up or do something more practical, but when it’s important to you, and you love it, you can always find a way to make it work!

You said the cast of Cobra Kai was immediately welcoming and open; do you have any favorite memories from your time filming with them all?
Filming the initial fight scenes of the Sekai Tekai tournament. It was such a blast having everyone in one arena for filming, all the different dojos, the stunts team, crew etc. I loved being surrounded by so many cool people - felt like a big party! Also, the time I spent in Barcelona was incredible. Going to all the amazing landmarks and being able to film in such a beautiful location was a really awesome experience.

Axel is a bit of an enigma; how did you figure out an approach to the character and what makes him himself?
I obviously had the context and understanding of where Axel was headed as a character. Then based on that information and what I had in the scripts, I created a backstory for him. Once I understood who the character was from an outside perspective, I just started to draw on parts of myself where I could find similarities and I really leaned into those and almost exaggerated them to develop him. Axel obviously has a few layers to him so I really enjoyed being able to dive into the different sides of him, the two main being: Axel the fighter and Axel the vulnerable/socially awkward person. In my experience, you learn so much and discover as you go.

How do you think it would go if you met him in real life?
It’d be interesting, haha. I imagine the conversation would be short because he is a man of few words. My goal would be to get him to laugh.

Now that the final group of episodes are finally out, what can you say about the ending of this iconic franchise?
I’m very pleased with how they wrapped up the story and the characters. I’m incredibly honored to have been a part of it, and so thankful to all of the fans who give it so much meaning! I hope the Karate Kid / Cobra Kai universe stays alive in one way or another.

What do you think makes Cobra Kai so special and has created such a fanbase?
I think the fact that the fan base spans generations. The fans could be 10 years old, or 50 years old, or even 70 years old, and you typically don’t see that with shows. I also think people are so excited to see the way these iconic characters from the Karate Kid reprised their roles and continued a story that’s been influential to so many people. The show maintains that nostalgia, but also brings new exciting characters and storylines for people of all ages. It’s a great blend of humor and heartfelt.

Do you have a scene from any project that sticks out to you as one you’re especially proud of?
I’m especially proud of the fight I did with Xolo (Miguel) in episode 14 of season 6. I had just finished shooting the entire fight with Robby (Tanner) the day before, and then I had to prepare this massive fight with so many beats in less than 24 hrs, and somehow we were able to do it. I’m super pleased with how it turned out!

What would be your dream role?
It’s hard to say! I’m at a point in my career where I’m really just open to whatever is thrown at me. You can’t plan much anyway in this line of work, and sometimes a role can surprise you. I never knew how much Axel would mean to me when I first got the audition for the role. But if I had to pick at least a genre, I know I’d love to do more comedy!

What’s something about you that you’ve never been asked about and would like to share? A passion, secret talent, favorite hobby, or fun fact?
I haven’t done it in a little while, but I love fly fishing. I was really into it for several years, but wasn’t able to go as often when I moved out to LA. It’s one of my favorite and one of the most meditative hobbies I’ve ever had. I’m looking forward to making more time for it!

CREW CREDITS:
Talent: Patrick Luwis
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz
Photographer: Aaron Jay Young
Groomer: Danni Katz at TMG
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Logan Dutra, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine

Patrick Luwis, Cobra Kai’s Axel Kovacevic