Dante Basco, the voice actor behind Prince Zuko in the animated Avatar: The Last Airbender, confirms he's given Dallas Liu advice on playing the beloved character for Netflix's series. After spending years in development, Netflix's live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender is officially pushing forward towards production. Hyped as a reimagining of the beloved Nickelodeon series, the project has filled in most of the key roles for the first season, with Gordon Cormier stepping into the titular role of Avatar Aang. Netflix's Avatar also stars up-and-comers Kiawentiio (Katara) and Ian Ousley (Sokka).
Liu, meanwhile, has built up some exciting credits over the years. Most recently, he starred in Hulu's acclaimed sitcom Pen15 and put in a small appearance in Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Avatar: The Last Airbender will be his biggest project yet, and he's got an excellent role. Zuko starts the show as the primary antagonist, only to evolve into a key ally for Aang and his friends. His character development has long been praised by fans, and getting him right will be important for Netflix's Avatar.
Luckily, Liu has someone very important in his corner. Basco, who voiced Zuko throughout all three seasons of the animated Avatar: The Last Airbender, gave a Q&A at FACTS 2021 (via Avatar News) and revealed he's spoken to Liu about the Netflix series. Basco gave Liu some advice on taking on the part of Zuko, but he mainly told the young actor it's ultimately his turn to own it. Basco said:
“I just had a conversation with the new kid playing Zuko on the show for Netflix-- Dallas Liu-- and we were talking about the character, and, you know, I was kinda passing the torch, like, bro, it’s your turn to play him, how you’re gonna play him.
“I’ll tell you things about how I did it, and it could help you on your journey, but ultimately, it’s your turn to play him how you’re gonna play him, wherever that character intersects with you.”
In the years since the animated Avatar: The Last Airbender, Basco has remained very involved with the fanbase and the franchise. Earlier this year, he confirmed he had spoken to original creators Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino about the Netflix series back when they were attached (they departed the project last year over creative differences). Since then, Basco's involvement with the new Avatar has been up in the air, though it's clear that even if he isn't on board in an official capacity, he's still happy to interact with those making it. That Basco has lent his support to Liu as the new Zuko both speaks highly of Liu's potential in the role and is a sweet gesture from one actor to another.
Fans will want Liu to capture the essence of what Basco brought to the role, but the voice actor is right in saying it's now Liu's turn to put his spin on Zuko. As with any adaptation, elements of Zuko are bound to change with the Netflix Avatar: The Last Airbender, and those aspects can give Liu space to create a memorable performance. If he is ever uncertain, he can look to Basco, but Liu might not have to. He was cast for a reason, and fans can't wait to see what it is.
Source: Avatar News/Twitter