Photo by: Presley Ann/Getty Images for Netflix
We were joined on the Popternative show by Kiawentiio who can be seen playing waterbender Katara in the new Netflix series Avatar: The Last Airbender, which premiered globally on February 22nd, 2024. The series is a live-action reimagining of the beloved animated series following Aang (played by Gordon Cormier), the young Avatar, as he learns to master the four elements (Water, Earth, Fire, Air) to restore balance to a world threatened by the terrifying Fire Nation. Along the way, Aang teams up with Water tribe siblings Katara and Sokka (played by Ian Ousley), and other characters.
When asked about her audition process, Kiawentiio says, “I actually told my agents when I found out that Avatar was even happening that this was the thing I wanted the most and to keep your eye out for [audition opportunities]. So it actually did come up, and my agent told me about the audition, and even then I was in tears almost just to hear about the audition. We went back and forth with call backs and chemistry reads, and I think it lasted maybe a month. And then they told me the good news and it’s just been crazy since then.”
Kiawentiio also discusses what she feels stands out with Katara’s character: “I really admire how strong she is, how determined she is. Her will is something that you cannot break, and I feel you could really see that as she is determined to master her abilities.” She also touches on how she prepared to play a character that fans have already seen on screen, bonding with the cast, and more.
Watch the full conversation with Kiawentiio below.
Avatar: The Last Airbender is streaming on Netflix.
Follow Kiawentiio: Instagram