Netflix's live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender (2024) introduces several changes to the original series to better fit the new storytelling format. However, some alterations to characters' backgrounds and personalities seem unnecessary and can be frustrating for fans. These changes not only disregard the source material but also have significant consequences on the overall narrative. One example of this is the revamped backstory of a key antagonist in season 1, affecting the intricate relationship between Prince Zuko (played by Dallas Liu) and his father, Fire Lord Ozai (portrayed by Daniel Dae Kim).
Admiral Zhao's Live-Action ATLA Counterpart Is Completely Different
In its first season, Avatar: The Last Airbender on Netflix adapts Book I: Water, focusing on Avatar Aang's journey and Zuko's pursuit of him. While Zuko is determined to capture the Avatar to regain his honor, his backstory reveals he is not truly a villain. Although Ozai poses a significant threat, Commander Zhao serves as the Fire Lord's on-the-ground representative in the animated series.
Zhao looking at the Northern Oasis in The Last Airbender's Netflix finale - Admiral Zhao’s Live-Action ATLA Counterpart Is Completely Different
Commander Zhao, later known as Admiral Zhao, leads the Fire Nation Navy briefly during the Hundred-Year War in Avatar: The Last Airbender. In the series' canon, Zhao was a student of the bitter firebending master Jeong Jeong. His obsession with his perceived destiny to kill the mortal incarnations of the Moon and Ocean Spirits at the Northern Water Tribe's Spirit Oasis stemmed from a visit to Wan Shi Tong's library prior to the events of the show.
Zhao rises quickly to the rank of commander, impressing even Fire Lord Ozai. In the aftermath of Ozai and Zuko's Agni Kai, Zhao takes pleasure in Zuko's banishment. While Zuko views capturing the Avatar as a way to regain his father's respect, Zhao sees it as an opportunity to embarrass Zuko and enhance his own reputation. The rivalry between Zhao and Zuko, a central theme in Book I, originates from their pasts before the show. However, Zhao's live-action counterpart has a completely different backstory, which is not as compelling.
Zhao Is Just A Pawn In Azula’s Plan To Humiliate Zuko
Elizabeth Yu as Azula with fire blazing in the background of Avatar The Last Airbender - Zhao Is Just A Pawn In Azula’s Plan To Humiliate Zuko
Commander Zhao in Netflix's live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender is portrayed as a character who achieves success not through his own ambition, but rather through manipulation by Princess Azula. Throughout the series, it is evident that Zhao's rise in rank is heavily influenced by Azula's cunning tactics. In the season 1 finale, Azula uses Zhao as a pawn to sabotage Zuko's mission, ultimately leading to his humiliation. This dynamic highlights how Zhao's promotions are more about his usefulness to Azula rather than his loyalty to the Fire Nation.
Avatar’s Zhao Change Also Alters Ozai’s Dynamic With Zuko
Ozai staring at Zuko before their Agni Kai in Netflix's Avatar: The Last Airbender - Avatar’s Zhao Change Also Alters Ozai’s Dynamic With Zuko
The changes made to Commander Zhao in Netflix's live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender may appear minor initially, but they have significant repercussions. These alterations result in Azula having a more prominent role in season 1 of ATLA. However, by portraying Azula as manipulating Zhao, the show diminishes the depth of several important Fire Nation characters. This undermines Zhao's autonomy and weakens his backstory, ultimately reducing the impact of his actions in the season 1 finale.
The impact of Zhao's character transformation goes beyond just him and Azula. In the original animated series, Zhao takes pleasure in Prince Zuko's failures and scar. This dynamic creates space for other high-ranking Fire Nation officials to thrive, especially as Fire Lord Ozai's abusive nature adds complexity to Zuko's struggle for his father's approval. In the Netflix adaptation, Ozai appears to support Zuko's success, altering the power dynamics within the Fire Nation and positioning Azula (and her manipulation of Zhao) as the primary obstacle to overcome.
All 8 episodes of Avatar: The Last Airbender are streaming on Netflix.
Editor's P/S:
The live-action adaptation of "Avatar: The Last Airbender" introduces some questionable changes to the original series, particularly regarding the character of Admiral Zhao. While some alterations may be necessary to fit the new storytelling format, unnecessary ones can be frustrating for fans and undermine the narrative. The revamped backstory of Zhao, making him a pawn of Princess Azula, weakens his character and diminishes the depth of other Fire Nation characters.
Additionally, the changes to Zhao's relationship with Fire Lord Ozai alter the power dynamics within the Fire Nation. In the original series, Ozai's abusive nature towards Zuko adds complexity to his struggle for his father's approval. However, in the live-action adaptation, Ozai appears to support Zuko, positioning Azula as the primary obstacle to overcome. This shift undermines the original character dynamics and potentially reduces the impact of Zuko's journey.
