Posted in: Anime, Netflix, Preview, TV | Tagged: anime, avatar, netflix, preview, The Last Airbender

Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 1 Aiming for "Mature" Themes

With Netflix's Geeked Week 2022 being unleashed next week, we started going down the list of shows that could or will be spotlighted over the course of the week. That's when we realized that it's been nearly four months since we checked in on the streaming service and Albert Kim's (Sleepy Hollow, Nikita) reimagined live-action take on Nickelodeon's animated Avatar: The Last Airbender. Well, it turns out our timing was right on point because thanks to series star Paul Sun-Hyung Lee (Kim's Convenience) aka Uncle Iroh, we have an update regarding the show's tone. And from the sounds of things, the series is looking to go for a mature audience right out of the gate. "Let's be frank: the first season of the animated series was geared toward little kids, but as the books went on, the themes became way more mature," Lee explained. "And you still have that whimsical quality, but the themes were so much deeper and the character arcs were so much more mature. That quality is what they're trying to bring into the first season."

Netflix's upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender series adaptation's cast boasts Gordon Cormier (Gabby Duran and the Unsittables), Kiawentiio (Beans), Ian Ousley (Physical), Dallas Liu (PEN15), Daniel Dae Kim (Hot Zone: Anthrax), Paul Sun-Hyung Lee (Kim's Convenience), Lim Kay Siu (Anna and The King), Ken Leung (Industry), Elizabeth Yu (All My Love), Yvonne Chapman (Kung Fu), Tamlyn Tomita (Cobra Kai), Casey Camp-Horinek (Reservation Dogs), and Maria Zhang (All I Ever Wanted). With Kim serving as showrunner, executive producer, and writer of the series, Rideback's Dan Lin (The Lego Movie, Aladdin) and Lindsey Liberatore (Walker), as well as Michael Goi (Swamp Thing, American Horror Story), will also executive produce. Goi, Roseanne Liang,(who also co-executive produces), and Jabbar Raisani have been tapped to direct. Here's a look at the cast behind the scenes, followed by an updated look at who's who on the cast so far:

Cormier's Aang is a fearless and fun-loving twelve-year-old who just happens to be the Avatar, master of all four elements & 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's Katara is 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.

Ousley's Sokka is 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. Liu's Zuko is 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.

Kim's Fire Lord Ozai is the ruthlessly-driven leader of the Fire Nation who demands everyone live up to his impossible standards, especially his teen son, Prince Zuko. Ozai's drive to conquer and unite the world under firebender rule is a family burden — he believes that it's his destiny to finish a war started by his ancestors. Lee's Uncle Iroh is a retired Fire Nation general and the wise and nurturing mentor to his hot-headed nephew, Prince Zuko. Siu's Gyatso is a kind and caring Air Nomad monk who is the guardian, father figure, and best friend to Aang. Leung's Commander Zhao is a scheming and ambitious Fire Nation military officer who's eager to leverage an unexpected encounter with a desperate Prince Zuko to advance his personal goals.

Yu's Azula is the intensely driven princess of the Fire Nation. A firebending prodigy and relentless perfectionist, she'll stop at nothing to secure her position as the heir to the throne. Chapman's Avatar Kyoshi is a legendary warrior revered for her bravery, fearsome fighting skills, and uncompromising dedication to the cause of justice. Zhang's Suki is the intimidating leader of the Kyoshi Warriors, an elite female fighting force dedicated to protecting their community and upholding the ideals of their namesake, Avatar Kyoshi. Tomita's Yukari is Suki's mother and the fiercely protective mayor of her small village on Kyoshi Island. Camp-Horinek's Gran Gran is Katara and Sokka's grandmother and the compassionate and wise matriarch of the Southern Water Tribe.

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