Summary

• Netflix's live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender brings diversity and representation to the cast, addressing the previous movie's issue of whitewashing.
• The chosen actors for the main characters, such as Gordon Cormier as Aang and Kiawentiio as Katara, have the potential to bring the beloved animated characters to life and capture their essential traits.
• The cast includes experienced actors like Daniel Dae Kim and Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, who have demonstrated their ability to embody their respective characters, Fire Lord Ozai and General Iroh, with accuracy and skill.

Since Netflix announced its adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender, fans have wondered how the show's live-action cast will look compared to the original series' iconic animated characters. Set to debut in February 2024, the live-action version of the franchise still centers on Aang (Gordon Cormier), the sole survivor of the Air Nomads and the world's current Avatar. Tasked with mastering all four elements and bringing balance to the world, Aang vanished for 100 years, allowing the conquest-hungry Fire Nation to grow its armies in his absence.

When (a previously frozen) Aang is discovered by two Water Tribe siblings, Katara (Kiawentiio) and Sokka (Ian Ousley), the trio set out to help Aang fulfill his destiny and thwart Fire Lord Ozai (Daniel Dae Kim). Along the way, Aang is hunted by the Fire Nation's banished Prince Zuko (Dallas Liu) and Zuko's uncle, General Iroh (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee). Already, Netflix's Avatar: The Last Airbender fixed the movie's biggest problem: it isn't whitewashing its cast. While the renewed focus on representation is a great start for the Netflix series, it's still a tall order for the cast to live up to their beloved animated counterparts.

Gordon Cormier As Aang

While there are certain Avatar moments that won't look as good in live-action as they do in the animated series, the characters — and the impeccable costume design — don't necessarily fall into that category. Cormier, who stars as Aang, rose to mainstream fame in the 2020 adaptation of Stephen King's The Stand, proving he has the chops to take on the series' more serious moments. Both youthful and ionate, Cormier has what it takes to bring Aang's free-spirited nature to life, all while looking the part.

Kiawentiio As Katara

Born into a Mohawk family in Akwesasne, a First Nations reserve on the U.S.-Canada border, actor Kiawentiio has previously appeared in another Netflix adaptation: Anne with an E. After displaying her comedic chops in several episodes of Rutherford Falls, Kiawentiio will take on the role of Katara, the last waterbender of her tribe who becomes Aang's biggest er and advocate. Boasting Katara's iconic "hair loopies," the actor certainly looks like the beloved character.

Ian Ousley As Sokka

With previous roles in Physical, Young Sheldon, and 13 Reasons Why under his belt, Ian Ousley has proven he has what it takes to capture Sokka's jokester persona as well as the teen's tenacity and leadership. After the other men from his tribe left to fight the Fire Nation, Sokka became the quasi-leader, tasked with protecting the children and older folks who stayed behind. The heart (and key comedic player) of team Avatar, Sokka is definitely one of the most challenging characters to get right.

Dallas Liu As Prince Zuko

In Book 1, the banished Prince Zuko is short-tempered, brazen, and mission-driven — often to a fault. Eager to regain his honor and appease his father, he's given a near-impossible task: capture the Avatar. Dallas Liu was thrilled to nab the role of Zuko and, based on videos of the actor's martial arts prowess, he certainly seems perfect for the part. Previously, Liu has been in action-centric films like Tekken and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, but he also showed off a softer, more comedic side in Pen15, which bodes well for Book 3 Zuko.

Paul Sun-Hyung Lee As General Iroh

Previously, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee made a name for himself as the patriarch in the stage version of Kim's Convenience, though fans of big-name series might know him best as Star Wars' Captain Carson Teva. Early stills have captured a live-action Iroh with (mostly) show-accurate facial hair, and there's no denying that Lee has the warm expression — and both serious and comedic chops — to portray the full range of Iroh's character.

Daniel Dae Kim As Fire Lord Ozai

Daniel Dae Kim has a history with the existing Avatar franchise: not only did he lend his voice to The Last Airbender's General Fong, but he also played The Legend of Korra's Hiroshi Sato. Now, he's set to play the tyrannical Fire Nation rule, Fire Lord Ozai. In the trailer for Netflix's ATLA, Kim shows off Ozai's fierce-yet-stoic demeanor and searing looks. Plus, his costuming and hair are accurate to the animated series.

Ken Leung As Commander Zhao

In Book 1 of the animated ATLA, Commander Zhao serves as the key antagonist, thwarting not just Aang, but the Water Tribes' warriors and even the banished Prince Zuko. Obsessed with being the Fire Nation's MVP, the cold-hearted Zhao will do whatever it takes to secure victory. Ken Leung, who's tasked with bringing Zhao to life, looks like a spot-on live-action version of the character.

Maria Zhang As Suki

Although Maria Zhang has appeared in several independent short films, Avatar: The Last Airbender marks a breakthrough role for the actor. Not to mention, she's playing one of the series' most beloved characters: Suki, the leader of the all-women Kyoshi Warriors. Able to capture Suki's no-nonsense look as well as her softness, Zhang looks like the spitting image of the character in early stills.

Elizabeth Yu As Princess Azula

Elizabeth Yu has appeared in just two other recently released Hollywood films so far: the comedy feature Somewhere in Queens and the drama May December. One of the most challenging ATLA characters to nail, Azula is a firebending prodigy — and something of an enigma early on. Although she's cruel and unrelenting, Azula has also been shaped by her father, Ozai's, sadistic nature. While Yu doesn't quite capture Azula's intimidating aura in the one released still, the actor certainly seems to have the range to portray Zuko's antagonistic sister.

Lim Kay Siu As Gyatso

A Singaporean character actor, Lim Kay Siu has appeared in many films throughout his character, though Western audiences might be most familiar with his villainous role in Night Watch. That said, it'll be fun to see Siu play the chipper, somewhat-mischievous Gyatso, an Air Nomad who becomes something of a mentor and father figure to a young Aang. With the right mustache, the versatile Lim Kay Siu will have no trouble portraying a live-action Gyatso.