The showrunner of Netflix’s upcoming live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender adaptation, Albert Kim, has been talking up the series as it begins production. So far, everyone involved has been effusive about how it faithfully adapts the beloved animated show, and while Kim continues that approach, he also teases a few “new characters” on the way.
Up to now, we haven’t heard of any characters getting cast beyond the ones we know and love from the original series. After the infamous casting disaster of M. Night Shyamalan’s big screen Last Airbender adaptation in 2010, this cast had to be flawless, and so far it looks pretty great. Currently, the series stars Gordon Cormier (Aang), Kiawentiio Tarbell (Katara), Ian Ousley (Sokka), Dallas Liu (Zuko), Daniel Dae Kim (Fire Lord Ozai), Lim Kay Siu (Gyatso), Ken Leung (Commander Zhao), and Paul Sun-Hyung Lee (Uncle Iroh).
Sharing his excitement to get to work on Twitter, the showrunner sneakily teased the inclusion of some new faces. “On set for the start of week 3,” he wrote. “Lots of big scenes — and new characters — coming up.”
On set for the start of Week 3. Lots of big scenes--and new characters--coming up. #AvatarTheLastAirbender @NetflixGeeked pic.twitter.com/E9r1a2WEga
— Albert Kim (@MagicBranch) November 29, 2021
Of course, we always expected a few new characters to show up; there would be no real point to an adaptation if it was a direct replica of the original. But how far will they go? Will there be a new member of Team Aang who will be there the entire journey? Or is a smaller role? I’m excited to find out!
According to Netflix Geeked, the show will use some of the same powerful production technology used in Disney’s The Mandalorian. “We’re thrilled to start production on this incredible project and we’re especially excited to work with the technology-benders at PXO to create the wondrous world of ATLA using the most advanced techniques available to filmmakers anywhere in the world,” Kim said.
Gordon Cormier shaves his head to play Aang
In order for Gordon Cormier to play Aang, he needs to embrace the Airbender culture, which means shaving his head. In a recent Instagram post, despite him wearing a cap, fans can still see that shaved head as he poses alongside Ian Ousley (Sokka). Now he just needs that trademark blue arrow and he’s got all the makings of a perfect Aang. Take a look:
And as long as we’re talking about Last Airbender facial hair, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee showed off his Uncle Iroh beard in a Star Wars unboxing video on YouTube:
Currently, Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender does not have a release date. A 2022 premiere looks unlikely after it was absent from Netflix’s newly-unveiled 2022 lineup. An early 2023 premiere is our best guess.
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