When the news was announced that Avatar: The Last Airbender would be turned into a live-action series by Netflix, fans were hopeful. When original show creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko left due to creative differences, however, people began to worry again. Was Netflix going to make the same mistakes as the live-action film? Well, in terms of casting, the answer seems to be no.
Netflix announced the core cast of Avatar: The Last Airbender. Here are the official character descriptions:
- GORDON CORMIER (he/him) is AANG (12), a fearless and fun-loving twelve-year-old who just happens to be the Avatar, master of all four elements and the keeper of balance and peace in the world. An airbending prodigy, Aang is a reluctant hero, struggling to deal with the burden of his duties while still holding on to his adventurous and playful nature.
- KIAWENTIIO (she/her) is KATARA (14), a determined and hopeful waterbender, the last in her small village. Though only fourteen, she’s already endured great personal tragedy, which has held her back from rising to her true potential, though it’s never dimmed her warm and caring spirit.
- IAN OUSLEY (he/him) is SOKKA (16), Katara’s sardonic and resourceful 16-year-old brother. Outwardly confident, even brash, he takes his responsibility as the leader of his tribe seriously, despite his inner doubts over his warrior skills… doubts that he masks with his wit and deadpan sense of humor.
- DALLAS LIU (he/him) is ZUKO (17), a skilled firebender and the intense and guarded Crown Prince of the Fire Nation. Currently roaming the world in exile, he’s on an obsessive quest to capture the Avatar because he believes that is the only way to reclaim his life and live up to the demands of his cruel and controlling father, the Fire Lord.
Doesn’t look like much has changed, which is a positive sign. Now, as long as they don’t pronounce all their names wrong, we should be in the clear, right?
There’s no news yet when we can expect to see the live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender on Netflix.
