Netflix's Avatar: The Last Airbender stars Gordon Cormier (Aang) and Dallas Liu (Zuko) received the Philippines’ warm welcome through its fan event organized last Wednesday, February 21, 2024. While the 14-year-old is recognizable for the arrow-shaped tattoo on his forehead and exemplifying Aang’s cheerful demeanor, he dives into his Filipino upbringing during his appearances around the metro, born into a Fil-Can household.
The pair also made their morning show debut, appearing on TV5’s Gud Morning Kapatid as they shared their experiences during the show’s casting, taping, and experiences in the city, with Cormier mentioning the trip to the country as his third. He motioned his excitement in his return after a seven-year hiatus, reuniting with his mother’s side of the family from Sta Rosa, Laguna, and trying local delicacies in the process.
While Avatar: The Last Airbender’s previous live-action remake did not sit well with the animated series loyalists, Cormier and Liu look at the portrayal as an embodiment, rather than an impersonation of the 2005 Nickelodeon franchise.
“We stayed true to the original, but we aren’t doing impersonations of the characters, but [rather] bringing them to life. I feel like I brought the positive energy back to Aang and it’s kind of just me in general, so it’s really easy to just be me on set,” Cormier mentioned to Frontline Pilipinas in an exclusive.
“…It’s (exciting because it feels familiar but there is something grounded in our show that I think people will be excited to watch,” Liu added.
Netflix's eight-episode adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender is now streamable on the platform.
