Live-action adaptations always make changes to their source materials. Some end up better for it, like HBO's The Last of Us, which deviated from the video games in more ways than one. But, what happens if these variations risk an integral part of a character's arc?
Such is the conundrum currently faced by fans of Nickelodeon children's animated show, Avatar: The Last Airbender, as they wait for the premiere of the adaptation of the same name on Netflix.
With less than a month to go before it streams on Netflix, the actors Ian Ousley and Kiawentiio, who portray Sokka and Katara respectively, sat with Entertainment Weekly, where they revealed that the adaptation would tone down Sokka's sexist tendencies, a trait that was prominently featured if not highlighted in the original animated series. This decision has raised eyebrows and sparked debates across the fan community, as it alters a significant aspect of Sokka's evolution as a character throughout the Gaang's journey.
Sokka's sexism in the original series is acknowledged as a character flaw, integral to his development and growth across the series' three seasons. His initial sexist attitude, which spurs Katara to reveal Aang in the iceberg, sets off a series of events that define the narrative of Avatar: The Last Airbender. The original show takes Sokka through a journey where he constantly encounters powerful women, including his sister, Katara, the earthbender Toph Beifong, and the non-bending warriors of Kyoshi, including his on-screen romance partner, Suki. These interactions contribute to his gradual realization and understanding of his flawed perspective, ultimately leading to his growth into a respectful and enlightened individual.