Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender received mixed reviews from fans and critics, and while the series introduced fresh concepts that are somehow different from the animated series, it still made sure to bring back beloved characters.
One of which is King Bumi played by Utkarsh Ambudkar. The figure is known for being the eccentric earth-bending king of Omashu, so it definitely took the actor and his makeup team quite some time to transform his look.
King Bumi Actor Wants Fans To Give Avatar: The Last Airbender A Chance
While speaking with CBR last 2022, Utkarsh Ambudkar revealed how long he had to sit down and watch his army of makeup artists change his appearance into King Bumi.
“It was like six hours in a chair transforming into King Bumi, and I think people are really gonna be pleased when they see the series.”
However, people gave mixed reactions, but the actor has one note for everyone who feels like doubting the series or even the cast members. In his conversation with Cinemablend, Ambudkar told the outlet:
“Gordon [Cormier, who plays Aang] showed up, [he] gave 110%, [he] rehearsed with me, he and I were like gassing each other up supporting each other, like that whole crew was just, Kiawentiio [who plays Katara] and Ian [Ousley, who plays Sokka], very sweet, lovely young people who really give a s—t.”
The actor asked the audience to give the series a chance. In his years working in the industry, he knows the struggle of not being able to live up to fans’ expectations, but since most of the cast members are youngsters, it’s difficult for Ambudkar to see them get bashed by people.
“People say, whatever, nasty things about me and the show. I can take it. But I hope people know how hard these young people worked to achieve something that is epic in scale. And truly blood, sweat, and tears effort.”
Finally, he pleaded to the viewers to show some love for Gordon Cormier who leads Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender.
“Give our boy Gordon his flowers and let him live, because he is playing an iconic character. It’s his first real role. And he dove into it with joy. And he was just, he was a miraculous energy to be around.”
In fact, there’s a reason to give the show one more chance as it has been officially renewed for Season 2 and 3.
What To Expect From Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2
Showrunner Albert Kim previously shared via Entertainment Weekly his plans for the upcoming sequel, and it might involve some changes due to the passing of time.
“All three seasons of the animated series essentially take place in the course of one calendar year. There was no way we could do that. So we had to design this first season, especially, to accommodate the possibility of some time elapsing between the first and the second season.”
He also remarked that he could not tell how old the cast members would be once they start filming for the subsequent installment so they had to make a couple of adjustments here and there.
Avatar: The Last Airbender is now streaming on Netflix.
