Netflix’s Avatar Actors Talk the Pressure and Responsibility of Stepping into Iconic Roles

Netflix’s live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender is the first series-length re-imagining of the popular animated show, which initially aired on Nickelodeon between 2005 and 2008. Some of the cast are longtime fans of the series, while others are discovering Avatar: The Last Airbender for the first time. But, whether old fan or new, every cast member is acutely aware of the responsibility that comes with stepping into such an iconic role.

Game Rant recently attended a press conference featuring the main cast of Avatar: The Last Airbender, who discussed how they initially became aware of the show and whether they were nervous about taking on their role. Many admitted that they felt some pressure, in particular a sense of responsibility towards the fans who have been waiting so long to see a faithful Avatar adaptation.

The Cast Felt Pressured, But Also Honored

“The pressure has been a privilege,” said Dallas Liu, who plays Zuko, the exiled prince of the Fire Nation. Liu went on to explain that he and the team felt they were lucky to get to re-imagine a story that has touched so many people. Liu was one of the many cast members who watched the original Avatar: The Last Airbender as a child and credited the show with his decision to pursue martial arts. Ultimately, Liu was able to overcome his nerves because it was such a great honor to be a part of the cast.

Ian Ousley, who plays the Southern Water Tribe warrior Sokka, had a very in-character response to the question: “I was shaking in my dang boots!” Ousley admitted that he did not figure out that the show was Avatar during the audition process, being shocked when he received his scripts and realized he would be playing Sokka. Ultimately, the actor agreed with Liu’s statement that it was a privilege “to be part of something people really care about.”

The Cast’s Love For The Show Made Things Both Easier And Harder

Gordon Cormier was grinning and practically bouncing out of his seat throughout the entire conference, a contagious energy well-suited to his character, Aang. Cormier eagerly recounted how he fell in love with the show, which he hadn’t previously seen, throughout the filming process. He admitted he’s now seen it all the way through “about 26 times.” When asked if he felt pressure to embody Aang, Cormier’s grin only grew wider as he exclaimed:

We put the pressure on OURSELVES, because we’re such big fans!

Daniel Dae Kim, who plays Fire Lord Ozai, Zuko’s father and the series’ main antagonist, had a rather calmer take on the situation. He described getting to play Ozai as “an opportunity,” saying that he felt the Netflix adaptation was able to bring something new to the property due to the talented, dedicated cast and access to new technology not available when Avatar first aired. Kiawentiio, who will be taking on the role of Katara, a powerful waterbender and Sokka’s sister, agreed with Kim’s analysis. She praised the entire cast and crew, stating that she felt they were “doing Avatar justice.” The First Nations actress hopes that her take on Katara will be an inspiration to other Native viewers, much as the original was to her when she was a child watching the series on Nickelodeon.