Netflix’s live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender has finally confirmed the new showrunner and revealed its cast. As we at The Illuminerdi reported back in February, Sleepy Hollow showrunner Albert Kim has stepped in as the guiding hand for the much-anticipated series, serving as showrunner, writer, and executive producer. Dan Lin and Lindsey Liberatore will share executive producing duties with Kim, while Goi Roseanne Liang and Jabbar Raisani will direct.
But who shall bear the weight and responsibility of Avatar Aang? Gordon Cormier took up the challenge as the “fun-loving 12-year-old who just happens to be the Avatar, master of all four elements”. Kiawentiio and Ian Ousley will portray the fierce waterbender Katara and her wise-cracking brother Sokka respectively, whereas Pen15 star Dallas Liu will play their vengeful firebending nemesis Prince Zuko.
Netflix’s Live-Action Cast For Avatar: The Last Airbender
While the previous live-action feature adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender left many fans cold to the idea of translating the initially animated series into a new medium, Albert Kim’s comments regarding the move should put many fears to rest:
A live-action version would establish a new benchmark in representation and bring in a whole new generation of fans. This was a chance to showcase Asian and Indigenous characters as living, breathing people. Not just in a cartoon, but in a world that truly exists, very similar to the one we live in.
One of the many (trust me, many) criticisms of M. Night Shyamalan’s 2010 live-action adaptation was due to its whitewashing of the cast. That film also lead to the cancellation of a planned fourth season for the show, but the franchise continued with 2012’s animated sequel series, The Legend of Korra was notable in itself for its representation within the LGBT+ community.
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Though the original show creators departed Netflix’s live-action reboot to develop their own studio and continue expanding the Avatar world, the new show could be both a game-changer for representation onscreen and entice the new generation to discover the animated shows. (Both of which are streaming on Netflix in the US as of this writing for anyone who wants a major nostalgia binge). Whatever happens, it can’t possibly be a worse interpretation than the 2010 film. Right?
What are your thoughts on the casting and showrunner choice for Netflix’s reboot of Avatar: The Last Airbender? Did you grow up watching the original show or its sequel series, or catch them later? Who’s your favorite character in the Avatar universe? Let us know in the comments below and on our Twitter.
KEEP READING: AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER FANS HAVE BEEN HEARD! NEW KATARA AND SOKKA CASTING DETAILS: EXCLUSIVE
Source: What’s On Netflix
