Avatar: The Last Airbender is getting a live-action adaptation on Netflix and if you’re a fan of the Nickelodeon cartoons, it’s understandable if you were worried when the news broke, especially after the last live-action version we got… but we don’t really talk about that one.

I was definitely worried, to be honest. As a fan of the cartoons and as a mom who force-fed it to her daughter, who is now also a fan, it’s hard not to get anxious about something so well-loved. Even after seeing the cast, I wasn’t exactly sold. But then I met them. And then they released these first look photos, and NOW, I AM EXCITED AS ALL HELL. Check them out!

FIRST LOOK at Avatar: The Last Airbender on Netflix

Gordon Cormier as Aang

13-year-old Gordon Cormier was cast in the role of Aang (in case you didn’t know, he’s half-Filipino!!!) and my goodness, does he look the part! This photo alone was enough to get me excited for what’s to come. Even just in general, Gordon’s energy is strong and infectious, and his mere presence instantly lights up a place. I can’t wait to see him grow through this show and beyond.

Dallas James Liu as Prince Zuko

As a certified Fire Nation girl, this photo sent chills up and down my spine. Dallas is the epitome of Prince Zuko and according to Dallas, it turns out Paul Sun-hyung Lee as Iroh and Daniel Dae Kim as Fire Lord Ozai are perfect for their roles as well, so I’m even more excited now. Since the Avatar universe has such a huge fan base, Dallas also shares that knew that he had to somehow live up to supporters’ expectations as well as his own, and thankfully, stepping through his love for the series and his phenomenal haircut helped.

Ian Ousley as Sokka

Ian plays Sokka, a character who admittedly took a loooong while for me to warm up to in the cartoons but Ian is so lovely and witty as a person. He actually couldn’t believe that I’m on Team Fire Nation because the Philippines is surrounded by water. :p Anyway, he shares that getting to meet and hang out with Appa was one of the best moments on the show, even though he was a bit scared because they were working with a faceless Appa on set. He also shares that he is ecstatic to have lived his dream of flying through the sky with his wolf tail in the air.

Kiyawentiio Karbell as Katara

Kiyawentiio is sooooo pretty and she announced at TUDUM that she is so excited for everyone to see the bending and the effects. She also shares that her personal favorite episode of the show is Episode 5, so make sure to watch out for that onw!

While I definitely can’t wait to see the bending and the effects myself, what I’m most excited about, like Ian, is definitely Appa… with Momo as a close second. If they nail those two, this might just become my new favorite Netflix show!

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