Announced a few years ago, Netflix’s live-action series remake of Avatar: The Last Airbender has been flying under the radar. And perhaps it should’ve stayed there, because now that a cast announcement has been made, it’s riled up questions as to why this project needs to exist at all, and a reminder the original creators disliked what they saw enough to quit. The anime is just as beloved as ever, and M. Night Shyamalan’s attempt at a movie is best left forgotten.
Well now showrunner Albert Kim (Sleepy Hollow) is here to tell you why this version of Avatar must happen, penned in an open letter (since deleted by Netflix) to fans. Kim’s statements come with a reveal of the full cast which includes Gordon Cormier as Aang, Kiawentiio as Katara, Ian Ousley as Sokka, and Dallas Liu as Zuko. Chances are you don’t know any of these folks.
“My first thought was, ‘Why? What is there I could do or say with the story that wasn’t done or said in the original?’” admitted Kim. “‘A:TLA’ had only grown in popularity and acclaim over the last decade and a half, which is a testament to how complete and resonant a narrative experience it had been. So if it ain’t broke, why fix it?”
Kim added, “A live-action version would establish a new benchmark in representation and bring in a whole new generation of fans. 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.”
Having no particular affinity for Avatar: The Last Airbender, this situation doesn’t mean much to me. But I know it has legions of fans out there who will be watching this show like a hawk. At least Kim is coming at it from a place of recognition about things that worked and probably don’t need to be messed with, and things that didn’t and should be reimagined.
Check out a more detailed character breakdown below:
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.
