Everything changed in the world ofAvatar: The Last Airbenderwhen the Fire Nation attacked. In the world of the Nickelodeon series fromBryan KonietzkoandMichael Dante DiMartino, the nation is responsible for plunging the world into war as Fire Lord Ozai attempts to conquer everything. Now, Netflix has unveiled a set of photos that offer the first lookat the iconic figuresof the Fire Nation brought to life for the live-action series including not only Ozai but the fan favorites Prince Zuko and his uncle Iroh as well as Princess Azula and Commander Zhao.
Zuko and Iroh are two of the most important characters to get right for the adaptation considering their heavy presence throughout the entirety of the story and the love for both characters. In the early chapters ofThe Last Airbender, Zuko is one of Aang’s greatest threats as he seeks to capture the Avatar to regain his status within the Fire Nation all while accompanied by his beloved uncle.Paul Sun-Hyung Leeportrays the former General Irohwith an air of wisdom much like his animated counterpart, complete with his gray beard, whileDallas Liucaptures Zuko’s complexity with a look that portrays both strength and reservation. As for Zhao, played byKen Leung, the image sees him commanding a band of soldiers as he prepares his own ruthless hunt for the Avatar. The final two images focus onElizabeth Yu’s AzulaandDaniel Dae Kim’s Ozaiwho both exude regal energy, though Kim looks especially intimidating as the series big bad with flames to his back.
Squaring off with the members of the Fire Nation will beTeam Avatarwhich is brought to life withGordon Cormieras Aang,Ian Ousleyas Sokka, andKiawentiioas Kitara. Between the two opposing factions, the series has thus far landed remarkably close to the looks of the original cartoon’s beloved characters. Netflix’sThe Last Airbenderfeatures a hefty cast with more than a few big names taking over some fan-favorite roles includingPreystarAmber Midthunderas Princess Yue,Danny Pudias the Mechanist, andGeorge Takeias Koh. One Nickelodeon cast member set to make his return isJames Siewhois back for another roundas the unfortunate cabbage merchant.
Netflix’s ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ Will Expand on the Cartoon
Despite some promising images so far, feelings surrounding a live-actionLast Airbenderare undoubtedly still mixed thanks toM. Night Shyamalan’s disastrous attempt at adapting the series. It doesn’t help that Konietzko and DiMartinowon’t be around to fulfill their vision, but the series hasSleepy Hollow’sAlbert Kimon board as a writer and showrunnerto restore the balance. There’s reason to feel more positive about this live-action bending adaptation as the team seems to be taking their time ensuring the effects can match the heights of the original. With eight one-hour episodes confirmed, each adventure with the Gaang will have more time to breathe across a greater runtime. That will be sorely needed considering just how many characters from the cartoon are slated to make appearances when Season 1 arrives in 2024
For those more interested in Team Avatar’s animated exploits, Konietzko and DiMartino are also hard at work ontheir own plans for the franchise. Chief among those concernsis the animated film in 2025which will see Aang and his friends working to restore the world in the aftermath of the war with the Fire Nation. As it plans to cover a relatively unexplored era on-screen,a mostly new cast will step into the rolessave forDante Bascowho is expected to reprise his role as now-Fire Lord Zuko. This isjust one of three animated moviesin the works, meaning there’s still so much to come from the world ofThe Last Airbender.
There’s no exact release date for Netflix’sAvatar: The Last Airbenderlive-action series yet. In the meantime, check out the new images below for a look inside the Fire Nation.
