Avatar live-action adds Toph and new names to the cast of the 2nd season

The recordings of the 2nd season of Avatar: The Last Airbender, a live-action adaptation by Netflix based on the Nickelodeon animation, have been completed — but the series still has no release date. Nevertheless, the cast is growing, with the addition of seven new actors who will play important characters in both Book 2 and possible plots of the 3rd season, which is already confirmed to enter production in sequence.

The main highlight is the arrival of Miyah Cech as Toph Beifong, the iconic Earthbender and creator of metalbending. The character is central to the narrative of Book 2 of the animation and one of the fans' favorites for her strong personality and technical mastery.

Other prominent names have also been confirmed. Dichen Lachman will portray Avatar Yangchen, one of Aang's previous incarnations, and Tantoo Cardinal will be Hama, the Bloodbending master, one of the most feared techniques within the series' universe.

The complete list includes:

• Miyah Cech as Toph Beifong
• Dichen Lachman as Avatar Yangchen
• Tantoo Cardinal as Hama
• Dolly de Leon as Lo and Li
• Terry Chen as Jeong Jeong
• Lily Gao as Ursa, mother of Zuko and wife of Fire Lord Ozai
• Madison Hu as Fei
• Jon Jon Briones as Piandao, Sokka's swordmaster
   

The Netflix is betting high on the franchise. Despite mixed reviews of the first season of the live-action — released in February 2024 —, the series achieved good audience metrics, guaranteeing renewal for two more seasons. The second phase will directly adapt the events of Book 2: Earth, addressing darker themes and the emotional growth of the main characters, especially with the introduction of Toph.

It is worth noting that production of the 3rd season will begin soon after the current one ends, as previously confirmed. This indicates that part of the newly announced cast may have extended participation, setting the stage for the plots of Book 3: Fire.

Still without a defined release date, the new season has the mission to maintain the audience's interest and deepen the adaptation of one of the most acclaimed animated series of the 2000s. It remains to be seen if Netflix will be able to balance fidelity to the original material and narrative evolution in the live-action format.