Gordon Cormier Soars as Aang, Winning Fans’ Hearts as ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ Live Action Remake Drops on Netflix

Published 02/22/2024, 8:38 PM EST

via Imago

In the enchanting tale of Avatar: The Last Airbender, a story widely known, Aang’s destiny as the Avatar, charged with restoring equilibrium to the world, is a familiar legend. For Gordon Cormier, a Filipino-Canadian actor living near the Vancouver filming location, the saga took on a unique twist. Unlike avid fans who could recite every nuance, Cormier brought a fresh perspective to the iconic tale.

As the live-action reimagining hit Netflix, audiences were spellbound by Cormier’s embodiment of Aang. Executive producer Albert Kim’s revelation that the global search for Aang led them to Cormier, conveniently located just 10 minutes away from the studio, added a delightful twist to the casting tale. In an Aang appreciation post labeling him as the ‘perfect’ casting for Aang, fans devoured his portrayal.

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The eight-episode series revisited the animated series’ inaugural season, weaving a reimagined narrative that stood on its own. Yet, it intricately covered pivotal elements from the initial three episodes, providing a compelling context for the iconic introductory monologue. The show plunges into the Avatar’s century-long entrapment in an iceberg. This was revamped by Kim and the original creators to adopt a more chronological storytelling approach.

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While some critiques acknowledge imperfections in the adaptation, Gordon Cormier earned widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Avatar Aang, hailed as imperfectly perfect by many.

Gordon Cormier takes on the Avatar Aang mantle

Once Gordon Cormier secured the role, he dove headfirst into the story, immersing himself by watching the series more than 30 times. It seems his dedication paid off, as fans inundated social media with admiration. Many enthusiasts could not help but spotlight how he effortlessly transformed into the flawless animated rendition of Aang, down to the minutest details, like his distinctive ears, earning him accolades for his remarkable portrayal.

The show’s enchanting narrative and impeccable casting left some fans so captivated that they could not resist clamoring for another season. The mesmerizing performances and flawless execution had viewers on the edge of their seats.

However, not everyone savored the show without reservations. Some viewers took it with a pinch of salt. They expressed the sentiment that a more refined script would have brought out the best in Cormier’s portrayal. Another opinionated soul in the mix suggested that casting Seth Rogen might have added a unique flavor and elevated the performance to new heights.

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With merely 30 days on the clock and a script shrouded in mystery, Cormier managed to pull off Aang in a stellar fashion. The proof was in the pudding, as applause echoed from all corners for his impeccable portrayal. Now, the ball is in the second season’s court to unveil how the fandom for the animated legend unfolds. More so, leaving fans on the edge of their seats for the next chapter of this epic tale.

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Did you also like Cormier’s portrayal of Aang? Let us know in the comments below.

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Riva Khan

680 articles

Riva Khan is an entertainment reporter at NetflixJunkie. Given her love for the language and writing, she has honed her narrative skills from a young age. She loves her latest tea in Hollywood and keeps an eye on the news.

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