The build-up to the release of Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender saw a lot of scepticism regarding the modifications to the central character arcs and the storyline. Fans questioned these significant changes from the original Nickelodeon animated series and were unsure if these risks would pay off.
Judging by the lukewarm responses to the live-action series, it seems that these assumptions were right. But for actors Paul Sun-Hyung Lee and Dallas Liu who portrayed Uncle Iroh and Prince Zuko respectively, one particular scene that was a fitting ode to the original animated series, touched a strong chord with them emotionally.
Spoiler Alert
This Scene In Avatar: The Last Airbender Was Emotional For These Two Actors
A lot of the backlash directed at Avatar: The Last Airbender dealt with certain creative liberties that were not welcomed with open arms by fans. From changes to the central characters to modifications in the storyline, fans doubted if the live-action series would stay faithful to the loved animated original.
Despite these questions, the actors in the Netflix show believed wholeheartedly in the narrative and its adherence to the 2005 animated series. For Paul Sun-Hyung Lee who plays Uncle Iroh and Dallas Liu who plays Prince Zuko, the uncle-nephew relationship that they shared was a powerful and significant one.
As integral characters to the Fire Nation narrative in the series, both actors were emotionally drawn to one particular scene in the 4th episode in which Prince Zuko consoles his Uncle Iroh on the death of his son Lu Ten. At this juncture, the background score echoes the haunting strains of the song Leaves From The Vine.
The song playing at this particular moment was significant as it was the same tune that was used in the 2005 animated series. It was also a melody that was intrinsically associated with the sentiments of the Fire Nation and held a special place in the hearts of fans. Speaking of getting goosebumps while filming the segment, Lee told Los Angeles Times,
“That wrecked me”
Liu who was equally emotional about the moment, added,
“I only just heard the [new] song in December. I started imagining our scene and [it] killed me”
Both actors revealed that they were big fans of the 2005 Avatar: The Last Airbender animated series and believed that the show had set a really high standard to emulate. They felt grateful to have been presented with the opportunity to honor the original in their unique way. Unfortunately, fans currently seem to think otherwise.
What Went Wrong With Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender?
Avatar: The Last Airbender is getting a lot of flak online as ardent fans of the franchise are ripping it apart brutally. Having already thrown up some controversial discussions regarding characters and plotlines, netizens were hoping that that they would be proved wrong about these modifications. Unfortunately the show does not seem to have risen above these pre-release criticisms.
On the other hand, the series has garnered some of the most scathing comments from fans on social media who did not spare any aspect or nuance in the show. One fan on X left nothing to the imagination when she wrote,
“Just watched the Avatar live action series on Netflix & gosh the tears in my eyes. The directing, editing, the dialogue, the cinematography, the acting, the production, the cgi..everything was garbage from beginning to end. Definitely the worst thing I’ve ever watched in my life.”
Showrunner Albert Kim also seems to have predicted one reason behind the displeasure of fans towards the show. Kim spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about the massive challenges he faced in trying to incorporate all the important events and characters associated with the original animated series in a limited time frame and budget.
This forced him to necessarily cut down a few key scenes which he was aware, would grossly disappoint hardcore fans of the franchise. If the responses to the series is anything to go by, Kim was spot on with his instinct.
Avatar: The Last Airbender is streaming on Netflix.
