Netflix’s upcoming live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender has some reasonable trepidation around it. For one, the last time someone tried to do this, it ended with a Wikipedia page that hyperlinks to a page titled “List of films considered the worst.†Also, there’s the fact that the original creators left the project and said, “Whatever version ends up onscreen, it will not be what Bryan and I had envisioned or intended to make.†So, like, that part isn’t hugely promising. But the casting sounds great! Especially after Netflix unveiled new footage that looks … absolutely sick? We’re hopeful, especially with a cast that includes Daniel Dae Kim looking [redacted] while shirtless as Firelord Ozai. Appa, yip yip!
What happens in the trailer?
“The world needs you,†the trailer ominously intones. “Remember what it is we’re really fighting for, the ones we love.†Aang leapfrogging over the Blue Spirit? Looks cool. Bumi doing God-mode earth bending? Incredible. Aang entering the Avatar State? Let’s gooooo. We only get a little bit of the humor that defined the original, however, when Momo jumps onto Sokka’s head.
And what about our first new clip?
We get a nice long look at firebending and earthbending as we watch Zuko rescue Uncle Iroh. You can debate the visual effects all you want, but the accuracy of Zuko’s grunts cannot be denied.
Who’s in?
The cast would include Gordon Cormier (Aang), Kiawentiio (Katara), Ian Ousley (Sokka), Maria Zhang (Suki), Tamlyn Tomita (Yukari), Yvonne Chapman (Avatar Kyoshi) and Casey Camp-Horinek (Gran Gran). The new casting most notably includes George Takei as the voice of the spirit Koh, Prey star Amber Midthunder as Princess Yue, Pitch Perfect’s Utkarsh Ambudkar as King Bumi, Community’s Danny Pudi as the Mechanist, Arden Cho as June, Momona Tamada as Ty Lee, James Sie as the cabbage merchant, and more, according to Tudum. Look, there may be some worries, but if anyone thinks we’re skipping George Takei as the scary Face-Stealer, they are sorely mistaken.
Wait, what about the Fire Nation?
They are looking pretty fire. Netflix already reported that Daniel Dae Kim would be burning hot in terms of both sex appeal and literal fire as Fire Lord Ozai and that Ken Leung would be one angry MFer as General Zhao.
As for the Fire Nation kiddos, Netflix has taken a more solemn approach in revealing Dallas Liu as Prince Zuko and Elizabeth Yu as Princess Azula. After all, they have been practically fighting their entire lives — and living in a stressful environment, no less.
Grab your teakettle, Uncle Iroh, played by Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, is here.
Anyone else?
You betcha. Netflix has revealed looks at Gran Gran (Casey Camp-Horinek), Mayor Yukari (Tamlyn Tomita), The Mechanist (Danny Pudi), Jet (Sebastian Amoruso), and June (Arden Cho).
Will it be faithful to the original series?
There’s nothing certain. However, from both the trailer, which references many of the first season’s enduring images, and the extensive cast list that is covering a lot of the bases from Book One, it looks like there might be some hope that the four nations can finally live in harmony on Netflix.
When does it come out?
The eight-episode season will premiere on February 22. The cabbage merchant’s cart will live to see another day until then.
This post has been updated.