Audiences will soon be returning to the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender and Legend of Korra as three new animated films were recently announced to be hitting theaters sometime soon. So far these films will feature Avatar Kyoshi, Zuko, and Korra as the protagonists, and are set for release in 2024, 2025, and 2026, respectively. There is also a live-action adaptation for Netflix in the works – though unrelated, it is exciting that these series will be reaching new audiences once again.
And, if they were to continue with spin-offs following the third movie, there are plenty of other characters who would be deserving of their own.
Avatar Aang
Of course, Aang was the protagonist of a series for three glorious seasons, but there is still so much of his story that could be told. It is likely that he could still be incorporated into Zuko’s story since they become great friends by the series’ end. He could even play into Korra’s if it has her regain her connection to her past lives. However, many fans would still love the idea of him getting his own film.
This would be a great way to showcase Aang as an adult, raising and training his kids while tackling the responsibilities of being the Avatar. It could highlight his last days, whether he knew they were coming or not, as a way to give him one final goodbye.
Katara
Like Aang, every one of the main characters from Avatar: The Last Airbender would make worthy protagonists for a spin-off film. Katara, in particular, would be a popular choice. She experienced some incredible growth over the entire series, as shown in some of her best episodes, and she is the only original cast member to still be alive in Legend of Korra.
Like Aang’s, this could be set when she is an adult and mother, or following Aang’s death. However, she would benefit from an independent story. It could feature her on a grand adventure of her own, which would allow both old and new audiences to see who she is outside the context of another character’s story.
Sokka
While he is not the only major non-bender across both series, there is really no one like Sokka. In Legend of Korra, non-benders like Asami and Varrick have technology and enhanced weapons to help them combat their enemies. Sokka just has his trusty boomerang and his distinct wit, yet he helps take down armies and incredibly powerful enemies.
Any movie featuring Sokka would be funny, that’s for sure, but it would be really great to see him as the main protagonist. It would allow for a non-bender to really have their perspective explored, and there are some fun options for storylines. It could find him as the new chief of the Southern Water Tribe, or on an adventure with his partner Suki and the Kyoshi warriors.
Toph
Toph Beifong is by far the greatest character in Avatar: The Last Airbender introduced in season 2. Her sense of humor and snarky attitude made her incredibly popular, so it was no wonder she eventually returned in a significant way for the final season of Legend of Korra, showing off how inherently powerful she is.
Like her fellow teammates, this could show her as an adult – perhaps when she is establishing the metal bending academy or the police force in Republic city – or even as an elder following Legend of Korra. Alternatively, seeing her in her youth shortly following the end of Avatar: The Last Airbender would also be very fun.
King Bumi
If they would choose to do a supporting character, the best choice would definitely be Bumi, Aang’s childhood friend turned kooky King of Omashu. He is an incredibly powerful Earthbender – being part of several great fights across the series – and the namesake for Aang and Katara’s firstborn son. This would be a great choice to show more of his history since he is a very popular character.
This film could show his life during the Hundred-Year War and his rise to power. It wasn’t implied that he was prince when Aang knew him in their youth, so this could also explore the intricate interworkings and politics of the Earth Kingdom.
Mako & Bolin
In 2006, the original voice actor for Uncle Iroh, Mako, passed away – and was subsequently replaced by Greg Baldwin. One of the main characters in Legend of Korra was named in his honor. Mako and his loveable brother Bolin should both get their own spin-off film. Naturally, they will likely feature in Korra’s film, but their stories deserve some independent attention.
As the series progressed, they both went through some drastic changes, growing more powerful along the way. Following the series’ end, both have become detectives as part of the Republic City police force, so perhaps they are given a mystery to solve. It could also show some of their youth before meeting Korra when they got wrapped up in the street gangs.
Avatar Wan
One of the most exciting moments of expansion from Legend of Korra is the story of Avatar Wan, the first Avatar, and his journeys with the spirit, Raava. Not only was the distinct art style quite beautiful – and something that would be exciting to return to again – but the story is perfect for its own film.
This could take off from where it was largely left in Legend of Korra by showing his life as the Avatar following Harmonic Convergence and his battle with Vaatu. He could struggle with the pressure and responsibility that he created for himself by becoming the Avatar, and/or also see him at his end. Regardless, his legacy should certainly be acknowledged in Kyoshi or Korra’s films.
Kuvira
While Avatar: The Last Airbender had one central antagonist throughout the entire series, each season in Legend of Korra had its own big bad. Closing it out was one of the most complex characters, Kuvira. She was an officer for the Metal Clan first introduced in the background of season 3, but her ambition took hold as she sought to control all of the Earth Kingdom.
Besides Korra, she is definitely one of the most powerful characters in Legend of Korra, and though she was the villain, she does eventually begin to redeem herself in subsequent comics. A film with Kuvira as the protagonist could truly explore a redemption story – though that could also be done in Zuko’s – and see her return as a productive and benevolent person in this world.
Avatar Yangchen
The first of these films will focus on Avatar Kyoshi, a powerful, imposing character and a fan favorite according to Reddit. Her story was expanded recently in two novels, but she is not the only avatar to receive that treatment. A third book, entitled The Dawn of Yangchen, will be released soon. Yangchen is the last Air Nomad Avatar before Aang, dying nearly 350 years prior to him. Through her tireless work as the Avatar, she was able to bring the world to a time of unparalleled peace.
Of course, that was no easy feat, and such an endeavor would make a great option for a film. Additionally, it could really show how different Aang and she are. Though they come from the same culture, they approach the world and their responsibilities differently.
Avatar Kuruk
Like Yangchen, Avatar Kuruk of the Water Tribe only appeared in Avatar: The Last Airbender briefly to pass on wisdom to Aang. He also did the same for Korra briefly, telling her to find Raava. Unlike his fellow Avatars, he led a relaxed life, reaping the benefits from Yangchen’s good work – or that is what audiences were led to believe.
As revealed throughout The Shadow of Kyoshi, he was secretly fighting a spiritual sickness and would spend most of his time curtailing dark spirits. His life was surrounded by tragedy as his lover, Ummi, was also lost to him, stolen by Koh the Face Stealer. As such, there is plenty of fodder to explore in his own film to really showcase the real Avatar Kuruk.