Key Takeaways:
– Utkarsh Ambudkar, who portrays King Bumi in Netflix's Avatar: The Last Airbender, has requested fans to give the series a fair chance.
– Ambudkar has praised the young cast's dedication, especially Gordon Cormier (Aang), in creating an epic series despite receiving mixed reviews.
– He indicated that preparing for the role required lengthy makeup sessions transforming him to the earth-bending King Bumi.
– Netflix has renewed Avatar: The Last Airbender for two additional seasons despite the mixed reactions to season one.
Netflix's Avatar: The Last Airbender, which reimagines the beloved characters from the animated series, has received mixed reviews from fans and critics. Despite some criticism, Utkarsh Ambudkar, who plays the quirky earth-bending king, King Bumi, believes in the series' potential and pleads with audiences to give it a chance.
The Transformation of Utkarsh Ambudkar into King Bumi
In a conversation with CBR, Ambudkar shared the extensive makeup process that transformed him into the character of King Bumi. It reportedly took him six hours in the makeup chair. He said he believes viewers would appreciate the series, as they understand the extent the team went in bringing beloved characters to life.
Cast's Effort and Ambudkar's Plea to fans
Despite the mixed reviews, Ambudkar stands firm in support of his co-stars, especially the young actors who he said have poured their hearts into their characters. Remarking on his experience working with these talented individuals, Ambudkar asserted their perseverance and commitment in achieving the show's epic scale, which he opines deserves recognition.
Ambudkar also highlighted Gordon Cormier's admirable work in portraying Aang, encouraging viewers to appreciate the young actor's efforts in bringing this iconic character to life. He sympathized with the struggles these young actors face when they are unjustly criticized, reminding audiences that they should deserve respect for their hard work.
What to Expect in the Upcoming Sequels
Despite the first season's mixed reactions, fans can expect two more seasons. Showrunner Albert Kim hinted that the upcoming sequels might involve some changes due to time lapse. The original animated series takes place within a year, a concept Kim said was unimaginable for the live-action version. This necessary adjustment means more stories and explorations of the characters for the fans to anticipate in the seasons to come.
Continued Support for the Series
Ambudkar hopes the audience will appreciate the series more considering the effort put into creating it. His plea underlines that alongside mixed criticisms, acknowledgement should be extended to the whole crew, from the make-up artists to the cast members, for their passion and dedication to their craft.
Implications for the Future
The renewal for two more seasons of Avatar: The Last Airbender signifies the promise and confidence Netflix has in the series. Ambudkar's plea encourages audiences to give the show a chance and to reconsider their evaluation basing it not merely on comparison with the animated version but the uniqueness and value it presents in its own right. His conviction in the cast's dedication and the reported plans of the showrunner for the sequel blossoms hope that Netflix's Avatar: The Last Airbender might surpass initial reactions and bloom into a series indispensable in its own right.
Avatar: The Last Airbender is now available for streaming on Netflix.
