I’m Excited For The New Avatar: The Last Airbender Movie, But The New Cast News Has Me Annoyed

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I’m really looking forward to the upcoming movie schedule in 2026, but let me tell you, the new “Avatar: The Last Airbender” film is what I’m truly thrilled about. As a dedicated fan of “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” I’ve always been one who keeps up with all things related to it.

I’ve been really enjoying the Avatar: The Last Airbender (ATLA) universe and all its aspects. I devoured the entire live-action ATLA series on Netflix and thoroughly enjoyed it, and I can’t wait for ATLA Season 2 whenever it arrives. In fact, I even have an Appa plush toy – I’m quite a fan!

Indeed, with the upcoming release of the movie titled “The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender“, I’m quite excited. However, recent news concerning the casting choice for Zuko has left me frustrated, and I feel compelled to discuss the reasons why this selection seems off-mark.

I’m Alright For Some Movies Having Big-Name Casting

It’s been announced that Steven Yeun will voice Zuko in the upcoming movie, and I want to express that I generally don’t mind voice actors being replaced for films adapted from TV shows. I’ve observed instances where it’s been done effectively and others where it hasn’t. For instance, I’m not particularly fond of Chris Pratt as Mario, but this isn’t a unique situation. After all, this practice is quite common.

Steven Yeun is among my favorite actors, and I’ve enjoyed watching his career progress over the past decade and a half, from his work on The Walking Dead to Invincible. While I look forward to seeing him in other movies, there’s one aspect that I’m not pleased with.

The Original Voice-Actor For Zuko Is Still Very Much A Part Of The Franchise

Recently, I penned down my thoughts on why I consider Zuko’s character arc among the finest in TV history, and I still hold that view strongly today. Although his narrative is undeniably captivating, the exceptional voice acting by Dante Basco deserves equal recognition.

For quite some time, the voice actor has been an ardent admirer of this franchise. In truth, I’d go as far as saying that, apart from the creators themselves, he is the most identifiable figure associated with it. He has engaged in discussions about it, hosted podcasts, and even attended fan events. What leaves me puzzled, though, is that given his long-standing dedication to this series, he wasn’t the first choice for the role after all these years.

Some viewers argue that the characters in this movie are portrayed as adults, which is why their voices have changed. Yet, Dante Basco, the voice actor, is also a grown man. Don’t you believe he could lend his voice to an older Zuko instead?

As a diehard fan of Avatar: The Last Airbender, it’s hard not to feel a pang when someone who seems so passionate about the series won’t step into the shoes of that beloved character whose voice he brings to life. It rankles my Avatar-adoring soul.

I Wish That The Original Cast At Least Had Some Involvement With The Film

It’s clear that not every voice actor from the original show can participate in the new movie. I understand the intricacies of today’s cinema industry, including the demand for well-known actors to attract audiences. However, it seems as though this project is gradually shaping up in a way that may not align with what Avatar: The Last Airbender fans prefer.

I genuinely hope it turns out well, but it’s challenging to envision success without the original voice actors who breathed life into these characters in the animated shows. The absence of Dante Basco as Zuko makes this prospect even more difficult for me personally.

Regardless of how it happens, I’ll definitely watch the movie as I’m a fan of Avatar: The Last Airbender (ATLA). However, I might express my own version of “that’s tough, pal” when I take my seat at the theater.

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2025-08-04 03:08