klm Thu, Jul 9, 2009 at 05:39 PM EST

Dude this is gay none of these actors even look like the characters in the show katara is supposed to have black hair and blue eyes while jesse mcartney will not even look like prince zuko i think the actors that do the real voices should star in this movie >:[

Julie Beast from the East Wed, Jul 8, 2009 at 10:23 AM EST

Perris Aquino should have been Aang and I could play Topf! Check out my videos http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8zOqYWvVGM&feature=channel_page and see what it's supposed to look like and then judge Noah's Karate based movements.

The Cabbage Merchant Tue, Jun 30, 2009 at 04:21 AM EST

@virginian-born
also,
On the casting call sheet for the lead roles
it specifically stated,
"Caucasian and any other ethnicity"
Do you realize how discouraging that is to all the struggling Asian-American and Native-American actors/actresses?
The casting sheet clearly calls specifies Caucasian actors over 'any other ethnicity'. To an actor's agent, this signifies a preference for Caucasian actors. Non-white actors can apply, but they chances of getting the role are slim-to-none. This completely eradicates the myth that they chose 'the best actor' for the role. In fact, the actor they wanted was Caucasian, and that's what they got.

Films influenced by European Mythology (LOTR) have Anglo-Saxon heroes.
Why should this be any different for films influenced by Asian Mythology?
Asians would have a deeper connection to the characters that would make the "acting" more believable.
I guess we have to take Jackson Rathbone's advice about his "tan" and "suspend disbelief" so he can "act" Inuit.

The Cabbage Merchant Tue, Jun 30, 2009 at 03:59 AM EST

@T-Man
"thats why they have makeup studios btw"
I bet that's exactly what Hollywood said when they chose to use Blackface.

@virginian-born
In a recent interview with M.Night, he mentions that Noah Ringer was chosen based on his appearance and martial arts skills and that he had to go through some "acting training"
So, your argument is weak.
If they were planning to invest in training the actors to act, then they could have easily chose an Asian-American with the CORRECT appearence. And Perris Aquino's (youtube him) martial arts skills surpasses Noah Ringer easily. And Aquino's style of martial art is the CORRECT martial art (kung-fu) unlike Ringer's Tae Kwon Do.

"I think it is possible that some readers never even notice what color the people in the story are. Don't notice, don't care. Whites of course have the privilege of not caring, of being "colorblind." Nobody else does."

- Ursula K. Le Guin

JIGGAMAN Sat, Jun 27, 2009 at 05:03 PM EST

Who cares if the cast is or isn't asian. The movie was doomed already with Shamalan or however you spell it.
But really though the director should stick to the original ASIAN SETTING. It'd be having JACKIE CHAN play 50 CENT in GET RICH...

Ignorance is bliss Fri, Jun 26, 2009 at 09:47 PM EST

Yes but de you read how the casting call was written? If you don't see anything wrong I. There, then somethings wrong. As for shyamalan I have no problem with him because it is very likely that despite his position as director, he was not the only one with power in choosing the main cast. As for us being out of hand, I believe that is an overstatement. The choice of cast is terrible, and hopefully, this movie will fail, enough that maybe a new cast will be picked. As long as the current cast hasn't signed a contract for the other two movies

virginian-born Fri, Jun 26, 2009 at 12:34 AM EST

First of all, most of these comments were a bit out of hand. It really doesn't matter what actors/actresses play these roles, it's how well they'll act the parts. I'm a big fan of the animated series, and am looking forward to the live-action adaptation. And finding out it would be directed by M. Night made me want to see it even more. As for the cast of The Last Airbender, I'll wait till I see the movie before I give my opinion on them. As should u all who scream racist, and who bash M. Night for his casting choices. Did it ever occur that casting calls were open to anyone, and that he was looking for quality acting? That's all I'm suggesting.

Ignorance is bliss Thu, Jun 25, 2009 at 11:05 PM EST

To joe-
Furthermore, just because he has slightly pale skin doesn't mean he isn't Asian. There are many pale skinned Asian peoples. And just because they don't have slits for eyes doesn't mean fwy aren't Asian. I mean how stupid can you be?

