It may have been fourteen years since the animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender ended, however, Avatar Studios, a new division in Nickelodeon, is currently working on multiple animated movies to extend the story.
Many fans have been highlighting their experiences watching the film from their childhood to fully appreciating what the series has become now that they’ve grown up.
No thanks to the controversial live-action take of the series, fans have been highly expectant of The Last Airbender still producing more apart from its sequel series, The Legend of Korra.
Now, the new batch of ATLA films may be coming in starting in 2025, however, original Katara voice actor Mae Whitman has already addressed why she won’t be reprising her role in the films.
“Katara is a huge part of who I am and I feel so honored about having had the opportunity to play her.” Whitman said in a recent interview with Awards Radar.
In spite of not voicing her in the films, she is more than happy to see ‘new iterations of her’ and ‘pass the torch on’ to other actors interested in ‘fitting the role.’
“I’m excited that we get to see a new iteration of her. A new version of who she is.”
Whitman added, “And to have actors come in, who honestly fit the role much better, I’m so happy to pass the torch on.”
READ MORE: Avatar: The Last Airbender Zuko Film Sets Release Window
The Good Girls actress shared: “I’m so thrilled to be a part of her growth and I feel it’s important for us all to grow. For us to move on towards things that are more true and honest.”
Overall, Whitman is ‘thrilled’ to have a little piece of Katara in her experience: “I really can’t wait to see where she goes next.”
While the original voice actor won’t be seen in the upcoming films, Whitman is right, all good things come and go.
Surely, with the characters coming off more mature than when they were introduced in the Nick series, a change in the line-up is necessary for the film to work.
The first animated film for Avatar: The Last Airbender (which has yet to receive its title) is currently slated to be released on October 10, 2025.
Explore new topics and discover content that's right for you!