Earlier this week, Netflix announced the four young actors cast as Aang, Katara, Sokka, and Zuko. The upcoming live-action series is (as of now) expected to be an adaption of the first season of the famous Nickelodeon series. Since the series was announced in 2018, long-time fans have tried to fancast young actors who accurately portray these beloved characters. However, with the official casting, the streaming service seems to be looking for up-and-coming or completely unknown actors for the lead teen roles. But what about the minor adult roles?
Here at Knight Edge Media, we have long contemplated what well-known actors could portray the minor adult roles for the show. We will not be fan-casting characters outside the first season like Toph or Azula, even though they are also expected to be open to any unknown actor when the second season rolls around. The casting suggestion is to keep in line with ethnically accurate roles in the series. Casting Indigenous actors as the Water Tribe, Fire Nation as Japanese/South Asian actors, and the Earth Kingdom as Chinese actors.
Without further ado…
Ken Watanabe – Avatar Roku
Ken Watanabe (Detective Pikachu, Godzilla) is an Academy Nominated actor in The Last Samurai. He has also played heroes and villains in many films. Recently, he appeared in Detective Pikachu as Lieutenant Hide Yoshida. In the film, he tries to do the right thing and uncover who killed Tim’s father. He often steers Tim in the right direction throughout the course of the film because he wants what’s best for him. The role of Roku is much about being Aang’s spirit guide throughout the show. He must steer Aang in the right direction to become the next Avatar. Ken Watanabe is of Japanese descent and is 61-years-old. His minor appearance could help elevate the show while on Netflix.
