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Cobra Kai Co-creator Jon Hurwitz has revealed why Chad McQueen never appeared in the show despite all attempts to make it possible.
It was announced on Friday (September 13) that McQueen, best known for playing bully Dutch in the Karate Kid film series and son of actor Steve McQueen, died at his home in California on Wednesday at the age of 63.
Hurwitz shared a tribute online, recalling the time he spent with McQueen when the actor was considering reprising his role as Dutch in the Karate Kid sequel series. Cobra Kai.
In a post on X/Twitter, the screenwriter wrote that he had the “honor” of spending an afternoon with the “Karate Kid legend” – and explained why McQueen’s role in the series ultimately fell through.
“Dutch was perhaps the purest Cobra of them all,” Hurwitz began. “Ruthless and dangerous through and through. That’s what we loved about him. And it was all because of Chad McQueen’s performance.”
“We always wanted Chad McQueen to be on the show. And it almost happened a few times. Chad was torn. His racing injuries limited his abilities, but he loved the idea of acting with his buddy @william_zabka again. They had so much fun together when they were filming Karate Kid.”
Hurwitz said that before the sixth season of Cobra Kai, word got around that McQueen was interested in working on the series – and Hurwitz visited him.
“I drove to his ranch to meet him in person for the first time,” wrote Hurwitz. “He and his family greeted us warmly. He was as unique and hilarious as we had heard about Billy all these years.”
The co-creator was given a tour of the actor’s estate and shown the “most incredible” racing and film memorabilia.
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“We left Chad’s apartment excited and determined to make Dutch’s return special,” he recalled. “And yes, we dropped his name in part in episode 602 to keep him in the audience’s mind. We wrote a scene for him much later in the season. Dutch was still badass. The scene had pathos. It would have blown the minds of young Jon, Josh and Hayden.”
However, Hurwitz said that McQueen was unable to be present during the filming of the scenes.
“In the end, it wasn’t meant to be that way,” he wrote. “But Dutch will always be remembered in the Miyagiverse as a badass. He showed it to everyone. He hated Danielle. And he loved riding bikes with his boys.”
McQueen’s wife Jeanie and children Chase and Madison announced the actor’s death on social media, writing: “His passion for racing not only highlighted his extraordinary talent, but was also a way to honor his father’s legacy, a testament to the values instilled in him.”
They continued: “He has passed on his passion, knowledge and dedication to us and we will continue not only his legacy but that of our grandfather as well.”
McQueen’s lawyer Arthur Barens confirmed to TMZ that he died of organ failure on his ranch in Palm Springs.
While the actor is best known for his role in the Karate Kid films, he later appeared in films such as Fever height in 1985, New York police officer in 1993, Red line in 1995, Paper trail in 1998, Autumn: The price of silence in 2001 and won a Telly Award for his documentary Filming at high speed.
He also produced the documentaries I am Steve McQueen And Steve McQueen: The Man and Le Mansabout his father.
During his racing career, he took part in events such as the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 12 Hours of Sebring and in 2010 founded McQueen Racing, which produces custom cars, motorcycles and accessories.
While training as a professional racer for the Rolex 24 race at Daytona International Speedway in 2006, he nearly suffered a fatal accident.
He survived a broken lower leg and several broken vertebrae and ribs, but the accident ended his career as a professional racing driver.
Sean Kanan, who played Mike Barnes in Karate Kid III And Cobra Kaipaid tribute to McQueen on social media, saying: “He left an unforgettable mark on the Karate Kid universe. I wish his family strength and peace during this difficult time. RIP Chad.”
