Netflix’s live-action adaptation of ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ is set to premiere on 22nd February, but what changes can fans expect for the character Sokka in this new version?
The series will span eight episodes and will trace the journey of Aang, the last surviving member of the Airbender tribe, as he embraces his role as the Avatar after being discovered encased in ice. Upon his release, Aang must master all four elements – Air, Water, Earth and Fire – to confront Firelord Ozai and aided by Katara and Sokka, restore balance to the world.
Leading the cast is Gordon Cormier as Aang, with Kiawentiio portraying Katara. Sokka will be brought to life by Ian Ousley, while Dallas Liu takes on the role of Prince Zuko.
Also Read: Fights in ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ We Want to See in The Live-Action Remake
Netflix recently unveiled a new trailer for the show, offering glimpses of Aang’s introduction to waterbender Katara and her brother Sokka, along with elements of bending, action sequences, Prince Zuko, Firelord Ozai and more.
This adaptation follows Netflix’s recent successes with live-action adaptations of anime series like ‘One Piece’ and ‘Yu Yu Hakusho.’ All eight episodes will be available for streaming from Thursday onwards.
Reports suggest that Sokka’s “s*xist” traits will be significantly toned down in the new version of ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender.’ In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, the cast discussed the changes, highlighting their efforts to portray Sokka as a more relatable and grounded character.
Ian Ousley, portraying Sokka, explained, “There’s more weight with realism in every way,” emphasizing his commitment to retaining Sokka’s humour despite alterations. Kiawentiio, who plays Katara, acknowledged the removal of Sokka’s s*xist traits, stating, “I feel like there were a lot of moments in the original show that were iffy.”
Addressing concerns about Sokka’s character arc, Ousley assured fans, “I think that the essence of the character that Sokka is, is 100% the character that is portrayed in the live-action version of the show.” He continued, “I think that we’ve turned those in different directions in the way that… we can’t fit every single arc of every single thing from the animated show. But the essence of him is still there.”