Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender is a live-action adaptation series of the original animated series from 2005. Revolving around the story of Aang the Avatar, who needs to master the four elemental powers to fight and save the world at war, it stars Gordon Cormier, Kiawentiio Tarbell, Ian Ousley, Dallas James Liu, and Elizabeth Yu.
While Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, who starred in The Mandalorian (2019) and Kim’s Convenience (2016), played General Iroh in The Last Airbender, reportedly got a minimal salary for every episode. The South Korean-born Canadian actor and television host is best known for his roles as Randy Ko in Train 48 (2003–2005) and as family patriarch Appa in the play Kim’s Convenience (2011) and its television adaptation (2016–2021).
What Was Paul Sun-Hyung Lee’s Per Episode Salary in Avatar: The Last Airbender?
The live-action adaptation of the animated television series Avatar: The Last Airbender was released on 22 February 2024 on Netflix, with a total of eight episodes. Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, who has already been in some notable films and shows, got a comparatively low salary in Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Lee referred to General Iroh as playing a major role in “shaping the journey of Zuko” rather than as a main character. However, the actor did acknowledge how the original animated series fanbase loved Iroh. Talking to The Wrap about the magnitude of the character, Lee said:
“There was a big desire to not mess this one up. He’s a beloved character. He’s an iconic character and one that a lot of people draw a lot of comfort from and inspiration from. I didn’t take that task lightly.”
While, other stars in the live-action adaptation like Gordon Cormier as Avatar Aang, and Kiawentiio as Katara, received $45,000 and $35,000 per episode respectively, Sun-Hyung Lee was paid $20,000 per episode, per Showbizgalore.
Paul Sun-Hyung Lee has a Flourishing Career
Born in South Korea, Lee was brought to Canada when he was just three months old for a better life. He started planting his interest in acting when he got admitted to the University of Toronto. Initially, he did not get his father’s support as his brother, who was also an actor, died in poverty. However, after getting his first big paycheck, Lee gave it to his parents.
In 2020, he appeared as Captain Carson Teva in The Mandalorian. He reprised the role in The Book of Boba Fett Chapter 5: Return of the Mandalorian. He also appeared in the 2022 revival of The Kids in the Hall. In 2023, he returned as Carson Teva in The Mandalorian Season 3 episodes The Pirate and The Return. He also appears in Ahsoka as Captain Carson Teva.
In his career, Lee has won several awards, including three for Best Actor in a Comedy Series for his portrayal of the character Appa in the TV series Kim’s Convenience. In 2023, Lee was awarded the National Arts Centre Award at the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards.
Avatar: The Last Airbender is streaming on Netflix.