Ignorance is bliss Thu, Jun 25, 2009 at 11:02 PM EST

To joe-
Are you blind? Have you read nothing? It is all Asian. No other ethnic groups. Who's the dumba** now? You're the one who should pay attention.

joe Thu, Jun 25, 2009 at 03:33 PM EST

ok adam zuko is white i watch the series everyday and he and some other of the fire nation r white...dumbass water tribe looks more hawian and earth tribe looks white/mexican. air nomads r white/asian watch the series man

Ignorance is bliss Wed, Jun 24, 2009 at 11:50 PM EST

I really don't understand how people think anyone in avatar is anything by Asian. I mean people seem to have enough trouble distinguishing Asians, which can be very different, yet they seem to have trouble distinguishing Asians from african American and Caucasian people. There are only five different asian races that are Actually illustrated in the avatar: Chinese-being the most dominant, Tibetan-monks, Inuit-water tribes(where the heck do people go off calling them Alaskan???), and the Koreans and Japanese together in the earth. The ENTIRE universe is Asian. No caucasian, no African, no Hispanic. The only major elements that were originally NOT Asian is the Hindu and Buddhist themes(Buddhism originates from India) as they are middle eastern, a different region with different cultural values

To T-Man Wed, Jun 24, 2009 at 10:23 PM EST

So you're saying basicly that the actor doesn't matter. All that matters is the plot. Well a plot is basicly a plan, and if people don't execute that plan thouroughly and accurately then it fails. Same with actors. If an actor or actress isn't fit for the plot it will become evident and the plot would fail too. Judging by this cast, it will fail. EPICLY

To T-Man Wed, Jun 24, 2009 at 10:16 PM EST

Yes well michael bay wasn't so stupid that he made transformers humans. And don't tell me that this is a bad analogy because the Asian peoples and culture in Avatar is just as important as the autobots and decepticons in Transformers

T-man Wed, Jun 24, 2009 at 09:08 PM EST

you people who are bashing such a legend as M. Night shalylaman are idiots. people said the transformers movies were gonna suck too but they were wrong. give the guy a chance. the story is what is important, not whose playing what part. thats why they have makeup studios btw.

Nyma Wed, Jun 24, 2009 at 04:37 PM EST

I do not understand the point of this cast. I honestly feel this was a huge mistake and the film will bomb. At first I was excited to hear about the movie and then the rumors started. I thought the director would comment or do something because this is a staight to netflix backburner film. It is already recieving negative critisim from the public. People are honestly upset over this and I can see why. This is millions of dollars being wasted because no one will go see this film.

Wow Wed, Jun 24, 2009 at 01:41 PM EST

I don't care if dev patel is in the movie. The movie is set in not only an Asian world, but an EAST SOUTH AND CENTRAL Asian world. Not middle eastern. There is only one middle eastern character in the series. And white people might not understands the deep Asian culture underlying the series. Duty I ones father as shown for zuko is a confucian theme. Clothes thy are worn such as the traditional hanbok of Korea or the kimono of japan are definitely not Caucasian. And to say they do not look Asian? They look more Asian than crappy manga characters in poorly written trash. Not all Asians have slits for eyes, or a "flat face". To say that they don't look Asian just reinforces the fact that many of you are in fact ignorant. And voices are voices. Asians don't sound different. To say such would imply that we are not human. The only nation in the movie that will be displayed by east, central, and south Asians is the Earth kingdom! This "Asian" world disgusts me having respect for our culture

AvatarLover Wed, Jun 24, 2009 at 04:37 AM EST

Avatar the last airbender is an American Anime. If you actually watch the series you will notice that NONE of the characters look asian except maybe the fire nation. I mean, the water tribe people look alaskan. I think the casting was completely fair since most of the characters in the series were NOT asian.

Adam Wed, Jun 17, 2009 at 02:03 PM EST

ok. first off, i am white. but i do not think that the casting is fair. i have a love for east asian culture (japanese and korean) in specific, and think that this cast is completely unfair. they don't even look asian AT ALL! i mean, jesse mccartney, are you kidding me? they could at least have picked some darker italian/spanish people with black hair and brown eyes if they were going to do this. japan has one of the largest entertainment industries in the world, and they can't even find a few japanese or korean actors to play some of these roles? that's bs. none of the cultures even expressed in the series indicate any european influence. yes, the air nomads were pretty pasty, but they still weren't european!

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LetmebeFrank Sun, Jun 14, 2009 at 03:08 PM EST

I think everybody makes really valid points about the cast, but I think the real problem is the person who hired them. Come on! Shyamalan is the perfect director to destroy the Avatar franchise. He hasn't made a decent movie since forever. Really, I challenge you all to go watch the "sixth sense" again now that all the suprise ending hype is behind you. It is really just a so-so movie that had Bruce in it. Maybe M. Night can get Mr. Willis to play Moma and redeem himself after unbreakable. This movie is already broken before its made with Shyamalan at the reigns.

Spider Sun, Jun 14, 2009 at 01:41 PM EST

This is an AWESOME performance:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHwpDeu6aS4

passerby Sun, Jun 14, 2009 at 11:40 AM EST

These casting decisions are very disappointing. This will end Shyamalan's career.

blabla Sun, Jun 7, 2009 at 01:41 AM EST

Hi, Avatar was an awesome animated series. To see it transformed and cheapened into some white-washed caucasian fest is demeaning and offensive to the original series and to Asians in general.

