Nearly three years have passed since Netflix announced they would develop an Avatar: The Last Airbender live-action series. Now, the streaming platform finally revealed the cast for the animated series that aired on Nickelodeon from 2005-2008. It will fall to Gordon Cormier to portray Aang, the young protagonist who has to keep the balance and peace in the world. According to the official description, he is “a fearless and fun-loving twelve-year-old who just happens to be the Avatar, master of all four elements and the keeper of balance and peace in the world. An airbending prodigy, Aang is a reluctant hero, struggling to deal with the burden of his duties while still holding on to his adventurous and playful nature.”
Canadian actress Kiawentiio is playing the determined and hopeful Katara the Water Bender, “the last in her small village. Though only fourteen, she’s already endured great personal tragedy, which has held her back from rising to her true potential, though it’s never dimmed her warm and caring spirit.”
The cast also includes Ian Ousley as Sokka and Dallas Liu as Zuko. Sokka is “Katara’s sardonic and resourceful 16-year-old brother. Outwardly confident, even brash, he takes his responsibility as the leader of his tribe seriously, despite his inner doubts over his warrior skills… doubts that he masks with his wit and deadpan sense of humor.” The description for Zuko says that he is “a skilled firebender and the intense and guarded Crown Prince of the Fire Nation. Currently roaming the world in exile, he’s on an obsessive quest to capture the Avatar because he believes that is the only way to reclaim his life and live up to the demands of his cruel and controlling father, the Fire Lord.”
You can take a look at the cast here below.
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The series will see Albert Kim as showrunner, executive producer and writer. In a press release, Kim stressed that the live-action adaptation will be faithful to the source.
“We’ll be expanding and growing the world, and there will be surprises for existing fans and those new to the tale,” he wrote. “But throughout this process, our byword has been “authenticity.” To the story. To the characters. To the cultural influences. Authenticity is what keeps us going, both in front of the camera and behind it, which is why we’ve assembled a team unlike any seen before—a group of talented and passionate artists who are working around the clock to bring this rich and incredibly beautiful world to life.”
The project will also involve Dan Lin, Lindsey Liberatore and Michael Goi as executive producers. Roseanne Liang is co-executive producing in addition to direction. Additionally, Goi and Jabbar Raisani are directing. Netflix has yet to announce an official release date for Avatar: The Last Airbender.
What do you think about the Avatar: The Last Airbender cast? How do you think Gordon Cormier will fare as Aang? Let us know in the comments below.
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