Netflix is bringing the cult-favorite animated show, Avatar: The Last Airbender into live-action which is set to premiere this month. Given the influence this show had on the audience, fans could not help but compare the live-action cast with the animated counterparts. This is especially considering that a live-action attempt previously has left fans disappointed, especially with the casting.
While it’s yet too early to decide the fate of the upcoming show, let’s dive into the live-action cast members who are bringing animated characters to the screen.
Aang
Aang is the titular character, the last airbender who is also the current incarnation of Avatar (who can control all four elements: air, water, earth, and fire). While the character is free-spirited and fun-loving, he is responsible for bringing balance to the world. In the Netflix series, Gordon Cormier is playing the protagonist, strikingly similar to the original animated character. With a signature blue arrow on his forehead and a two-toned orange outfit, Cormier’s portrayal is surely one of the highlights of the upcoming series.
Katara
Netflix has cast Canadian actor, Kiawentiio Tarbe to play the animated character, Katara in the live-action series, Avatar: The Last Airbender. She is the last remaining water-bender from the Southern Water Tribe who is one of the powerful animated characters from the show. Having mastered water-bending skills at the age of 15, she also taught Aang her art while he was learning earthbending simultaneously.
Given that she is quite protective of her people, the live-action show has inculcated her traits in Tarbe’s portrayal, even making her look similar to the show. However, her outfit is a little different from the animated show, showcasing a more detailed work on her furry cloak.
Sokka
Sokka is Katara’s older brother, who assumes the role of the Southern Water Tribe leader, is the one who discovers the presence of the Avatar along with his sister. Despite having self-doubt, he strives to be a better warrior to perform his responsibilities seriously. Along with Katara, he embarks on a quest with Aang to help him master all four elements and defeat the Fire Lord Ozai. Ian Ousley took on the character however his version looks quite different from the animated series at least when it comes to his costume.
Prince Zuko
Dallas Liu is portraying the role of Crown Prince of the Fire Nation and son of Fire Lord Ozai, Zuko. While the Crown Prince is a skilled firebender, he yearns to be acknowledged by his father and reclaim his place after his cruel father exiled him.
To achieve his goals, he believes that hunting down the Avatar is his only way, which leads him to cross paths with Aang. Once again, the streaming giant remained close to the source material by featuring the same burn scar that covers his left eye. Not just that, Liu is also donning the same top knot hairstyle that the animated character wore in the first season.
Fire Lord Ozai
Just like in the animated show, the leader of the Fire Nation is shown as a cruel power-hungry ruler who is keen on dominating the world. While the live-action portrayal ( played by Daniel Dae Kim) features a different costume than the original source, the show has meticulously made changes, creating a spectacular look.
Uncle Iroh
Iroh is Fire Lord Ozai’s brother and Zuko’s uncle who accompanies his nephew on his journey to hunt down the Avatar.
While his nephew is quite hot-headed, he is the complete opposite of Zuko providing a great sense of harmony and comic relief on the show. His facial features have been adapted in live-action by actor, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee.
Azula
Azula is a ruthless younger sister of Zuko, who is hellbent on securing her place as the Fire Nation throne heir. Elizabeth Yu, who played the supporting role in May December is playing the role of cunning sociopath.
Suki
Last but not least, the live-action series has done a commendable job of staying true to its source material for Suki’s role. Maria Zhang took on the role of Suki, the leader of an all-female fighters group called the Kyoshi Warriors. Her makeup look in live-action is quite detailed which has surely impressed the cult fans.
Fans will soon be able to compare the characters in more detail as Avatar: The Last Airbender is slated to premiere on February 22, 2024, on Netflix.