White people need to respect other peoples culture and realise that they are not kings of the world. Tom cruise as the last Japanese samurai? Brad Pitt as Achilles as the Greek hero? Eminem as ... Ok you get my idea, caucasians seem to think they rock everyone's culture, would white people want to see an Asian George Washington or a Black Santa clause? No, because the people portrayed are not the same race.

In the 1970's the main role of a Shaolin Monk in a martial arts series was awarded to non-martial artist David Carradine because racist conjecture that a Chinese leading man (Bruce Lee) would not be embraced by the public. 2 years later Bruce Lee is an icon worldwide.

I see history repeating itself, the same ethnocentric arrogance that will circulate until we choose to stop it.

Fu Fu Cuddly Poops Sun, May 31, 2009 at 01:31 PM EST

Pangea? Isn't Pangea one continent?

The avatar universe does not even have one Anglo-Saxon character. Not one.

And even if there was a Joe, Bob, or Jill walking around in the background. They were definitely not in the foreground.

KismetsCaprice Sun, May 31, 2009 at 12:28 AM EST

So, obviously, we need to find Spanish Russians and French Hawwaiians (etc) and teach their children martial arts and acting. It's the only fair way.

KismetsCaprice Sun, May 31, 2009 at 12:26 AM EST

Has anyone noticed that the world of Avatar doesn't look Asian? It looks like Pangea decided to mix it up a little and move around differently. So, going from the closest geological lookalikes, all the Earth Kingdom should be Russian, all the Fire Nation should be Hawaiian, the Water Tribes should either not exist or try for Alaskan and Australian (or Kiwi), and the Air Nomads don't exist anyway, so Aang can be whatever he wants to be. OBVIOUSLY the Russians and the Hawaiians should be angry. Really, get over yourselves. It's a FANTASY world. And in that fantasy world, the Russians were immagined as Mexicans, the Hawaiians were imagined as French, the Nonexistant Alaskans...actualy they looked exactly like Alaskans, and the equaly nonexistant whatevertheywanttobes looked...hmmmm...the orange definately screamed monk...I think they started in China (Japan?) soooo, Aang can be Chinese. (finish in next post)

staticlinejumper Sat, May 30, 2009 at 08:17 PM EST

Frank Marshall and "Muhnight" Shyamalan have made a big mistake casting white actors for a show that is Asian-themed, populated by Asian characters, and premised on Asian cultural traditions.

The running controversy will hurt the movie commercially. But more importantly, his choices and the studio's will affect children who will take away powerful impressions from seeing one set of actors instead of another on hundreds of screens worldwide.

PBS just ran a documentary, "Chinese Hollywood", on the long history of yellowface in movies, from silent films to the 70s - oops, the 00s. A timely reminder of the irrefutable cultural history and racist baggage of today's industry.

"Muhnight" is either chillingly indifferent or blatently ignorant of this baggage. Even if we're charitable and assume he's an ahistorical ignoramus, this is difficult to excuse, given his prominence as an Asian American director. Or is he just afraid to challenge his studio after his multiflop record?

Fu Fu Cuddly Poops Fri, May 29, 2009 at 11:13 AM EST

Forget that Dev Patel is the token asian guy!
Zuko's outfit makes him look like a cool guy.
http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/2117/3wmzuko.jpg

Anonymous Asian Thu, May 28, 2009 at 09:23 PM EST

Looks like some people need to see what Noah Ringer looks like because they seem to still be in the dark.

I cannot wait for this movie.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3368/3569688696_4b64bf6ec5_o.jpg

Anonymous Asian Thu, May 28, 2009 at 09:19 PM EST

This made me feel disgusted to be Asian, you all should be assumed of yourselves. Noah Ringer is a pretty good Aang.

NewsFlash Wed, May 20, 2009 at 12:32 AM EST

It has been confirmed:
The CGI 3D modelers will be redesigning the dragons.
To compliment the ethnic changes of the leading roles of the film,
the firebending masters, Ran and Sha,
as well as Avatar Roku's dragon, Fang
will be modeled after traditional European dragons.

Someone Mon, May 11, 2009 at 08:17 PM EST

Really? You think were acting like babies because they took out and changed the characters that were Asian and Native and replaced them with Caucasians? If the shows characters were black and replaced them as whites for the movie, complained, would we still be acting like babies?

P.S. I think before you go around calling anyone an "idot"", you should learn how to spell it first, Idiot.

lionlover23 Sat, May 9, 2009 at 04:00 PM EST

I have been reading some of your replies to this and to think this is how our world has become we are acting like babies! It's a movie that's all it is for heavens sake! And all the nazi stuff just think wat it would have been like to be in their shoes. And terrorism. Fools is the only thing i think when i read this crap. I never thought we could get so worked up over a freakin cast list! It's just like Twilight and how people go extreme it's a job they are doing their best at it. I feel sorry for those who make idots of themselves by talking the way I have seen on this.

