Following mixed audience reviews of the sequel series for Avatar: The Last Airbender (ATLA), a failed live-action film, and much deliberation, Netflix announced in 2018 that it would bring the series to live-action. Original series fans were hesitant at first, and for good reason: M. Night Shyamalan’s version was considered the laughing stock of the adaptations. However, when casting decisions trickled in, the tide turned in Netflix’s favor.
So far, Netflix is constantly releasing more information about the show as production gets closer. However, there is no official premiere date yet. Until then, fans should be excited to find out all about the new ATLA lineup.
10 Gordon Cormier as Aang
Like Aang, Gordon Cormier (13) enjoys fun and martial arts. Currently, this Canada-based actor competes in skateboarding and voice-over work. Although he has not acted in any major films, he did have a small recurring role in the bootha miniseries.
Fans may not know that Cormier was the last of the four main characters to secure his role. In August 2021, just months before filming began, producers announced he would be playing the “boy on the iceberg.” Since airbending is based on the baguazhang form, fans are hoping that with such a short training time, Cormier will use his taekwondo background to accelerate his progress. It will be exciting to see airbending come to life – right, fans hope this time.
9 Kiawenti: Io Tarbell as Katara
Katara (Kiawenti: io Tarbell) narrates the opening monologue of animated ATLA; Loyal fans hope Tarbell opens each episode with this iconic dialogue. As the series’ primary deuteragonist, Katara is the de facto leader and “parental” guidance for the trio; Fans expect this actress to convey convincingly the often maternal but passionately strong character.
At the start of production, Tarbell was the same age as her screen character, Katara. Although she has only had four roles in various small shows to date, this Native American actress starred in her original music video, Light at the End. Since Tarbell has no formal martial arts experience, fans should note that visual effects can compensate for this.
8th Ian Ousley as Sokka
Like his co-star Gordon Cormier, Ian Ousley trains in Taekwondo (via Vimeo); however, his experience appears to be more extensive. This actor is best known for roles in TV series such as 13 reasons why and a guest appearance Young Sheldon‘s “A House for Sale and Serious Woman Business”.
It wouldn’t be a proper live-action ATLA adaptation without some controversy: TikTok fans accused Ousley of lying about his Native American/Asian heritage to get his part; However, reports have disproved these claims (via Reddit). Hopefully fans who were skeptical about the disinformation can put the false accusations behind them and enjoy Ousley’s performance as a sharp-witted teenager. Most fans can’t wait to see him throw Sokka’s trusty boomerang.
7 Maria Zhang as Suki
As the leader of the Kyoshi Warriors, fans expect Maria Zhang to have a background in katanas or some form of aikido, the fighting style practiced by this all-female group. However, there is no evidence that Zhang can do anything in it that could give fans a pause. However, fans are hoping that by the time she joins the Gaang in a recurring role, she will have more experience under her belt.
Like the rest of her castmates, she has only appeared in small productions. Fans may be surprised to learn that Zhang is trilingual in Chinese, Polish and English. She is also the oldest of the teen cast. In 2021 she graduated from the USC School of Dramatic Arts.
6 Dallas Liu as Zuko
There Zuko is such a beloved character In the franchise, fans are happy to see a familiar face. This hot-headed prince is played by Dallas Liu, an aspiring young actor. He made a cameo in the 2010s Tekken. Since then he has appeared in Bone, CSI: Cyber, Shang Chi, and other film productions. Among the leading actors, he has the most comprehensive CV.
The lead role as ATLA’s Zuko was supposed to be his supporting role. Liu practices weapons; He was even a candidate for the 2012 Quebec Open – Youth Weapons Final (via YouTube). This suits his character, Zuko, as the exiled son’s masked alter ego is adept at swordplay and hand-to-hand combat. Besides acting, Liu enjoys photography and modeling.
5 Paul Sun Hyung Lee as Iroh
ATLA is one of them Rarely Series in which a small recurring character is as popular as the protagonists. Paul Sun Hyung Lee plays the wise, endlessly quotable tea-loving IrohUncle of Zuko. This TV actor won multiple Canadian Screen Awards for Comedy Lead in Kim’s convenience.
When not on set, Lee enjoys streaming video games on Twitch, filming live unboxing videos on YouTube, and regularly updating his social media. One of his favorite pastimes is baseball, where he is a Assistant coach of his son’s team (via Instagram). He also loves Star Wars; influence The Mandalorian and Boba Fett’s book were lifelong dream projects.
4 Elizabeth Yu as Azula
While her brother was weak in her father’s eyes, Azula is a master fighter and a firebender prodigy. Ironically, unlike her on-screen brother (Dallas Liu), Elizabeth Yu doesn’t seem to have a background in martial arts. According to her resume BackstageYu’s skills These include art, dance, equestrian sports and music.
Alongside ATLA from Netflix Somewhere in Queens is Yu’s only other role. Unlike the majority of the cast, she began acting like an adult. In her childhood she invested her time in musical theater. Much like the other rising stars, she keeps a relatively low profile on her social media. Fans are excited to see what Yu can bring to the table as Zuko’s sister.
3 Daniel Dae Kim as Ozai
This cast of mostly unknowns is based on South Korean-American actor Daniel Dae Kim, best known for his numerous roles in hit TV shows. In ABC’s hit sci-fi drama Lost, he rose to stardom as Jin-Soo Kwon. After his stint on the hit show, he took on high-profile roles like Hawaii Five-O, The good doctorand New Amsterdam.
Fans would be surprised to know that in the original ATLA series, this star had a minor role as General Fong, a high-ranking Earth Kingdom officer who is trying to force Aang into the Avatar State. He also voiced Hiroshi Sato, a recurring supporting character in Legend of Korra. Although both characters served as minor villains back then, today they do Kim has risen to become the primary antagonist!
2 Yvonne Chapman as Kyoshi
In the original series, Kyoshi barely played a role in the series. However, she garnered a large following for her strength of character and misperceived penchant for violence. Kyoshi is widely known for her home island and the Kiyoshi warriors, where the gaang meets suki. She also rarely gave Aang advice; Perhaps the Netflix writers will give her a more prominent role.
For her role in kung fu, Yvonne Chapman had to practice the sport extensively; Fans shouldn’t worry It lives up to its powerhouse character. While not acting, Chapman is involved in Asian advocacy, fitness, and activities with friends and family. She is passionate about art, from short independent films to photography.
1 CS Lee as Roku
Fans remember that the 100 Years War started after Avatar Roku (CS Lee) died; however, it may have been avoidable would have been more decisive in making threats. While it’s unreasonable to judge a person’s character by their biggest flaw, perhaps Netflix could delve a little more into Roku’s past to make it “redeemable.”
Lee is a television actor known for his recurring roles dexter, True detective, Chicago Med, and a selection of other crime dramas. He developed an interest in acting during high school, which led him to study at the Cornish College of the Arts and pursue a master’s degree at the Yale School of Drama. Corresponding Lee’s Instagramthe actor devotes himself to his family, charity work, travel and sports watching.
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