The fantasy remake Avatar: The Lord of the Elements continues to be the series leader in the top 10 on Netflix. As a likeable adaptation of the animated series, many people enjoy the tamer adventures. When comparing the real avatar cast with the cartoon models, it is striking how closely the casting and costumes adhere to the original. According to Zuko actor Dallas Liu, only one thing had to be done unfortunately to be adapted: Zuko’s iconic scar.
Traumatized Avatar fans? There have been many versions of Zuko’s scar – one in particular was too “grisly”
At the center of Avatar is the last airbender, Aang, who must learn to master all the elements in order to stand up to the tyrants of the Fire Nation. One of his biggest opponents in Season 1 is the Fire Lord’s son: Prince Zuko hunts the Avatar. In both the animated series and Netflix’s live-action version, the banished heir to the throne has a burn scar on his face that has an emotional story.
In Moviepilot’s Avatar interview, Dallas Liu revealed, how difficult it was to find the right version of the scar:
Netflix
Avatar: Zuko with a burn scar
Me and the head of our make-up team tried to do something together create something that older audiences can appreciate, but doesn’t traumatize younger viewers at the same time. So no burns with blisters or a melted face.
When asked which of the many scars considered for the Netflix version of Avatar was the most chilling version, the Zuko actor revealed:
The gruesome version didn’t even make it to the manufacturing stage of a rubber prosthesis. It only existed on paper and I knew for sure that we couldn’t use it: it was almost as if the Scar dug into my cheek, with holes in my face. That was pretty scary.Dallas Liu would have liked to see his Zuko on Netflix with a different scar
In the end, Avatar showrunner Albert Kim opted for a more family-friendly take on Zuko’s drawn face. However, Dallas Liu emphasized in the interview that he fought for a different version – and lost:
Netflix
Avatar: Zuko with scar and Uncle Iroh
I swear I tried! I am during this process [zum Finden der Narbe] went to Albert every day and tried to talk to him! Ultimately it was his decision.
It didn’t work as I would have hoped. But at the end of the day, I think the current scar is still iconic and looks phenomenal. Season 2 of Avatar has not yet been ordered by Netflix, but after initial streaming successes and predominantly positive feedback on the series, it currently has a good chance of being extended.
Podcast for Netflix’s big fantasy remake Avatar: Lord of the Elements
With Avatar: Lord of the Elements, Netflix has relaunched an acclaimed animated series in live-action form. But can the live-action remake of Avatar live up to high expectations this time after the first cinematic adaptation of the fantasy adventure failed?
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We look at the strengths and weaknesses of the new Avatar series as fantasy entertainment and, as fans of the original, we also go into detail about changes, hidden details and Easter eggs in the second part of the podcast.