Three years since Netflix first announced its plans for a live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender, the streaming giant has finally revealed the core cast and creative team that will bring Nickelodeon's acclaimed animated series to life.
Check out the gallery below, or read on to find out who's portraying Avatar's most iconic characters.
Netflix's Avatar: The Last Airbender Cast
- Gordon Cormier (The Stand, Lost in Space) as Aang: A fearless and fun-loving twelve-year-old who just happens to be the Avatar, master of all four elements, and the keeper of balance and peace in the world. An airbending prodigy, Aang is a reluctant hero, struggling to deal with the burden of his duties while still holding on to his adventurous and playful nature.
- Kiawentiio (Anne with an E) as Katara: A determined and hopeful waterbender, the last in her small village. Though only fourteen, she’s already endured great personal tragedy, which has held her back from rising to her true potential, though it’s never dimmed her warm and caring spirit.
- Ian Ousley (Physical, 13 Reasons Why) as Sokka: Katara’s sardonic and resourceful 16-year-old brother. Outwardly confident, even brash, he takes his responsibility as the leader of his tribe seriously, despite his inner doubts over his warrior skills… doubts that he masks with his wit and deadpan sense of humor.
- Dallas Liu (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) as Zuko: A skilled firebender and the intense and guarded Crown Prince of the Fire Nation. Currently roaming the world in exile, he’s on an obsessive quest to capture the Avatar because he believes that is the only way to reclaim his life and live up to the demands of his cruel and controlling father, the Fire Lord.
With Avatar: The Last Airbender creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko no longer involved in the Netflix series due to creative differences, Albert Kim (Sleepy Hollow, Nikita) will serve as showrunner and executive producer, alongside executive producers Dan Lin (The Lego Movie), Lindsey Liberatore (Walker), and Michael Goi (Swamp Thing).
In a Netflix blog post, Kim talked about the importance of authenticity:
"We’ll be expanding and growing the world, and there will be surprises for existing fans and those new to the tale," Kim explained. "But throughout this process, our byword has been 'authenticity.' To the story. To the characters. To the cultural influences. Authenticity is what keeps us going, both in front of the camera and behind it, which is why we’ve assembled a team unlike any seen before — a group of talented and passionate artists who are working around the clock to bring this rich and incredibly beautiful world to life."
What do you think of the casting announcement? Let us know in the comments. And for more Avatar, watch the OG Korra and Zuko voice actors answer our biggest what-if questions and learn how the Avatar Legends tabletop RPG reached $1 million in a day.
David Griffin is the TV Streaming Editor for IGN. Say hi on Twitter.