Netflix's Live-Action Avatar: The Last Airbender Announces First Cast Members

Netflix has begun announcing cast members for its live-action entry in the Avatar franchise. In a release, and also a series of tweets, showrunner-writer Albert Kim (Sleepy Hollow) promises that the upcoming show will be "an incredible journey" for fans.

The new actors joining the show are Gordon Cormier as Aang, Kiawentiio as Katara, Ian Ousley as Sokka, and Dallas Liu as Zuko. Netflix made the announcement on Twitter, which you can see below.

These cast members are with the show as series regulars, and Netflix also released the character bios in a press release.

• Gordon Cormier (he/him) is Aang, 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 holding on to his adventurous and playful nature.
• Kiawentiio (she/her) is 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 (he/him) is 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 (he/him) is 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.

For readers who might be franchise newcomers or might feel intimidated by another branch of the franchise taking shape--you can worry a little less, as this live-action show "will be an authentic adaptation of the… Nickelodeon animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender." The Last Airbender spanned a few spinoffs as well (including The Legend of Korra and Republic City Hustle), so it's possible this new series will also double as a great starting point for newcomers.

Joining Kim behind the camera are executive producers Dan Lin, Lindsey Liberatore, Michael Goi, and Roseanne Liang. In an enthusiastic statement from Kim, he shared that one of the most important things about executing this new series is "authenticity" to the show's characters and 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."