Jessi-chan Wed, May 6, 2009 at 10:52 PM EST

Honestly? I'm not suprised. It's uncommmon for American anime to get as big as it did, and I can totally see these big shot movie directors stretching it out until it's far too old.

I'm unamused with the cast, most certainly. This desperately makes me rethink the anime itself, and its fanbase.

All in all, I'm severly dissapointed with all of it in general, and can only shake my head in disaproval.

lock74 Tue, May 5, 2009 at 12:35 PM EST

Oh man! This film will suck! I mean just look at the casts! Not good not good at all! I mean Dev Patel as Zuko? Are you kidding me? I also saw the other cast and....wah! This movie is already ruined. I'm a very big fan of the serie so when I heard there is a live-action film but the director...oh man! He's a friggin horror movie director! I mean c'mon! This film will really dissapoint all the Avatar fans out there...

someone Tue, May 5, 2009 at 12:16 PM EST

ooookaaayyyy... posts here are getting WAAAYYYY extreme...

Soumynona Thu, Apr 30, 2009 at 04:37 PM EST

I totally agree! They really ruined Avatar with the cast lineup. I was excited about the film until I saw the list. I'm going to have to pass. The director doesn't seem to care too much about the integrity of the show.

old man Tue, Apr 21, 2009 at 09:57 PM EST

Seriously? who goes on blogs and advertises? oh ya - people with no life.

Agent Almeida Tue, Apr 21, 2009 at 08:01 PM EST

Racial? The movie will try to appease everyone, and even the orthodox Avatar fans. As for the other people you've seen on this post, most of them are the same people. If you look closely, you can tell that their IP addresses are all the same. And a shout out to Jack, just saw the new 24 episodes, and they Rock! Of course Avatar is still awesome.

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To Irish Tue, Apr 21, 2009 at 10:50 AM EST

Sadly, YOUR culture has a better chance of being represented than an Asian culture. I am sure there will be plenty of Irish in the Water Tribe and the Air Nation.

Irish Sun, Apr 19, 2009 at 05:56 PM EST

Oh for heaven's sake. And I want an Irish girl in it with red hair, green eyes, and a bad back so MY culture and disability will be represented.

old man Fri, Apr 17, 2009 at 08:08 PM EST

I agree with "Your Mom", a lot of the speech here is highly disturbing. I'm a fan of the cartoon and as far as I'm able to analyze it, it is far too eclectic to pick apart and say that the characters are definitely this or that ethnicity (it comes as no surprise that Hollywood ruins great stories and artificially prefers certain ethnicities). Even so, relying on these labels is weak, after all, As an artist shouldn't the creator be able to do whatever he wants with his creation? I find it ironic that the show is about different nations coming together and most people posting here sound extremely divisive. Everyone should take a cue from the show and try to be more like Aang than Azula. This will be my only post so anyone using this name afterward is just highjacking.....Peace! (as for Zapata and that Nazi stuff.....very sad.)

Your Mom Fri, Apr 17, 2009 at 11:52 AM EST

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Vina Thu, Apr 16, 2009 at 02:21 PM EST

From the Racebending LJ:

"MANAA Meeting This Thursday Night!
There's a Media Action Network for Asian Americans (MANAA) meeting tomorrow, April 16th in Chinatown, Los Angeles-- where they will be discussing next steps to take for THE LAST AIRBENDER.

When: April 16, 2009 at 7:30PM
Where: Chinatown Public Safety Association, 823 N. Hill Street (between Alpine and College Streets) Los Angeles, CA"

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Zapata Wed, Apr 15, 2009 at 06:55 PM EST

So be it Jack, YOU LOSE TOO. America is the oppitamy of society! You Americans risk your lives against terrorists, when the terrorists are right. Allah is the ONLY DAMN WAY to Paradise. NONE OF YOU GET THAT!!!!
You Cowboys are too proud and think that your country is superior. NO.
The people below agree with ME, not YOU. No one cares if the cast is white or asian. KIDS DO NOT F'king CARE!!!!!! Focus on the intelligent aspects! Holy Crap! This is another reason your government SUCKS. It lets asians and others into this country! Genocide! Genocide! Genocide!
But it wont matter.
You will see soon that you all are wrong,
You all will pay with your useless lives.
-Allah Akbarr

mysteriousboy Wed, Apr 15, 2009 at 05:54 PM EST

They have really messed up with the cast. I don't know what that boy playing Aang looks likes but Katara and Sokka are all paper white now with american traits while Zuko will have a darker skin color and looking indian. I don't want to sound racist but i think that they choose dev patel just because he is a karate champion, so they will not lose time getting him trained. But seriously i can't imagine anyone on the actual cast list playing their respectives roles. Will that girl Nicola be able to scream like an angry Katara, is Jackson the ideal Sokka, Dev Patel doesn't even have an athletic body type. This is real crap considering the number of other actors out there who would have suited the characters better.

