A fearless and fun-loving 12-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 staying true to his adventurous and playful nature.

Cormier relished the opportunity to play a character with Aang’s depth. “Sometimes he’s really happy. Other times he’s in a dark place. Aang has so many emotions and an awesome arc that I just love,” Cormier told Netflix. “I am Aang. I’m hopeful the fans are going to love this show and what we’ve done with it.”

The Stand

Determined and hopeful, Katara is 14 years old and the last waterbender in her small village. Despite her young age, she’s already endured great personal tragedy, which has held her back from rising to her true potential, though it’s never diminished her warm and caring spirit.

For Kiawentiio, who is a self-described “super huge mega fan” of the original animated series, taking on the role of Katara was a longtime dream come true. “I never thought this could be my reality,” she told Netflix. “I watched the show from when I was younger into when I became a teenager. I love the comics and my brother-in-law and I  geek about all of the fan theories. I started rewatching the show in the audition stage and while on set. Every now and then I’d go back to reference certain things, too.”

Showrunner Albert Kim sees great similarities between Kiawentiio –– who learned martial arts for Avatar –– and her character, who grows in her waterbending abilities over Season 1. “Kiawentiio was a little tentative and uncertain in the beginning of the season in terms of her waterbending,” he tells Tudum. “But as the season goes along, Kiawentiio, the actress, was getting more confident in herself and in her skills, which was great because that was also what her character was going through as well.”

What If...?

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 about his warrior skills… insecurities that he masks with wit and a deadpan sense of humor. 

Ousley, who grew up watching Avatar’s original animated series and considers himself part of its “hugely passionate fan base,” told Netflix he’s looking forward to  superfans diving into the live-action series. “I’m really excited for them to see how cool and realistic the shots look, and to hear some familiar songs from the show, as well as [see] the creature designs fully animated.”

Physical

A skilled firebender, Zuko is 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. 

Liu has prior martial experience, which came in handy when it came time to attend the six-week bending bootcamp and shoot the series. “I was able to do most [fight sequences],” he told Netflix. “For the big falls, my stunt double, Ken Do, took care of those really well. But all of the action sequences [where I’m] bending and doing cool flips were all me. It was a blast."

Albert Kim calls Zuko “one of the greatest characters in all of fiction.” He’s happy the series could shine a light on what created the forlorn prince we meet in Avatar. “What we wanted to do was peel a lot of that back and show how this kid became the way he is,” he says. “And as part of that, we needed to unveil his backstory.” 

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, PEN15

Fire Lord Ozai is the ruthless and driven leader of the Fire Nation, who demands that everyone — especially his teenage son, Prince Zuko — live up to his impossible standards. 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.

Kim is no stranger to playing roles on shows with passionate fan bases similar to Avatar’s, a scenario he finds exciting. “I think it’s a great opportunity to retell this story in a way that not only appeals to longtime fans, but also moves it forward to appeal to a whole new audience,” he told Netflix. “Some of the cast looks like you pulled them straight out of the animated series. It’s amazing how close they are, not just in physical appearance, but in energy, to the original.”

Lost, Hawaii Five-0

Iroh is a retired Fire Nation general and a wise and nurturing mentor to his hot-headed nephew, Prince Zuko.

Lee put in a lot of work to embody Iroh, including training that he credits co-star Dallas Liu for helping him through. “Thank the heavens for Dallas because he’s a martial artist. He’s been training his entire life, so he did a lot of heavy lifting,” Lee told Netflix. “Honestly, he’s a triple threat. He can do his own stunts. He can act. He knows all the movements. I had one action sequence. It took me five days to learn how to breathe and stand properly. It was very challenging because I’m getting up there in years. There were a lot of Epsom salt baths, but at the end of the day, it was such a cool feeling because I’d never shot an action sequence like that.”

The Mandalorian

A firebending prodigy and relentless perfectionist, Azula is Princess of the Fire Nation and will stop at nothing to secure her position as heir to the throne.

Yu trained five days a week to build up strength before even arriving on set to prepare for the physicality of the role. “All firebending is based on the Northern style of wushu. It’s the more modern term for kung fu from China. It’s also a mixture of finding your chi, your balance, and your energy with it,” she told Netflix. “I loved getting to work with the stunt team and seeing their expertise channel through me on camera. They’d get so excited if I nailed a move. When they’d call ‘Cut,’ they’d start jumping up and down. It was so exciting. They’re amazing people.”

Somewhere in Queens

Gran Gran is Katara and Sokka’s grandmother, the compassionate and wise matriarch of the Southern Water Tribe.

Reservation Dogs, Rutherford Falls

The compassionate spiritual leader of the Northern Water Tribe.

Legion

The veteran waterbending master of the Northern Water Tribe and a fierce defender of their traditions.

The Bay

An empathetic healer who serves as a role model for her tribe’s female waterbenders. 

Pocahontas, Westworld

A strong and skilled warrior with an unwavering loyalty to his tribe.

Ruby and the Well

Father to Princess Yue and the respected leader of their tribe.

Killers of the Flower Moon

A previous Avatar with a haunted past.

Burden of Truth, Mohawk Girls

Suki is the intimidating leader of the Kyoshi Warriors, an elite all-woman fighting force dedicated to protecting their community and upholding the ideals of their namesake, Avatar Kyoshi.

All I Ever Wanted

Suki’s mother and the fiercely protective mayor of her small village on Kyoshi Island.

The Good Doctor

A legendary warrior revered for her bravery, fearsome fighting skills, and uncompromising dedication to the cause of justice. According to legend, she was up to 7 feet tall.

In real life, Chapman and Cormier already had a height difference. But to really accentuate the difference,  during filming, Chapman stood on a box in their scenes together.  

Kung Fu, Family Law

A tough and persistent bounty hunter known for her ruthless efficiency.

Teen Wolf

An earthbender, King Bumi is the ancient and mercurial ruler of the Earth Kingdom city of Omashu. You can catch a glimpse of him facing off against Aang toward the end of the trailer.

Ghosts

An eccentric inventor and engineer who’s doing his best to raise his son in a war-torn world.

DuckTales

The Mechanist’s idealistic and high-flying son.

Jane

A long-suffering vegetable vendor in Omashu. Pray for his cabbages.

Stillwater, Avatar: The Last Airbender

A master earthbender who was born blind and trained to feel and sense the world around her. She will be introduced in Season 2.

Young Rock, The Santa Clauses

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.

Industry, Lost

The first officer of Prince Zuko’s ship.

Yes Day, Gotham

An energetic and upbeat teen and one of Princess Azula’s best friends.

The Baby-Sitters Club

An unflappable and deadpan teen who, along with Ty Lee, is one of Princess Azula’s closest allies.

Council of Dads, Station 19

Commander Zhao’s second-in-command.

The Good Doctor

The ruthless and ambitious previous ruler of the Fire Nation and grandfather to Fire Lord Ozai.

Star Trek: Discovery

A wise and benevolent past Avatar from the Fire Nation.

For All Mankind, East New York

The venerated spiritual leader of the Fire Nation and guardian of Avatar Roku’s shrine.

Barry, American Gigolo

A kind and caring Air Nomad monk who’s the guardian, father figure, and best friend to Aang.

Rogue Trader, Anna and the King

An ancient, predatory spirit.

Star Trek, Blue Eye Samurai

He appears in the form of a giant owl and is also known as the Spirit of Knowledge. 

Kung Fu Panda, John Wick