Summary
- Paul Sun-Hyung Lee hints at the emotional separation between Iroh and Zuko in Season 2 of Avatar: The Last Airbender.
- The show’s portrayal of Zuko and Iroh has been praised despite criticism of Netflix’s adaptation.
- Season 2 is likely to focus on the un-allied journey of Zuko and Iroh, with release expected in late 2024 or early 2025.
Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, who portrays Uncle Iroh in Netflix’s live action Avatar: The Last Airbender, has teased his character’s journey in Season 2, describing it as “heartbreaking” Netflix’s hotly-anticipated adaptation released earlier this year and translated the majority of Book 1 of the original animated classic. Season 2 will likely move straight into Book 2, and Lee has described how Iroh and Zuko’s relationship in the new season changes.
Speaking to The Direct at Paleyfest 2024, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee said Iroh’s separation from Zuko is “gonna suck so hard.” While Netflix’s adaptation received a lot of criticism from fans, one aspect that was generally loved was the show’s portrayal of Prince Zuko and Uncle Iroh. While Lee was sad about being separated from his scene partner, Dallas James Liu (who plays Prince Zuko), the actor was excited to see the arc play out on screen.
Having them separate is going to be heartbreaking, but at the same time, really, really great storytelling to see what they’re like apart from each other. And so that’s something I’m really, really looking forward to.
In Book 2, after fleeing from the battle of the Northern Water Tribe, Prince Zuko and Uncle Iroh find themselves as un-allied nomads, and pose as Earth Nation citizens to avoid prosecution. However, Zuko separates himself from Iroh, still desperate to find the Avatar and restore his honor. In an older interview with The Direct, Dallas Liu mirrored Lee’s sentiment regarding their on-screen and behind-the-scenes relationship. Liu said:
“All of my scenes in this series have been with Paul. So to not work with him in those scenes is hard because, for me, he feels like the backbone. That relationship is truly why I think the chemistry between the two of us is why those scenes feel so strong.”
Netflix’s Avatar Will Run for 2 More Seasons… Without Its Original Showrunner
Despite mixed reviews from fans, Netflix’s live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender adaptation shot to the top of the streamer’s charts when it debuted in February 2024. A second season was inevitable, given the show’s popularity, and Netflix officially renewed the show for two more seasons on March 6, via a Tweet on the official @Netflix account. Nickelodeon’s animated series ran for three seasons (or ‘Books’), and it appears Netflix’s version is following the same format in its live-action translation of the story.
However, it’s not all good news for Avatar fans, as Season 1’s showrunner, Albert Kim, has stepped down from the position, and will not return for the show’s final seasons. Per Variety, Kim will step down to an executive producing role, and turn his focus to working on Disney+ shows like Percy Jackson and the Olympians. In his place, Jabbar Raisani and Christine Boylan will be stepping up as co-showrunners for Season 2 – the pair were executive producers on Season 1.
How Old Was Avatar Aang When He Died (And How Did It Happen)?
The beloved Avatar’s time spent on ice might have kept him alive, but it also led to his early demise.
Season 2 is currently expected to drop on Netflix sometime in late 2024 or early 2025, although no official release date has been announced yet.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Season 1 is currently streaming on Netflix.
