Netflix has reportedly added one more member to its Avatar: The Last Airbender live-action series. This time Netflix’s choice has been Prey’s Amber Midthunder, set to play Princess Yue in the Avatar series.
The actress plays the young Native American Comanche warrior, Naru, in the Dan Trachtenberg-directed Prey. A prequel to the ’80s classic Predator. The trailers for Prey and Midthunder’s performance have been received very well by fans. Midthunder has also been reputed for her performances in the TV series Legion. Given the actress’ reputation, the news of her possibly portraying the Water Tribe Princess in the live-action series has warranted considerable excitement.
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Netflix’s take on the much-loved Nickelodeon Avatar animated series is the second time that the series has been produced as a live-action adaptation. The Nickelodeon series centers on a young boy, Avatar Aang, who can control the four elements of water, earth, fire, and air. Together with his friends, he determines to end the war waged by the Fire Nation on all the other nations.
The first live-action adaptation of the series by M. Night Shyamalan ended in a flop, with the trilogy planned for it being canceled. Hopefully, the second time’s the charm, and Netflix will be able to do a better job on the live-action series.
Who is Princess Yue?
Nickelodeon Animation Studios
Princess Yue was introduced in the first season of the Nickelodeon series as the daughter of the Northern Water Tribe chief. Yue joins Aang and his friends to help the Avatar master his water-bending skills. She then goes on to become Sokka’s love interest. Unfortunately, her time on the series is quite short.
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When an attack is carried out by the Fire Nation, and Admiral Zhao kills the Northern Water Tribe’s Moon Spirit, Princess Yue selflessly sacrifices herself for the Moon Spirit, who is killed. Through Yue’s sacrifice, she becomes the new Moon Spirit and can ensure that her tribe retains its powers.
Despite Princess Yue’s time on the series being short-lived, she is constantly a part of the narrative as Sokka struggles to grapple with his grief and frustration and is unable to protect her.
Amber Midthunder as Princess Yue
20th Century
Amber Midthunder being cast as the selfless Princess Yue has gained fans’ approval. Part of the approval comes from many viewers feeling that Netflix has stayed true to its culturally appropriate representation efforts in choosing Midthunder to play Princess Yue. Given the fact that Midthunder is a part of the indigenous Fort Peck Sioux Tribe, many viewers believe that her casting as the Princess is more appropriate than the casting choices made in the failed M. Night Shyamalan film.
“Love the appropriate casting of tribal people on the show,” responded a fan on Instagram to the announcement by Avatar News. Exhilarated regarding the cultural representation, a euphoric user also said:
Also, given the actress’s diverse experience in film, having had roles in the Oscar-nominated Hell or High Water, Legion, and now the new Predator prequel Prey, fans are more optimistic of the contribution Midthunder could make to the successful final outcome of the live-action series.
“and shes sioux?? i never see any actors or actresses from my tribe! THIS IS SO EPIC!!”
Other Cast Members in Netflix’s Avatar
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Gordon Cormier has been cast for the lead role of Aang. He will be joined by Ian Ousley as Sokka, Kiawentiio Tarbell as Katara, Dlaas Liu as Prince Zuko, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee as Uncle Iroh, Daniel Dae Kim as Fire Lord Ozai, Tamlyn Tomita as Yukari, Ken Leung as Commander Zhao, Elizabeth Yu as Azula. Yvonne Chapman as Kyoshi and Maria Zhang as Suki.
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Netflix’s casting decision thus far has won the approval of fans, including that of Amber Midthunder as Princess Yue. Although many have previously had quite a few reservations regarding the actors and actresses who would be cast for the series, Netflix’s choice to be racially appropriate in its casting and refrain from whitewashing and being racially insensitive has meant that fans have grown fonder of Netflix’s live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender.
“They keep hitting the on-target with these castings. Every time I see a new casting posted I get so giddy😆”
While fans sincerely hope the series is as good as the casting decisions, only time will tell. Unfortunately, no confirmation on a release date for the series has been made at the time of writing, with filming reportedly only having finished in June 2022.
