Original Avatar: The Last Airbender star Zach Tyler Eisen offers his own reaction to the 2024 live-action adaptation of the beloved animated series, weighing in on its cast and comparison to the source material. Airing from 2006 to 2009, the Nickelodeon animated series saw Eisen’s Aang awaken after a long slumber to face down the Fire Nation and restore balance to the world. In 2024, Netflix released a live-action adaptation of the series starring Gordon Cormier as Aang. Netflix later renewed Avatar: The Last Airbender for seasons 2 and 3 to fully adapt the source material.
At MegaCon Orlando 2025, Eisen opened up to CBR about his thoughts on the live-action adaptation after seeing the first season. As Eisen praised the cast and shared his excitement for the confirmed upcoming seasons, the voice actor stated that while it deviated from certain story details, he understood the pressures that adapting the series could bring to please both new and existing fans. He also revealed that he had the opportunity to meet Cormier and the live-action cast, stating his experiences had largely been positive. Check out Eisen’s review below:
I thought it was great. I am so excited for Seasons 2 and 3. I thought the acting was incredible. I really liked how they kept the story line, but took some liberties with it. They made it a little bit darker. It wasn’t exactly what the cartoon was, because you can’t just do that. They have a very hard job in trying to remake this beloved cartoon from a lot of people’s childhoods, and you’re going to inevitably not satisfy everybody. But they were bold enough to take some risks with it, and I think it paid off. And as I said, I’m really looking forward to Seasons 2 and 3. I got to meet most of the cast at other cons, and it was really cool. They were all such great people, and they’re so well cast. They’re great actors. Talking to Gordon Cormier, especially, I’m looking at Aang in the face in a way that I never have before, and he’s really talented. I can’t wait to see what he does with the character.
What Eisen’s Support Means For Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender
Several Original Cast Members Have Discussed The Remake
Eisen is the latest Avatar: The Last Airbender voice actor to weigh in on the results of the live-action adaptation. Toph voice actor Michaela Jill Murphy offered plenty of praise after viewing the first trailer for its handling of bending, while Iroh actor Greg Baldwin was quick to celebrate the casting of Paul Sun-Hyung Lee as the former Fire Nation general. Prince Zuko voice actor Dante Basco also praised the main cast for capturing the characters upon seeing the first glimpse at the show during a convention.
Related
How Old Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender Cast Is Compared To Their Characters
The trailers for Netflix’s The Last Airbender reveal the show’s main cast, raising the question of how old they are compared to their characters.
As such, while there have been some divisive responses to Netflix’s The Last Airbender from the fandom, it is clear the original cast are doing all they can to support the new stars. Taking on the Avatar: The Last Airbender characters who have become iconic to an entire generation is no small feat, especially for young, relatively unestablished performers. The actors weighing in on the new generation offers a vital form of support.
Our Thoughts On Eisen’s Netflix Avatar: The Last Airbender Review
The Actor’s Response Could Inspire Skeptical Fans
With Netflix renewing Avatar: The Last Airbender for two further seasons that will fully round out the fantasy epic’s story, it is clear that the streaming service has faith in the production. However, while certain additions have been met with praise, such as Zuko’s expanded backstory, others have failed to highlight the series as something worth watching for existing fans. However, with Eisen’s support, those who have not checked out the series for themselves may now be willing to give the live-action series a chance.
Source: CBR
Avatar: The Last Airbender
7/10
- Release Date
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February 22, 2024
- Directors
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Michael Goi, Roseanne Liang, Jabbar Raisani, Jet Wilkinson
- Writers
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Albert Kim, Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko