POPSUGAR UK

We're Finally Getting the Live-Action Series of Avatar: The Last Airbender That We Deserve

12/08/2021 - 10:45 PM

After the last live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender, aka 2010's divisive M. Night Shyamalan film, we weren't sure there'd ever be another attempt. Netflix first announced its live-action series adaptation [1] back in 2018, however, the original show creators later exited [2] the project due to a deal with ViacomCBS. Thankfully, the streaming service has finally managed to get its flying bison off the ground as it now has Sleepy Hollow's Albert Kim serving as showrunner, and on Aug. 12, the official cast was revealed.

"Authenticity is what keeps us going [3], both in front of the camera and behind it, which is why we've assembled a team unlike any seen before," Kim said in a blog post [4]. "This was a chance to showcase Asian and Indigenous characters as living, breathing people. Not just in a cartoon, but in a world that truly exists, very similar to the one we live in." The new series is set to reimagine and expand the story seen in the original Nickelodeon cartoon, which first premiered in 2005. As we wait for more details, like whether or not the cabbage merchant will make an appearance, you can check out the cast ahead.

Gordon Cormier as Aang

After spending 100 years frozen in ice, 12-year-old Aang discovers the world is not as he left it. Although he's the Avatar and master of all four elements, Aang is still a kid and struggles with his duties and bringing balance to the world. "Wow! I'm so honoured to be casted [6] as the legendary Aang in Netflix's live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender! Yip yip," Gordon Cormier's caption on Instagram read. "Meet my new friends @kiawentiio, @ianlousley, @dallas_liu. It's going to be a crazy ride!" Cormier's first major role was as Joe on Stephen King's The Stand, so we can't wait to see what he will do as Aang.

Kiawentiio as Katara

The last waterbender in her village, 14-year-old Katara is the no nonsense leader of their small group. With roles as Ka'kwet on Anne with an E and Peacock's Rutherford Falls, Kiawentiio is extremely excited to take over as Katara. "It's official!! I'm excited to share that I've been cast as Katara in Netflix's live action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender!! I know you all have been waiting, thank you for all the love," she she shared on Instagram [7].

Ian Ousley as Sokka

16-year-old Sokka is not only Katara's older brother, but he also serves as the comedic relief for the group. Ousley is no stranger to Netflix as he previously starred as Robby Corman on 13 Reasons Why [8]. "I can NOT believe it [9] but I've been cast as Sokka!! in @netflix live action adaptation of avatar the last air bender," he said in a post on Instagram. "So I'm gonna be checked out for the rest of the day. just CHILLIN and sipping my cactus juice. (it's the quenchiest)."

Dallas Liu as Zuko

We wonder if the antagonistic relationship between Zuko and Katara is going to be one of the storylines the series expands upon. As the exiled crown prince of the Fire Nation, Zuko will stop at nothing to find the Avatar and regain his father's love. Liu certainly has the broody teen role down thanks to his portrayal of Shuji Ishii-Peters on PEN15 [10] and the teenage version of Shang-Chi in Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.


Source URL
https://www.popsugar.co.uk/entertainment/netflix-avatar-last-airbender-has-found-its-cast-48460421