Maria Zhang’s portrayal of Suki in Netflix’s live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender has taken the internet by storm. As the fearless leader of the Kyoshi Warriors, an elite all-woman fighting group, Zhang brings a depth and intensity to the character that fans of the original Nickelodeon series have embraced. More importantly, the role is a significant milestone in Zhang’s budding career, establishing her as a rising star.
The 24-year-old actress was born on August 8, 1999 in Poland and was raised in Beijing before moving to Southern California for college, speaks at least four languages. Her diverse background has contributed to her dynamic approach to acting, a skill she had an opportunity to explore through theatre productions in Poland. Her passion for the craft was ignited early, with roles in plays such as Alice in Wonderland sparking her love for performance theater.
The live-action adaptation has reignited interest in the beloved animated series, with Zhang’s Suki playing a pivotal role in connecting new and old fans alike. Her character’s brief romance with Sokka, portrayed with a balance of strength and vulnerability, has become a focal point for viewers, highlighting the importance of Suki’s role within the narrative.
Zhang’s portrayal of Suki adds another layer of depth to Netflix’s live-action adaptation. It gives fans a reason to look forward to a more prominent role for Zhang over the next three seasons. More importantly, Suki’s character arc extends beyond the first season of the animated series, venturing into the graphic novels that showcase her growth as a warrior, confidante, and advocate for justice.
While the extent of her involvement in the live-action series remains unclear, Zhang’s viral performance all but guarantees that the showrunners best take note of her if they already haven’t.
So far, the show is guaranteed a one-for-one adaptation of the anime series, so there should be at least two more seasons in development. If it follows the source material, the live-action series should culminate in the Avatar’s eventual defeat of the Fire Lord Ozai, bringing an end to the hundred year war. But who’s to say Netflix will stop there?
It’s an open secret among fans that M. Night Shyamalan’s widely panned live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender film in 2010 stopped any hopes of a planned fourth season for the Nickelodeon show.
I always intended for #Azula to have a redemption arc in the story of #AvatartheLastAirbender. (thread)
— aaron ehasz (@aaronehasz) April 1, 2019
Now that a decade has passed since then and more material has been released, Netflix has the option to explore aspects of the Gaang’s story that never made it outside of the graphic novels. Outside of the four main characters, the same materials continue Suki’s story as well. Thus, Zhang’s portrayal could very well see her eventually protecting the Fire Nation and teaching non-benders the art of chi-blocking in Cranefish Town, which would later become the Republic City. These narratives showcase Suki’s dedication to justice and her impact on the Avatar lore, making her one of the franchise’s most compelling characters.
As the live-action adaptation continues to captivate audiences, Zhang’s performance stands out as a highlight, promising a bright future for both the actress and the series.
For more information about Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender, be sure to check out our review of the show.