Jack Bauer Wed, Apr 15, 2009 at 03:57 PM EST

I dont agree with you Zapata, the government is the only thing keeping this country together. We would have Terrorist dictators if it wasn't for our government you despise. And if the government has to pull strings, then so be it. That being said, Paramount is not government controlled. As a matter of fact, they are opposite- Paramount is pulling all the strings themselves. If you plan on attacking any one, its them. And I dont blame the directors, as one of my associates once said-
"I am sure that in pre-production,
M.Night, Mike and Bryan had to take a short vacation to Lake Laogai."

rokrok Thu, Apr 9, 2009 at 03:03 AM EST

Proof that Katara and Sokka are Inuit.
The creators say it out loud.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rw04t8QNoc

@Zapata Wed, Apr 8, 2009 at 04:10 PM EST

If boycotting the movie = "terrorism"
so be it.
not all of us are mindless consumers.
America demands quality products.

Zapata Wed, Apr 8, 2009 at 09:12 AM EST

Heh, Don't you love it when your argument is being backed by government. Its funny to watch you all whine and post under different names. I hope none of you are American. You are pathetic excuse if so. Complain all you want, because as I see it, the only solution for you guys is Terrorsim.

Zapata Wed, Apr 8, 2009 at 08:53 AM EST

Shyamalan is under alot of watchful eyes of the chaotic Press.
However, 1. As long as it isn't a Disney or Nickelodeon director (Which was next choice from "Paramount" after Shyamalan),
2. Plus, It was either "USE THIS CAST" or "DONT DO THE MOVIE".
So Everyone who is complaining out there, Paramount is Government controlled. YOU WILL LOSE.
Ask Bauer, I'm sure he would know.

Unknown Tue, Apr 7, 2009 at 12:45 PM EST

I agree, the protesters ARE mis-informed. deal with it

mazuzu Thu, Apr 2, 2009 at 09:25 PM EST

Frank Marshall's twitter!!!

http://twitter.com/LeDoctor

He just called the protestors... "UNINFORMED"

"Thanks for the support. I just ignore comments that are uninformed and without merit."

Flame this RACIST POS!!!!!!!!

Elle Mon, Mar 30, 2009 at 03:51 AM EST

I really don't think Nicola will fit Katara well. I mean, she's white and Katara's brownish..o_o It says in this site that she's just 5 feet tall and man, they can find other people other than her! :O

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Jack Bauer Mon, Mar 23, 2009 at 04:42 PM EST

Im sure if Shyamalan were here, he would agree, somewhat.
He knows that the producers and studio are pressing him for a cast that he would rather have been racially...diverse. But since Paramount is controlled by the government he has no choice, I would know, the government betrayed me when I would make choices that no one else would, to save lives, and fight Terrorists around the World.

Solon L Quinn Sun, Mar 22, 2009 at 01:12 AM EST

characters who they've fallen in love with and who look like them have now changed race. Mr. Shyamalan, I know that from your previous works you are a person who believes in fighting the good fight. I would like to remind you of the words a wise man once said. Simply put, "Be the change you want to see."

Solon L Quinn Sun, Mar 22, 2009 at 01:10 AM EST

This is a very simple case of "follow the money trail." M. Night Shyamalan is an extremely intelligent filmmaker who believes in creating films that address social injustice. His previous films contain a wonderful amount of peace promoting, thought provoking, material. If I had to take a guess, it would be that the studio heads presented him with an ultimatum; You can do the film with white actors, or not do it at all. Unfortunately this does not clear Mr. Shyamalan of any responsibility. The only choice that could possibly be worse is hiring white actors and making them up to appear Asian, ie black face for the Asian population. In either case this is a shameful display of hollywood racism, and though it is not surprising, it is heartbreaking. Imagine the parents of Asian children, (I'm adopted myself with German-Irish parents) sitting through the truly wonderful experience of the cartoon, Avatar series only to later have to explain to their ten year old son or daughter, why the chara

Katie Thu, Mar 19, 2009 at 08:16 PM EST

Stick to the subject guys, and someone please kick that Nazi kid.

