Dallas Liu, who plays Prince Zuko in the upcoming live-action adaptation of ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ on Netflix, shared his experiences filming the series while visiting Manila on February 24.
Manila’s Heat and Stepping into Character
Liu described his first visit to Manila as a whirlwind of excitement and scorching temperatures. He jokingly compared the intense humidity to feeling like he was living in the Fire Nation, a reference to Zuko’s home in the Avatar universe.
“It’s been really exciting, and this is my first time in Manila. Everyone’s been welcoming, and it’s so hot, oh my gosh, hahaha! It’s so humid it’s like I stepped out of the air conditioning. I feel like I’m in the Fire Nation,” he joked.
Discussing his approach to the character, Liu acknowledged the difficulty of fully capturing Zuko’s emotional turmoil due to his lack of similar life experiences.
“But at the end of the day, I could not fully resonate with Prince Zuko just because of the burn scar, right? I think at some point it was hard to differentiate the line where Dallas and Zuko stood because I was in character like all day, every day.”
Building Bonds with Cast Mates
Liu spoke fondly of his co-stars, highlighting the unique connections he formed with each of them. He praised Daniel Dae Kim, who portrays Zuko’s father, Fire Lord Ozai, for his support and mentorship despite initial intimidation.
“When I did get to see Daniel, it was extremely intimidating because his chest was huge! His arms were bigger than my head! You’ve seen my character photos, I have a massive head.
“Daniel, after everything was over, he was very supportive and I am glad that I was able to share an intimate experience with him,” stated Liu.
Meanwhile, the camaraderie between Liu and Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, who plays Uncle Iroh, was evident as the actor described their easy on-screen chemistry that developed right from the start.
Aang, Friendship Envy, and Ian Ousley
Liu expressed his admiration for Gordon Cormier, who portrays Aang, particularly for his professionalism at such a young age. He hinted at a complex dynamic between Zuko and Aang in the series, promising a relatable portrayal of their conflicted relationship.
Filming wasn’t all serious business, however. Liu admitted to feeling envious of the close bond formed by Gordon Cormier, Kiawentiio Tarbell (Katara), and Ian Ousley (Sokka) on set. He ultimately developed a strong friendship with Ousley, finding comfort and support in him during stressful moments.
Funny Moments and Finding Humor
Liu shared a hilarious anecdote about his wig mishap during a fight scene. He also revealed the amusing lengths Netflix went to in order to hide his shaved head for Zuko’s iconic hairstyle in public.
Landing the Role and Advice for Young Actors
Liu recounted the playful mind games his agents used to motivate him before his final audition. He concluded the interview by offering valuable advice to young actors, stressing the importance of a strong support system to navigate the industry’s challenges, especially within a passionate fanbase like Avatar: The Last Airbender.
“I think one thing that is vital to every actor and actress, not just Gordon, is having a strong support system. Whether that’s your family, your childhood friends, or even your own team. I think to have a strong base in your heart is extremely important because of the nature of the industry, and especially with a fandom like Avatar the Last Airbender.
“Although many of us are supportive of what we’re doing at Netflix, there is an opposite side to that as always. But I hope that the people supporting you at home, keeping your chin up, and give you strong words of affirmation, and continue to champion you through your journey,” Liu stressed.
Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender was released on February 22, with its first season having eight episodes.
