Avatar: The Last Airbenderstar Miya Cech reveals some of the changes headed for the live-action version of Toph. The Netflix adaptation of the beloved Nickelodeon animated series follows the journey of Gordon Cormier’s Aang, the current Avatar prophesized to restore balance to the world and halt the Fire Nation’s tyrannical expansion. Set to debut inAvatar: The Last Airbenderseason 2, Toph is a blind earth-bending prodigy who shares her wisdom to help Aang master the Earth element.
While speaking toThe Direct, Cech teased that an adjustment to Toph’s personality will be made in the live-actionAvataradaptation. According to the actor, not only will Toph be slightly older, she will also be more feminine when compared to her animated counterpart. Check out Cech’s full response below:
My version of Toph is going to bea little older and slightly more feminine. I feel like I wanted to work into a very humanizing space for her because, you know, she was a cartoon.
What Toph’s Personality Change Means For Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender
Alterations Have Lessened Certain Characters' Growth
Netflix’s adaptation ofAvatar: The Last Airbenderhasalready made several adjustments to its characters that have been met with divisive reactions. More positively received elements include glimpses at Zuko’s (Dallas Liu) life in the Fire Nation before he was exiled, showing his softer side that set him apart from other nobles earlier on. However, the decision to make Sokka (Ian Ousley) less overtly sexist towards Katara (Kiawentiio) and the Kyoshi Warriors was criticized for lessening his growth as a person.
At first,Cech’s reveal about Toph’s character being somewhat more in touch with her feminine side could be seen as falling into the latter category, as, on the animated show, the earthbender notably rejected her parents' privileged pampering and had a distinctly tomboy-ish personality. However, as this Toph is also older, it is likely she will be more independent and self-assured in her true self to match her age. As such, while a clear deviation,it is hard to determine whether the change will be a benefitfor the series itself.
Our Take On Avatar: The Last Airbender’s Live-Action Toph Change
Time Will Tell If It Truly Is Controversial
ForAvatar: The Last Airbender, certain changes have been made as concessions to the limitations of live-action television when compared to animation, such asthe nature of Sozin’s Cometand how actors will age between seasons. However, changes in some characters' personalities have been more controversial. Despite any potential good intentions,it can leave the series feeling less poignantwhen compared to the animated children’s series. As such, many may have to see whether Toph’s adjusted personality can still land just as hard.