Orpheus the 2nd Wed, Mar 18, 2009 at 06:02 PM EST

I hope that kid gets raped in his playground. Have fun

NaziKidd Tue, Mar 17, 2009 at 06:22 PM EST

F you all asians!!!!!!!!!!!!11go to hell!!!!!!!!!!!1 get out of america!!!! WHy didnt the all powerful Hitler kill you all earlier!!!!!!!! Le4t Shyamalana make the movie becasue it will piss you guys off! then you will kill each other out of wanting gay stuff! you guys are worse than prostitutes!!!!!!!!!11 WHat Kind of name is "FAgot Jake?!?" or pubic hair manola!!11
Ya ya ya im im asian and i hate my kind!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! All HAIL THE HOLOCAUST OF YOU!!!
卐卐卐卐卐卐卐卐卐卐卐卐卐卐卐卐卐卐卐卐卐卐卐卐卐卐卐卐卐卐卐卐卐卐卐卐卐卐卐卐卐卐卐卐卐卐卐卐

Jake Tue, Mar 17, 2009 at 04:58 PM EST

I personally don't really like the idea of creating a movie out of it... i know ill never be impressed. And yeah, I think white actors don't cut it. Nor is Jessy M. or Jackson Rathbone (anymore) will cut for "unknowns." Personally I think they should get real asian unknowns.

Manolo Fri, Mar 13, 2009 at 08:32 PM EST

I am aghast at the situation. I am truly disappointed that the studio cannot honor the diversity and creativity brought to the animated series by creating races of people that mirror the Asian and Innuit or Eskimo people and choose to substitute the magic of the world created by the series' creators with caucasian actors that do not bring to life the beauty of the stunningly simple people and ways portrayed in the series. I am almost insulted. I think most fans enjoyed the image of one diverse world with very few white people. You might end up with a glorified special effects powerhouse movie a la Power Rangers, when you should be going for an unpostured, gutsy rendering of a far-away world a la Lord of the Rings. Please, M. Shyamalan, change your cast!

mnight is a moron Thu, Mar 12, 2009 at 07:17 PM EST

http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/03-12-2009/0004987974&EDATE

wow... now they cast a bunch of middle eastern looking actors play the main bad guys ... and uncle iroh

HAHAHAHAHAHA

i dont think u can't say that the casting is not RACIALLY MOTIVATED anymore...

lets cast white people as the heroes... brown indian/middle easterners to play the bad guys... and lets just stick a bunch asian extras in the background

HAHAHAHAH this movie is going to be a JOKE!

shame on paramount!! shame on m night "thinks he's white" shyamalalalaladingdong

Samantha Thu, Mar 12, 2009 at 03:44 PM EST

I think that Jesse M. is perfect for Zukko. Dev Patel cannot pull that off.

@ Jack Bauer Thu, Mar 12, 2009 at 11:57 AM EST

This article will explain how the creators have no creative control once the corporation owns the franchise.
http://www.slate.com/id/2111107/

NaziKidd Wed, Mar 11, 2009 at 10:24 PM EST

WHat>! Jack you idiot! the chinks are turning you to their evil side!!!!!!!! Those bastards are killing America, they will brain wash all kids to hate their own country! THe asians are going to ruin avatar!!!
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Jack Bauer Wed, Mar 11, 2009 at 06:18 PM EST

I have to admit that he has a good point, however...
I trust Shyamalan, Mike, and Brian to pull through and make the right decision in the end. Even if they cant fix the cast, I know they will create an awesome movie.

Victor@Drazen Tue, Mar 10, 2009 at 11:26 PM EST

Thank you comrade for the update. So its Paramount that is casting everyone, and if that is so, then they arent casting the ethnically correct way. Now I see why you guys are mad about this, it is a good point to argue. However in my past experiences in arguing with a higher power have failed, even when "terror" is used to persuade others.
But alas, I wish you the best of luck on your push for freedom.

@ Victor@Drazen Tue, Mar 10, 2009 at 11:10 PM EST

This should explain everything,
http://www.racebending.com/

@ Jack Bauer Tue, Mar 10, 2009 at 11:08 PM EST

M.Night, Mike and Bryan are not in charge of casting.
Paramount is pulling the strings.
I am sure that in pre-production,
M.Night, Mike and Bryan had to take a short vacation to Lake Laogai.

Victor@Drazen Tue, Mar 10, 2009 at 08:31 PM EST

I am from Russia, recently moved to Ireland, and I am an enticed Avatar fan who is very excited about the movie that is coming out. I'm also a bit confused on why people don't want this movie to come out.
To all my fellow comrades...
Privyet, het vivilnious nestevniek abl dobry vechyre.

Katie Tue, Mar 10, 2009 at 07:13 PM EST

Alice, dont worry, McCartny was kicked, the new actor to take the position of Zuko is the main character from Slumdog Millionaire, Dev Patel.
Love you guys! =)

Alice Tue, Mar 10, 2009 at 06:43 PM EST

Jesse McCartney for zuko? Zuko is way to cute for someone like jesse to screw up! Jesse would ruin the whole movie in my opinion.... Jackson tho is a great option for sokka .............

