Avatar: Sokka actor reacts to criticism of Netflix series’ feminism

Sokka’s actor in Avatar: The Last Airbender confirms that the live-action series on Netflix will retain certain feminist themes.

Almost 20 years after its first broadcast on Nickelodeon, the cartoon that rocked the childhood of many spectators will benefit from a new live-action remake. This time, no film, but a series, branded Netflix, and which aims to be “more mature” .

Such a production could only generate anticipation, and with anticipation often comes debates. While a good portion of fans consider themselves hyped on social networks, others can’t help but worry. Especially since certain statements from the showrunners and actors had already ignited the powder.

One of the biggest concerns undoubtedly concerns the character of Sokka, Katara’s older brother, and his view of women as a bit of a concern at the start of the original story. For most spectators, however, this is not a problem, as the young man learns from his mistakes to improve. But announcements about the modification of the protagonist clearly did not please.

Actor Ian Ousley, who plays Sokka, still wanted to react to the criticism and reassure angry fans.

Ian Ousley Promises Fans Sokka’s Story Arc Is Still Intact

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnqUxxUOeA4

Avatar : Le dernier maître de l'air | Bande-annonce officielle VF | Netflix France (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnqUxxUOeA4)

At the start of Avatar, Sokka is not just a comic character: he also represents a part of the society in which the heroes evolve, sometimes deeply misogynistic. However, his narrative arc shows how Katara’s brother realizes his mistakes and seeks to correct them, through his encounters with strong women in the series.

Netflix had announced that the plot would be toned down because it was deemed too problematic. The reaction was not long in coming on social networks, with fans not liking the idea. But during an interview with Metro, the character actor wanted to reassure viewers. Ian Ousley thus affirmed that the series would still retain many of Sokka’s feminist themes, even if the subject will not be as in-depth as in the animated series.

“I think the live-action version kept 100% of the essence of the character Sokka. In my opinion, fans are a little worried that there will be changes to him, but I really don’t find that to be the case in the series. […] We can’t fit in every detail of every story arc in the animated series. But the essence of the character is still there.”

The actor then gives more details to illustrate his words: “He’s an overprotective big brother, and it shows in the way he doesn’t really trust Katara at first, acting like the guy who commands the Tribe of Southern Water. But he gets put in his place in different ways and learns that women can be powerful. I just can’t wait for people to watch the show and make up their own minds about what may be worrying them.”

The live-action series Avatar: The Last Airbender will be available on Netflix from February 22, 2024.