Avatar Netflix series is toning down Sokka, but fans don’t agree with the change: "We gotta stop with needing faves to be unproblematic"

EntertainmentTVAction ShowsAvatar: The Last AirbenderAvatar Netflix series is toning down Sokka, but fans don’t agree with the change: “We gotta stop with needing faves to be unproblematic"When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. EntertainmentTVAction ShowsAvatar: The Last AirbenderAvatar Netflix series is toning down Sokka, but fans don’t agree with the change: “We gotta stop with needing faves to be unproblematic"When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Netflix) Avatar: The Last Airbender is heading to live action on Netflix next month – but not without a few changes. In the original Nickelodeon series, the South Water Tribe’s eldest male teenager Sokka undergoes a character arc that turns him from an ignorant child who makes jokes at the expense of women into a more understanding, well-rounded leader. The Netflix series is softening some of those early edges, however. “There’s more weight with realism in every way,” Sokka actor Ian Ousley toldEntertainment Weekly. Kiawentiio, who plays Katara, adds, “I feel like we also took out the element of how sexist [Sokka] was. I feel like there were a lot of moments in the original show that were iffy.” Ousley replies: “Yeah, totally. There are things that were redirected just because it might play a little differently [in live action].” Despite the reasoning behind the shift being laid out, some Avatar fans disagree with the change. “We GOTTA stop with needing faves to be unproblematic,” onewrote on Twitter. “Sokka was sexist specifically to learn not to be. Isn’t it cool that writers have the ability to use a character’s flaws to teach lessons to the viewers? To say ‘this character is wrong.’ I think that stuff is neat.” Sign up for the Total Film Newsletter Bringing all the latest movie news, features, and reviews to your inbox Actor Nicole Mainesadds, “It was, I think, a very important storyline, especially for young boys. Sokka felt completely justified in his thinking until he was forced to reassess what he believed, and he was all the better for it. I think it was an important transformation to see.” “Sokka is supposed to be a flawed character who grows throughout the series,” oneremarked. Anothersaidthe change was “incredibly embarrassing.” Avatar: The Last Airbender is available on Netflix from February 22. For more from the streamer, check out thebest shows on Netflix,best movies on Netflix, andbest anime on Netflix. 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review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 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of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5 Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 1 Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2 Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 3Secret Level review: 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