One of Netflix’s leading producers Avatar: The Last Airbender hinted at Toph’s introduction in the upcoming season 2.
Team Avatar is at the heart of the series, but one of its most important members has yet to appear on screen.
The character in question, a 12-year-old, blind, earthbending master, is first introduced in the second Book of the original animated series. At this point, one can only assume that the creatives responsible intend to stick with the source material, so his introduction should be right around the corner.
(‘It’s Gonna Suck’: Avatar Netflix Star Prepares Fans For Season 2 Conflict (Exclusive))
Introducing Toph in Season 2 of Netflix Avatar
Jabbar Raisani, executive producer Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2 and 3, spoke with The Direct on the red carpet at Paleyfest 2024, teasing Toph’s introduction to the series.
When asked how introducing the character will change the dynamic of Team Avatar, Raisani said that fans will see how “A lot of the dynamics that were true in the animated series come through live:”
“We’re really relying on the animated series. So I think you’re going to see a lot of the dynamics that were true to the animated series. It’s not going to be one-on-one. You can never do one-on-one, but you know, expect that feeling again.”
While Toph will (almost certainly) be introduced, Azula also originally debuted in Season 2, despite having the privilege of being introduced in Season 1.
Azula actress Elizabeth Yu shared how excited she is to interact with the show’s larger cast and that she “can’t wait to see how the exchanges are with Team Avatar:”
“I didn’t get any scenes with any of the kids in the first season. I got scenes with Daniel (Dae Kim) and Momona (Tamada) and Thalia (Tran), which was so fun, but I don’t know. I can’t wait to see what the exchange between Team Avatar and the sisters with.
“I’m excited to do all the scenes from the original series” Yu shared that because all of his footage in Season 1 was exclusive to the Netflix show:
“I mean, I’m excited. Also, in the original series, Azula isn’t in the first season. So a lot of her introduction is in the second season. It’s a really important moment for her. So I’m excited to do any scenes from the original series, like any of our iconic lines.”
Arden Cho’s June is one character that does not appear in the original season 2 of the animated series.
The actor was also at Paleyfest. When asked if this could change for Netflix’s upcoming adaptation, Cho admitted that he didn’t know:
“Unfortunately, I can’t talk about that. I don’t know. The power is in the hands of those who hold the pen.”
Why Casting Toph in Avatar: The Last Airbender Matters
Toph is a difficult role to play, and the talent required to pull it off is extraordinary, especially for a younger actress. To add to the pressure, his dynamic with the rest of Team Avatar will be crucial to the success of the show’s final two seasons.
There aren’t many clear choices either. However, Peter Pan and Wendy’s Diana Tsoy often comes up in fan discussions.
When the creative team decided to introduce Azula in Season 1 to get a lead, it’s surprising they didn’t try to do the same with Toph. Maybe it will work for Toph and give her more screen time.
While Season 2 may not be around for a long time, Toph’s coverage may not be too far off. Fans can probably expect the information to hit the internet shortly before production begins.
Avatar: The Last Airbender now streaming on Netflix.
Read more about Avatar in The Direct:
Netflix’s Avatar Season 2: Dallas Liu Reveals His Big Hopes for Upcoming Episodes (Exclusive)
Avatar: The Last Airbender Live-Action CGI vs. Practical Effects Photography Explained DP (Exclusive)
Avatar Netflix DP Michael Balfry Reveals Why Firebenders Was So Hard To Bring To Life (Exclusive)