Jack Bauer Tue, Mar 10, 2009 at 04:40 PM EST

It is my opinion that Shyamalan, Mike, and Brian are obviously very good directors and they are not being brain washed by ANYBODY. They are using their best options they have. I don't deny that there were asian actors at tryouts, because there were. However, they distinctively picked the best actor possible.
They are not racist.
They are not brainwashed.
They are only pressed for time.
And this will be a great movie for everyone, especially children- who will think all people are EQUAL.

Have-a-tar Tue, Mar 10, 2009 at 10:33 AM EST

This is the same Hollywood treatment as what they did to Dragonball. 100% of the characters are asians, japanese to be exact. They they cast a skinny guy to play Goku. Was looking forward to the live action Avatar, but with the choices, apparently, there is still discrimination, considering the director is also basically of Asian ethnicity. I am asian btw.

to the racst white jerks Mon, Mar 9, 2009 at 04:16 PM EST

hey you guys are all fat! you think that us asians cant act so you dont hire us! I mean sure, there arent many of us, and we kinda suck at acting. But Shamalan is racist and just wont spend countless years looking for the perfect actor/actresses!
I got an idea! how about not make the movie! ending avatar altoghether so that no one will remember it in a few years. And this movie will suck because the Directors of avatar agreed its a good idea, and its an american show. so me and my fellow asians are pissed at you people defending us jackasses. So all yall shutupp doogggg!

Michelle Mon, Mar 9, 2009 at 12:56 PM EST

If they make this movie, I hope it effing tanks. I'm black, not Asian, but this is pissing me off as if I were Asian. It's basically Hollywood telling Asians that they aren't good enough to play themselves. It's white-washing a movie that could have given a chance to several Asian actors to launch their careers. How many big budget Hollywood films have Asians starring in them? None. The only black actor capable of truly knocking out the box office is Will Smith...that's it. No other minority. Anyone who says race isn't an issue in the casting of a cartoon doesn't understand how rare it is to have a show that is solely about an underrepresented minority be so popular and well loved. How dumb is it going to look to have an Asian world, with Asian customs, with Asian extras and a bunch of white people as the main characters? Shymalan is a SELL OUT. BTW, casting a token brown
person doesn't get this movie off the hook at all; he looks too goofy to be Zuko anyway. He'd be a good Sokka.

kay Sun, Mar 8, 2009 at 07:34 PM EST

I knew M. Knight would ruin the movie anyway. I just wish he'd have picked some other show that would not have the movie suck so drastically in comparison. But hey, it's not in theatres yet. Here's hoping it doesn't suck for us die hard avatar fans

Agent Almeida Sun, Mar 8, 2009 at 04:56 PM EST

Its not that i dont care, because i do.
I just think that kids wont care, most of them wont understand that it matters about skin color and to tell you the truth, alot of people who watch "The Last Airbender" wont have watched Avatar or the show. But thats a double sided sword, people will assume its a horror movie because Shyamalan directed it. And no offense to Shyamalan because I love his movies, great directing there (besides The Happening, i know it sucked) so kudos to him. As for you haters, keep an open mind, because this movie will come out.

@ KS/AgentAmelda Sun, Mar 8, 2009 at 04:35 AM EST

"it's only a movie"
Well, it's a movie targeting children.
With the current white-washed cast,
it will perpetuate that White actors/actresses
can act Asian better than Asian actors/actresses.
Out of all the 14 millions Asian-Americans and 3 Million Native-Americans, all they could find is 3 white kids to play the heroes and a Indian-British kid to play the villain?
"it's only a cartoon"
Well, if you are a child in the minority then you would know how inspiring and empowering it was to experience a refreshing departure from a predominantly white media.
White people have the privilege to not care.
It's no big deal to them.
"it's only a movie."
"it's only a cartoon."
Well, if you were offended by Jackson Rathbone's comment,
"...I am definitely going to need a tan..."
Then you don't have the privilege to not care.

@ Jonathan O Sun, Mar 8, 2009 at 04:22 AM EST

How do you figure that Aang is white? Aang aint white. Aang and the rest of the Air Nomads were modeled after Tibetans. From the clothes they where to the ideologies the believe.
You need to get out more often from the rock you live under. You never seen a light-skinned Asian before?

@ Katie Sun, Mar 8, 2009 at 04:18 AM EST

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellowface

Katie Sun, Mar 8, 2009 at 12:51 AM EST

I think that Dev Patel will do ok, I mean, did you see how many awards that Slumdog Millionaire got at the Grammys? As for the roles of Sokka and Katara, hollywood can probably darken their skin pretty well, I think that the real worry is the acting. But thats just my 15 year old opinion, so dont bite my head off.
=D

JonathanO Sat, Mar 7, 2009 at 05:54 PM EST

I've been watching this show from day one and really love it a lot. I do have to say though that Aang is as white as snow in the cartoon, so that didn't really anger me. Then I saw who they casted for Katara and Sokka and just about messed my pants. They are brown as hell and it really pisses me off that they missed a great opportunity to have an ethnic cast for a major motion picture aimed at children. I don't know how I'm going to feel about a couple white kids named Sokka and Katara doing martial arts surrounded by mongolian american children with chinese script as the only written language. Just sad.

