interview by JANA LETONJA

Tanner Buchanan stole the world’s attention in his breakout role in Netflix’s hit series ‘Cobra Kai’, which premiered the second part of its final season on 15th November. The third and final part will be coming in 2025. His previous roles include ‘He’s All That’, ‘How to Date Billy Walsh’, ‘Designated Survivor’, ‘Fuller House’ and ‘The Fosters’.

Part 2 of the final season of ‘Cobra Kai’ just premiered. How does it feel to be part of such a monumental series, and what can fans expect from Robby’s journey in these final episodes?

Honestly, I am speechless. I feel so honored to be part of such a legacy. I never expected any of this to happen, but am so grateful every single day that I get to be a part of this Karate Kid Universe. In these final episodes, people can expect Robby to truly step into his own and learn what he needs to do in order to be the person he has been fighting to be over the past 6 seasons.

top R. SWAIDER
ring DAVID YURMAN
bracelet and ring EDWARDIAN OBJECTS
earrings Talent’s own

Robby’s character has gone through so much growth since the start of the series. What was it like exploring his arc, and what were some of the biggest challenges in portraying his evolution?

It was so incredible to see and play Robby’s arc through this entire series. Robby is one of those complicated characters who really got to explore all the options in this world. It was always fun to see where the character was going every season because I knew that it would always be a surprise. I think the hardest part about it was finding the truth in what Robby was doing, and why he was doing certain things when he was on the Terry Silver and Kreese side of Cobra Kai. Figuring out why he felt he needed to be there and continue to train was definitely hard but fun.

full look KYLE’LYK
belt DSQUARED2

How did training in martial arts impact your approach to Robby’s character and the fight scenes on 'Cobra Kai'?

Our fighting greatly impacts every character on our show. We have an amazing stunt team all starting with our stunt coordinators Don Lee and Ken Barefield. Our stunts are such a big part of the show that it truly tells a story of where each character is in their journey. You can see this in who they have trained with, how aggressive or defensive they are fighting, what fighting styles they are currently using, etc. So much thought is put into each character and every single move they are doing for every fight. Without the stunt team, none of it would be possible.

With this being the final season, what were some of the most emotional or memorable moments on set for you?

I was a wreck this entire season. Every moment we would all go this is the last time we get to do this or that or just would sit there and take it in. This entire season was definitely one none of us will forget. Every moment was so memorable it feels like I will never forget it and will continue to tell stories from it forever. I will say every time someone would wrap out for the series, everyone would try to be there and every single time there were so many tears. It was so nice to see how much everyone cared about this show and how much love everyone has for each other.

full look ISABEL MARANT

What’s one key lesson you’ll take with you from your time on 'Cobra Kai', both professionally and personally?

I have learned so much on this set professionally and personally, but if there’s one overall take away, I think it’s just how to be yourself. Through the writing we have on our show, everyone, no matter what character, is always trying to find out how to be their truest and best selves. And honestly, getting to look at how these characters get through life and handle situations is a good way to reflect and decide how I would handle situations, how I would do something different, or even sometimes how I want my life to be. I have taken many lessons from this show and characters, and have applied it to my own life professionally and personally.

suit TOKYO JAMES
shoes ISABEL MARANT

You were discovered by your first agent at a dance competition. How did your background in dance influence your journey into acting and even your physicality in roles like Robby?

Dance has always been a huge part of my life. Dance is where I could truly go, perform and feel like I could be myself, so it was such an easy transition to acting when it happened because it felt like an extension of dance. In dance, I could not only express myself, but actually use words and movement to get my point across rather than just movement alone. It was still a learning curve at first as the two are very different, but felt natural. Dance has definitely helped with roles like Robby as our fighting is like dancing with a partner. It’s choreography and each person has to work with one another, and if one move is off, it messes up the entire dance.

jersey BTFL
trousers R. SWAIDER

You’re a dancer, martial artist, and actor - all skills that require dedication. How do you balance these interests, and do you think they all feed into each other?

It is definitely hard to balance work and life as I think many people would know. The lucky thing I get to experience though is that my job doesn't really even feel like work, it feels like something fun that I get to go in and feel lucky that I get to do everyday. That said, I have so much fun that sometimes I can forget about the other things I like to do, as acting will take up most of my focus. Finding the time to do the other things I love is important, just to be able to express myself in different ways and center myself. And who knows, maybe one of the skills will come in handy for a job one day.

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full look KYLE’LYK

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coat KYLE’LYK
skirt NAMACHEKO
boots ISABEL MARANT

As an avid motorcycle enthusiast, what draws you to riding, and do you think you’d ever want to bring that passion to a role?

Riding motorcycles is just one of those freeing experiences you can’t really get anywhere else. Riding to me is a place where I can clear my head and breathe and just feel lighter. It’s weird because as focused as you have to be when riding, for me it feels like meditation almost. It’s such an odd thing to be able to explain, but that’s what it is, riding is my meditation time. I would love to play a role in which a character would center around riding for sure. I got a taste of that in 'How To Date Billy Walsh', but would definitely love to experience more of that.

top CECILE TULKENS
sunglasses VERSACE
earrings Talent’s own

Where do you see yourself in five to ten years? Are there specific milestones or personal goals you’re hoping to achieve in your career?

I think the main goal for the next 5 to 10 years is to be able to just do good work. As long as I’m doing good work and continuing to have fun while doing it, that’s the most important thing. I would love to get into producing more as well. Over the past couple years, I’ve taken a liking to what’s going on behind the camera. I’ve tried to learn as much as I can across every department while I’m on sets, so I can fully understand what is happening every little step of the way. How sets run, how everyone comes together and makes something work, is just so cool to me. To be able to produce, to get to be one of the first few people who starts with an idea, then ushers it through the whole process, all the way to audiences seeing it on screens, is just so cool.

coat and trousers TOKYO JAMES
top R. SWAIDER
boots ISABEL MARANT

With ‘Cobra Kai’ wrapping up, what’s next for you? Are there any genres or roles you’re excited to explore as the next chapter of your career unfolds?

Right now, I’m looking to do something different, something that people have never seen me as before. I want to dive deeper into both sides of comedy and drama, and find those characters that are unique. I want to find something that I can really shock audiences and the Industry with, and prove that I am capable of anything thrown my way.

TEAM CREDITS:
talent TANNER BUCHANAN
photography MEKHI TURNER
styling AVO YERMAGYAN
grooming SONIA LEE for EXCLUSIVE ARTISTS using BALMAIN HAIR
editor TIMI LETONJA
editorial director & interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN

IN CONVERSATION WITH TANNER BUCHANAN

IN CONVERSATION WITH JOHN KIM

IN CONVERSATION WITH JACK INNANEN