“It’s the right decision”: Daniel Dae Kim Fully Supports Netflix Making a Major Change to Avatar: The Last Airbender That Might Have Upset a Few Fans
Netflix’s Live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender continues its position among the top 10 shows on Netflix, while one of its cast members, Daniel Dae Kim, talks about the difference between his newly released show and the original animated series that came out years back.
Dae Kim plays Fire Lord Ozai in the live-action and recently talked about the introduction of his character before time. In the original series, Ozai’s identity was kept secret for a long time and was revealed in the final episodes of season 1. However, in the live-action, he’s shown well before for a better understanding of the characters.
While few hardcore fans might really not enjoy this massive change, it’s beneficial for the audience, according to Daniel Dae Kim. The actor supports this creative change and believes it contributed to the show’s success.
Daniel Dae Kim Advocates Major Change in Avatar: The Last Airbender That Some Fans Might Dislike
Live-action adaptations are the new trend, and if crafted poorly, they can provoke anger in many fans. The latest Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender, following the story of Aang was released in February and is generating mixed response. The major reason behind the negative reception lies behind the changes made in the live-action and some elements failing to meet many viewers’ hopes.
Also Read: Does Jet Die in Avatar: Years Long Mystery Still Bothers Avatar: The Last Airbender Fans
It’s been years since the live-action of the highly acclaimed animated series was announced, but due to significant challenges, the makers couldn’t proceed with the project until 2021, when filming began. Now that Avatar: The Last Airbender is finally out on Netflix, fans, and viewers have pointed out notable flaws like excessive use of CGI, less engaging elements, and even the introduction of the main antagonist, Fire Lord Ozai, before time.
While speaking with GQ, Lord Ozai actor Daniel Dae Kim talked about his portrayal and explained why the live-action needed to bring Ozai from the start. He said:
“I think the reason they pushed up my story was in service of Zuko because we wanted to feel what his motivations were and why he was relentlessly chasing Aang.”
Dae Kim shed light on Dallas James Liu’s character Zuko, explaining that the change was made to depict his intentions behind chasing Aang. He added:
“I personally applaud the decision, because I think you care so much more about the primary four than you would otherwise. It’s the right decision.”
The Spider-Man 2 actor completely supports the decision to introduce Lord Ozai from the start, unlike the original series in which the primary adversary’s identity was discovered in season 1’s finale. Dae Kim also stated that it was a necessary change for a deeper understanding of the characters.
Daniel Dae Kim Expressed Excitement About Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2
The first season concluded with a total of eight episodes, leaving room for the next chapter. However, Netflix hasn’t officially announced the renewal, but fans and even Daniel Dae Kim are excited about it. The actor expressed hope in the same interview and said:
“Nothing is inevitable in this business and in this industry climate, but there seems to be a lot of excitement about it.”
However, the showrunner of the Netflix series Albert Kim said “I didn’t focus beyond Season 1” (via THR), but another cast member and actress Kiawentiio who plays Katara expressed her excitement not only for the second season but third as well.
Watch Avatar: The Last Airbender on Netflix.
