Where do I start with the monumental dissapointment that was "The Last Airbender" ?. Let me begin with the acting. Almost NOBODY on the cast could act, Dev Patel and Shaun Toub were a pleasant suprise though, and perhaps the only redeeming thing about the film. I usually love Aasif Mandvi but he was a bit to campy as Zhao. The main characters on the other hand were just plain horrible. Noah Ringer's performance as Aang was completely devoid of emotion. The character is cheerful and goofy about 80% of the time, but they chose to make him more serious in the film. HUGE MISTAKE
Now onto the casting of Nicola Peltz and Mr. "Get a tan and pull my hair back to look Asian" Jackson Rathbone. Please refer to the photo below
This is an Inuit woman
This is Nicola Peltz...
And to stick two caucasian kids in a village full of Inuits is a bit strange don't you think?. Ecspecially when the prestine and civilized water tribe is full of caucasian actors while the dirty, grubby looking southern tribe is full of actual Inuit actors...doesn't that come off as a bit strange?
The director I chose is John Woo, the man is a visionary. You think he can't direct something on the scale of Avatar?, may I direct you to the Red Cliff films?. Other films he has directed include Mission Impossible 2, Face Off, Broken Arrow, and my personal favorite Hard Boiled.
Now onto casting!
The Avatar Gang:
Aang - Brandon Soo Hoo
Why:
Unlike Noah Ringer, Soo Hoo can act!. He's been nominated for his roles in
Tropic Thunder and Community. He's a blackbelt in tae kwon do, extreme martial arts, and wing chun kung-fu. So you know pulling off all the airbending moves won't be a problem.
Katara - Crystal Yiu
Why:
She's a fact up and comer in the Asian and international film scene. She is perhaps one of the only three redeeming qualities of the movie.
Sokka - Aaron Yoo
Why:
Aaron is known for playing the goofball type character which is perfect for Sokka.
Toph - Wenwen Han
Why:
The new karate kid was not horrible, and Wenwen's performance was a pleasant surprise.She's also the right age and size for the role.
Suki - Arden Cho
Why:
Arden is a beautiful girl but she also has an aura about her that says she'll kick your ass if she's messed with.
The Fire Nation:
Prince Zuko - Harry Shum Jr
Why:
Yes he was on Glee but the kid is a talented actor. People just need to get past that stigma. He is also experienced in dancing which can be easily translated into some martial arts training.
Uncle Iroh - Chow Yun Fat
Why:
Yun Fat is Iroh's real world double, nuff said. Haha no I'm kidding (though they do look alike), but Chow Yun Far is a PHENOMENAL actor and I think he can bring out the humor and light heartedness of Iroh, but at the same time he can pull off the more serious side of the character.
Fire Lord Ozai - Donnie Yen
Why:
Donnie Yen as the villain has always fascinated me. He almost never plays the badguy, but when he does he pulls it off flawlessly. He also has loads of martial arts experience for the action scenes.
Ursa - Gong Li
Why:
She's old enough now to pass off as someone's mother. Shes also a great actress that can pull of the warmth Ursa shows to her children.
Azula - Jamie Chung
Why:
Great actress despite the flop that was Dragonball Evolution.
Avatar Roku - Ken Watanabe
Why:
Ken has the mentor like aura to him, and like Roku he seems to be a peaceful and serene person.
Admiral Zhao - Mark Dacascos
Why:
Mari Dacascos is a pretty intimidating guy, just look at his face in the photo!. That intimidating aura is crucial for any actor playing Zhao.
The Water Tribes :
Pakku - Cary Hiroyuki Tagawa
Why:
Tagawa is a veteran actor in the American film and television industries and is highly underrated. He can pull of a variety characters and emotions flawlessly.
Hakoda - Will Yun Lee
Why:
He may be a bit to young to be a father of teens (he's 39)but I think he can pull off a character a bit older then he actually is. He has enough talent to do it ofcourse but make-up may help a bit to haha.