Cobra Kai co-creator reveals why ‘unique’ Chad McQueen never appeared on the show

Screenwriter recalled spending afternoon with late ‘Karate Kid’ actor

Chad McQueen pictured in 2005 (Getty Images)

Cobra Kai co-creator Jon Hurwitz has revealed why Chad McQueen never appeared on the show despite attempts to make it work.

It was announced on Friday (13 September) that McQueen, best known for playing the bully Dutch in the Karate Kid movie franchise and son of the actor Steve McQueen, died on Wednesday at his California home aged 63.

Sharing a tribute online, Hurwitz reflected on spending time with McQueen when the actor was considering reprising his character Dutch in the Karate Kid sequel series, Cobra Kai.

Writing on X/Twitter, the screenwriter said he had the “honour” of spending an afternoon with the “Karate Kid legend” – and explained why McQueen’s role in the series eventually fell through.

“Dutch may have been the purest Cobra of them all,” Hurwitz began. “Merciless 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 appear on the show. And it almost happened a couple of times. Chad was torn. His racing injuries limited his capabilities, but he loved the idea of playing again with his pal, @william_zabka. They had so much fun together while making Karate Kid.”

Chad McQueen as the villain character Dutch in ‘Karate Kid’ (Columbia Pictures)

Hurwitz said that ahead of the sixth season of Cobra Kai, word got out that McQueen was interested in joining the show – and Hurwitz went to visit him.

“I drove out to his ranch to meet him in person for the very first time,” wrote Hurwitz. “He and his family greeted us warmly. He was as unique and hilarious as we’d heard from Billy all these years.”

The co-creator was taken on a tour of the actor’s property and was shown “the most incredible” racing and film memorabilia.

“We left Chad’s place excited and determined to make Dutch’s return special,” he recalled. “And yes, we dropped his name in episode 602 partly to keep him fresh 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 young Jon, Josh, and Hayden’s minds.”

However, Hurwitz said that when it came to shooting the scenes, McQueen was unable to attend.

Chad McQueen attends a photocall for ‘Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans’ at Cannes in 2015 (Getty Images)

“At the end of the day, it wasn’t meant to be,” he wrote. “But Dutch will always be remembered as a badass in the Miyagiverse. He kicked ass. 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 exceptional talent but also served as a way to honour his father’s legacy, a testament to the values instilled in him.”

They continued: “He passed his passion, knowledge and dedication down to us and we will continue not only his legacy but our grandfather’s as well.”

McQueen’s lawyer Arthur Barens confirmed to TMZ that he died of organ failure at his ranch in Palm Springs.

While the actor is best known for his role in the Karate Kid films, he went on to appear in movies like Fever Pitch in 1985, New York Cop in 1993, Red Line in 1995, Papertrail in 1998, Fall: The Price of Silence in 2001, and won a Telly Award for his documentary Filming at Speed.

He also produced the documentaries I Am Steve McQueen and Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans, about his father.

His auto racing career saw him compete in events like the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 12 Hours of Sebring, and founded McQueen Racing in 2010, which creates custom cars, motorcycles, and accessories.

While racing professionally, he suffered a near-fatal crash in 2006 while practising for the Daytona International Speedway’s Rolex 24 event.

He survived a broken lower leg and multiple vertebrae and rib fractures, but the crash ended his professional racing career.

Sean Kanan, who played Mike Barnes in The Karate Kid Part III and Cobra Kai, paid tribute to McQueen on social media, saying: “He made an unforgettable impression on the Karate Kid universe. Wishing his family strength and peace during this difficult time. RIP Chad.”