Agent Almeida Thu, Mar 5, 2009 at 12:28 AM EST

I agree with KS, its only a movie and its in America, so no one is going to think that White actors should play all roles. No.
I appreciate that a successful actor like M. Night would direct such a cool show, but this is an animation I am passionate about, so its a "make or brake" situation. If Shyamalan screwes up then I will lose all respect for him, But, if he successfully portrays this show, with whatever actors he wants, then it will be AWESOME!!!!
Thanks for Posting

KS Tue, Mar 3, 2009 at 09:01 PM EST

Wow guys. Take a deep breath and calm down for a second. It seems amazing to be that they would bother with a live action version, the series was very complete. All of this nastiness about race needs to stop.
Be nice to each other, and remember that it is only a movie. No one is going to be happy with the film 100%. So watch the series again and enjoy, cuddle with your giant Appa. But saying unkind things on a message board makes you less of a person. If you feel strongly about it, use your efforts to write the studio.
Peace everyone!

Samantha Sanchez Tue, Mar 3, 2009 at 02:11 AM EST

RACIST RACIST RACIST.

Go wikipedia "Yellowface"

I love Avatar, but there is no way I will see this movie unless they COMPLETELY change the cast.

Come on! At least for Zuko, could casting BE any easier? Dante Basco is an accomplished actor outside of voice acting!

Washington Post, FTW! Mon, Mar 2, 2009 at 04:49 PM EST

GAME OVER! Paramount.
This movie is not making any money now,
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/01/AR2009030102088.html

Kappa Sun, Mar 1, 2009 at 02:55 AM EST

First the Prince of Persia and now Avatar, don't the Americans like the people from the Iranian or the Oriental cultures... errrrr.... oh yeah.... they don't :P
mercenary and economical threats... hmmm.

Kappa Sun, Mar 1, 2009 at 02:51 AM EST

Aang seems to embody the idea of a tibetan monk, who we know where banished from China... so I agree with the comment about the strong Buddhism and Hinduism elements but there is a lot of Chinese in there, too; the dragons for instance. The water tribe clearly represent some sort of inuit culture.

Even though this is evident, many people are defending the whitewashing by saying that the show is embodied in American etymology.

But there is no balance between the original source of the culture presented, with the thing that makes the show American, predominately speech.

How about casting American-Asians?

*Sokka-like sarcasm coming up: Well, the show is popular so the actors have to be popular too. It doesn't matter that the balance between ying and yang is torn up (how ironic), it is just a fantasy, it doesn't have to represent anything real...

Well then, do not make a live-action movie if you do not want to represent some element of reality.

anotonomous Fri, Feb 27, 2009 at 07:34 PM EST

Ok, people. Get over yourselves. I am Asian, so it's very offending when you call asians morons.I'm sure you probably think I'm a moron too huh? Well I'm not, so deal with it. The M. Night Shyamalan movie cast for avatar should be all Asians, but that's my opinion. Avatar is a popular show, so people probably all have different opinions. Don't get me wrong, Dante Basco is a pretty good role for Zuko. If you saw the resemblence, go you! By the way, Avatar fans out there, just one thing to tell you, It doesn't matter if a person is black or white, what matters is their acting ability, and their talent with different places. All people are different and alike at the same time. People are people, and that's all i have to say.

Brittany Wed, Feb 25, 2009 at 01:34 PM EST

Jennifer Fri, Feb 20, 2009 at 05:25 PM EST

wow, lots of racial tension going on here.
In the cartoon I think race is a bit ambiguous, but Sokka and Katara are definatly of a darker skin tone. For some reason Sokka's casting doesn't upset me as much as Katara's.. (Please don't assume that's because of twilight fanaticism, I've never read those books.) I don't want to sound mean, but that girl has way too much of a delicate-little-china-doll look to be playing Katara. The fact that the guy now lined up to play Zuko has darker skin than her seems kind of odd. I don't know.. Katara can get into some pretty powerful shouting, and that girl really doesn't look like she could pull it off.
~~~~
i agree 100%. she is way too pale and delicate looking. i dont think she would be able to pull off the whole katara role, i think she and jessie mccartney are the only ones that i dont like the role as.

Jourdan JJ Fri, Feb 20, 2009 at 07:09 PM EST

To Katie, ya but it didnt go so well... we kinda had an awkward kiss

MANAA, FTW! Fri, Feb 20, 2009 at 06:32 PM EST

http://manaa.blogspot.com/index.html#7749694731235912734