Avatar: The Last Airbender | Netflix removes Sokka’s sexist trait for being ‘problematic’
Avatar: The Last Airbender | Netflix removes Sokka’s sexist trait for being ‘problematic’. The live-action adaptation of the acclaimed animated series comes with some important changes.
By Megan Sauer
The premiere of Avatar: The Last Airbender on Netflix is just around the corner and the most loyal fans of the classic animation are eager to see the final result.
The trailers for the adaptation show us a world very similar to that seen in the Nickelodeon production, however, it seems that there will be important changes in the features of some characters. In an interview with Variety, the cast talks about Sokka’s sexism and how this element was left out of the live-action version.
What is Avatar: The Last Airbender about?
The adventure follows the story of Aang, the last airbender and Avatar, who is the only one capable of controlling the four elements: air, water, earth and fire. The plot takes place in a world divided into nations, each associated with one of the elements.
Aang and his friends embark on a quest to stop the Fire Nation from seeking world domination, while Aang learns to master the elements and fulfill his destiny as the Avatar.
Avatar: The Last Airbender addresses themes of friendship, loyalty, personal growth, and balance, and is notable for its complex narrative, well-developed characters, and its ability to appeal to both children and adults thanks to its depth and rich mythology.
The live-action adaptation will seek to bring all those successes to the screen, however, we will see some notable modifications.
What did the cast of Avatar: The Last Airbender say about Sokka’s sexism in the live-action?
According to Ian Ousley, actor who plays Sokka in the new Netflix series, “there is more weight with realism in every way.” For her part, Kiawentiio, Katara actress, reveals that Sokka’s sexism was eliminated from the adaptation because it was a trait that raised doubts: “I feel like we also eliminated the element of how sexist [Sokka] was.
“I feel like there were a lot of moments in the original series that were problematic.” Ousley responded to the above as follows: “Yes… totally. There are things that were redirected just because they could paint a little in a different way [in live action].”
Sokka’s initially sexist trait in Avatar: The Last Airbender is important to his evolution as a character because it provides an opportunity for growth and learning. At the beginning of the series, Sokka has stereotypical attitudes towards gender abilities, showing skepticism towards her sister Katara’s fighting abilities.
This perspective evolves as Sokka encounters strong female waterbenders, warriors, and leaders on his journey, challenging and transforming his initial prejudices.
Through this evolution, Sokka learns to value and respect everyone’s abilities, regardless of gender, and becomes an advocate for equality.
This transformation contributes to the development of Sokka’s character and reflects one of the central themes of the series, which is the recognition and overcoming of gender stereotypes.
Sokka’s progression illustrates the importance of self-evaluation and adaptation in character building, providing a significant narrative arc that contributes to the richness of the overall story of Avatar: The Last Airbender.
The live-action Avatar premieres on February 22.
