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Netflix is moving at full steam with its live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender series. A reboot of the animated treasure, the TV show has been in the works since 2018. And now Aang, Sokka, Zuko, and Katara are set to appear in this adaptation that fans hope will be better than M. Night Shyamalan’s movie. Netflix cast its fabulous foursome, and fans may recognize some of the names.

'Avatar: The Last Airbender' Netflix cast: Gordon Cormier, Kiawentiio, Ian Ousley, Dallas Liu
‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ Netflix cast: Gordon Cormier, Kiawentiio, Ian Ousley, Dallas Liu | Courtesy Netflix

Netflix casts its ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ Aang and gang

Three years in the making, the ATLA for Netflix show is slowly coming together. Though it’s too soon look for the cabbage man or Suki, according to Netflix’s press release, the four main characters are lined up.

Gordon Cormier is Aang, 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.

Dallas Liu is cast as Zuko, the Fire Nation prince with his own inner turmoil and many lessons to learn. Liu has a role in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, but he also played Bi-Han in 2013’s Mortal Kombat.

Kiawentiio, who’s known for her role as Ka’kwet in Anne with an E stars as Katara, Aang’s friend and the talented water-bending healer/warrior. 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.

Ian Ousley steps into 16-year-old Sokka’s shoes, a fan-favorite character known for his appetite, comedic chops, and fighting spirit. He’s the only one in the clique without bending abilities, but he makes it easy to root for him when he’s not holding a grudge or showing off. Ousley’s previously starred in Physical as Zeke, 13 Reasons Why as Robby, and Jeremy in Young Sheldon.

Albert Kim tapped as showrunner

Albert Kim issued a statement via Netflix praising the original Avatar: The Last Airbender for its storytelling, real-world appeal, and for getting him hooked. He emphasized that ATLA is great the way it is, and he wants to expand on it. Netflix has appointed him to helm the new series following the departure of creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko.

Kim wrote:

I also knew what I didn’t want to do. I didn’t want to change things for the sake of change. I didn’t want to modernize the story, or twist it to fit current trends. Aang is not going to be a gritty antihero. Katara is not going to get curtain bangs. (I was briefly tempted to give Sokka a TikTok account though. Think of the possibilities.

Don’t get me wrong. We’ll be expanding and growing the world, and there will be surprises for existing fans and those new to the tale. 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. 

Related

‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’: Sokka Not Having Bending Abilities Is ‘Beautiful,’ Says Actor Jack De Sena

Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko have their own ‘ATLA’ projects

After ATLA creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko departed the Netflix venture in 2020, fans were upset that they would not be involved. But a silver lining sparkled when the pair announced their partnership with Nickelodeon to revive the Avatar: The Last Airbender universe. They’re now spearheading a series of original animated and live-action programming through Avatar Studios, including a feature film.

Their work continues to live on through print media in the form of comic books/graphic novels and art. For the latest on their ATLA-related offerings, follow them on Instagram.

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