The highly anticipated second season of Netflix’s live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender introduces a significant transformation for its protagonist, Aang. Actor Gordon Cormier, who portrayed Aang as a child in the first season, has aged noticeably since filming began, now at the age of 16. This change is woven into the narrative, offering viewers a more mature and experienced version of the beloved character.
Reflecting on his journey, Cormier shared with Tudum, “Shooting Season 1, I was 12, so it’s really the fun memories that stick with you.” As he steps into this new phase of his portrayal, Cormier indicates that Aang will exhibit greater wisdom and resilience. His iconic robes return, but they appear rougher and more worn, suggesting the character has faced challenges since the first season. “Honestly, that OG costume, just all extended and super worn looking, is my favorite,” he noted.
Back-to-Back Filming and Emotional Depth
Filming for Seasons 2 and 3 occurred back-to-back, minimizing the age gap between the two seasons and allowing for a more cohesive storytelling approach. Cormier expressed excitement about the emotional depth and action-packed moments in the upcoming season, stating, “It’s definitely going to be a lot more action-packed and emotional. There are going to be some scenes that push the audience to tears, but also make them laugh.”
The release of Season 2 is set for 2026, although an exact date has yet to be confirmed. The back-to-back filming with Season 3 has fueled anticipation among fans who are eager to see the continuation of Aang’s journey.
New Characters and Returning Cast
The cast for Season 2 also sees the introduction of Miya Cech as Toph Beifong, a character confirmed by Netflix. Executive producers Jabbar Raisani and Christine Boylan praised Cech’s ability to balance Toph’s sarcastic humor and emotional vulnerability, saying, “Miya is a brilliant performer who knows how to precisely balance the sarcastic sense of humor, stubbornness, and vulnerability that is Toph Beifong.”
Returning cast members include:
– Gordon Cormier as Aang
– Kiawentiio as Katara
– Ian Ousley as Sokka
– Dallas Liu as Zuko
– Paul Sun-Hyung Lee as Iroh
– Daniel Dae Kim as Fire Lord Ozai
– Elizabeth Yu as Azula
– Dichen Lachman as Avatar Yangchen
– Lily Gao as Ursa
– Dolly de Leon as Lo and Li
– Terry Chen as Jeong Jeong
– Chin Han as Long Feng
– Justin Chien as King Bumi / King Quay
The blend of returning characters and new additions promises to deliver a dynamic viewing experience while maintaining the essence of the original animated series. Fans can expect an engaging mix of nostalgia and fresh storytelling when Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2 premieres in 2026.
