Despite the disappointing reviews of Netflix’s live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender, one character gave a peak moment in the series for the fandom. Yvonne Chapman played Avatar Kyoshi, a past Avatar two reigns before Aang and the Last Earthbender, in the series. Kyoshi had a more prominent role than in the animated series, which only featured her in four episodes during its three-season run.
Netflix changed some aspects of the character, only to make the character more badass in the series. Chapman shared a sneak peek of her character’s scene in the series on X and fans showered her with praises.
Avatar Kyoshi May Be The Only Saving Grace Of Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender
While fans only expected to see Avatar Roku in Netflix’s live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender, the importance given to Avatar Kyoshi has won over the fans. Yvonne Chapman’s performance and the character’s action set pieces in the series made fans fall in love with the mighty Avatar. The first episode intro of the Netflix series featured previous Avatars, including Roku, Kuruk, and Kyoshi.
While she was largely absent from that episode, the second episode, Warriors, featured a badass scene of the Earthbender. In the episode, Gordon Cormier‘s Aang and his team reach the Kyoshi islands where they are welcomed with a grand feast. The celebrations quickly turn into chaos as the Fire Nation soldiers under Ken Leung’s Commander Zhao attack the village to capture the Avatar.
As the soldiers gain the upper hand, Avatar Kyoshi possesses Aang and unleashes destruction upon the Fire Nation soldiers using all four elements. Yvonne Chapman shared this scene, originally posted by the series’ official X handle, on her personal profile and fans started pouring in praises for the actress. While the series was largely disappointing, Avatar Kyoshi was phenomenal in the series.
— Yvonne Chapman (@yvonne__chapman) February 23, 2024
One fan told the actress that they loved her take on Kyoshi, especially her performance in the stunt scene. Another fan called the scene the “high peak” of the series. One comment shared that they wished the animated series had given such a cool scene for Kyoshi. There were many comments wishing to see her return in Season 2 of the show. Several fan reactions read:
Such a badass scene! I really love your take on Kyoshi. 🌊🪨🔥🌪️ pic.twitter.com/eJ66TeGte3
— A.J Threet 🌊 🇺🇦 (@AjthreetJ) February 23, 2024
As a fan of the franchise, I need to tell you that your scene was the high-peak of the series. The most impactful and memorable. THANKS FOR THAT!!
— Vinícius Tavares (@vinnytavarees) February 24, 2024
I thought this scene was a cool addition to the show. I wish the cartoon did this too
— Taylor (@taytmw92) February 24, 2024
You were incredible as Avatar Kyoshi! Hopefully, we'll get to see more of you as her in the future. 🤞😆
— Evan | PME 🎬 (@0fficialPME) February 23, 2024
I still have chills watching every Kyoshi scene. You are the perfect Avatar Kyoshi, such a queen 🩷
— miguez | atla spoiler (@ghoulettecopia) February 23, 2024
When Aang first communicates with Avatar Kyoshi’s spirit, she is hostile towards the Last Airbender. She scolded Aang for running away from his responsibilities and told him to figure things out on his own. She wanted him to be the “mighty, merciless, warrior” Avatar that she was, forgetting the fact that he was practically a child. However, she proved to be a crucial mentor to Aang by the end of the series.
Who Is Avatar: The Last Airbender‘s Avatar Kyoshi?
In the animated series, one of the coolest concepts was that of reincarnation. The Avatar is reborn in the Avatar Cycle that resembles the Four Elements: Water, Earth, Fire, and Air. Aang, the last Avatar, is born into the Air Nomads. According to Avatar Wiki, Kyoshi was the Avatar born into the Earth Kingdom two lifetimes before Aang. She was born as a citizen of the Earth Kingdom to two criminal parents who abandoned her.
She turned to a life of crime before accepting her Avatar duties when she turned 16. She was a mighty, ruthless warrior who had established unbroken peace for almost three centuries. Kyoshi also trained a band of female warriors known as the Kyoshi Warriors who were tasked with keeping peace in her name. After defeating the Earth King, Chin the Conqueror, she broke off a chunk of the Earth Kingdom and moved it out to the sea to form Kyoshi Island.
Avatar Kyoshi became a crucial part of Avatar: The Last Airbender‘s season finale as she provides Aang with the vision of the imminent attack on the Northern Water Tribe. If Netflix moves ahead with a second season, Yvonne Chapman should be the first actress to get a callback.
