With any adaptation, change is inevitable. We noticed that occur when Season 1 of the live-action Avatar: The Final Airbender (which you’ll be able to watch with a Netflix subscription) got here out, and followers didn’t maintain again their emotions about numerous modifications made in it. Now, we all know one other replace is coming throughout Season 2 of ATLA with the introduction of Miya Cech’s “barely extra female” model of Toph. And I’ve to say, I’ve combined emotions about this.
If you’re a fan of the OG Avatar, one of many greatest animated exhibits of all time, that Toph is a tomboy, not a lady’s lady, and he or she could be very happy with that. Nevertheless, it seems like Miya Cech’s Toph would possibly play into her female facet a bit extra, as she instructed The Direct:
My model of Toph goes to be a little bit older and barely extra female. I really feel like I needed to work into a really humanizing area for her as a result of, , she was a cartoon.
Now, this concept of bringing a cartoon character into live-action is sensible. It looks as if she would possibly need to make Toph much more nuanced, and that is a method that’s occurring. I really like that form of mentality, and I particularly am right here for it in an adaptation as a result of I need to see new takes on Avatar tales and characters.
Nevertheless, it’s additionally barely worrying as a result of Toph being a tomboy and defying female stereotypes and expectations is a giant a part of her character within the animated present. Toph confirmed viewers a model of womanhood that was totally different from Katara and the opposite feminine characters on the present, and it was empowering to see so many various ladies in a single story.
Toph is a lady who grew up in excessive society, and he or she was compelled into following the principles of it as a younger child. Nevertheless, she loudly stood up in opposition to them and proudly was her genuine self all through the sequence, particularly after she joined forces with Aang, Katara and Sokka. I’d truthfully say it’s one of many the explanation why Toph is one in all Avatar’s greatest characters.
I need all of this illustrated on the live-action present. I need it to provide us Toph and her tomboy qualities so extra younger women can see examples of gorgeous ladies who all look and act otherwise.
I’m not saying Miya Cech received’t do this. Her Toph can do all of this whereas being “barely extra female.” All I’m saying is that her remark highlighted a chunk of Toph’s id that I have to see dealt with rigorously, thoughtfully and faithfully on this live-action venture, which led to my combined emotions.
Fortunately, Cech looks as if a real fan of the OG sequence, and he or she’s spoken with Michaela Jill Murphy, who voiced the younger earthbender within the animated present. Throughout the identical interview, the live-action actress referenced this dialog too, saying:
I’ve met Makayla who performs the voice of Toph, and I really feel like we’ve got each a really comparable take by way of course of.
It looks as if Cech is dealing with Toph with a variety of care, and I can not wait to see her tackle The Blind Bandit.
Nevertheless, when one thing you like together with your entire coronary heart will get tailored, it’s regular to be a bit frightened about how characters you love will change. So, whereas we await Season 2 of Avatar: The Final Airbender and Toph’s introduction, I’ll keep cautiously optimistic and hope that we see a brand new but devoted model of this beloved earthbender.