Popternative is thrilled to welcome Kiawentiio as the cover star of our July 2026 Digital Issue. The actor returns as the compassionate yet fiercely powerful waterbender Katara in Season 2 of Netflix’s live-action adaptation of the beloved Nickelodeon animated series, Avatar: The Last Airbender. Following the success of its first season in 2024, the series was renewed for Seasons 2 and 3, with both chapters filmed back-to-back. Season 3 will conclude the live-action adaptation, bringing the epic story to its finale.

Set after the emotional victory that saved the Northern Water Tribe from invasion in the first season, Season 2 sees Aang (Gordon Cormier), Katara, and Sokka (Ian Ousley) embark on a new adventure to gain the support of the Earth King as the war against the Fire Nation intensifies. Their quest leads them to the legendary city of Ba Sing Se, where Aang starts training with the earthbender Toph (Miyako). Meanwhile, Prince Zuko’s (Dallas Liu) relentless pursuit continues, and the arrival of Princess Azula (Elizabeth Yu) introduces a daunting new threat. As the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender expands, Kiawentiio once again brings resilience and determination to Katara’s journey.

In our exclusive cover interview, Kiawentiio reflects on returning to Katara with newfound confidence, evolving the beloved character while honoring the legacy of the original series, and the rewarding experience of portraying such an iconic heroine. She also shares behind-the-scenes stories from filming Seasons 2 and 3 back-to-back, discusses the growth she experienced throughout the production, and opens up about the lasting impact Avatar: The Last Airbender has had on her career.

Exclusive Photos for Popternative Magazine by Kathlyn Almeida 
Hair and Makeup: Jessica Jean
Styling: Branden Ruiz

What would you say was the biggest change in playing Katara for season two compared to season one?

Kiawentiio: I felt like I was going into Katara this season with a lot more personal confidence. I knew what I wanted to do with her bending specifically and with the relationship with the rest of the Gaang. I think there’s a big part of our relationship personally and on set in character that fuels my version of Katara in a way that is so specific to our group in the show. I feel like the opportunities we got to show their dynamic and play in that realm of them being family was something that I was really glad we got to expand on this new season.

How did it feel stepping into your costumes this season?

Kiawentiio: It’s always so much fun. I was very excited to get back into my hero blue outfit, it was basically the same [as season 1], but there were tweaks done to it to be more flattering and feel a little more mature. And regarding all the new outfits that we got to have this season, it was so much fun being able to go in and play dress up and feel in character. I loved the loungy outfit that I got to have in Ba Sing Se.

What would you say is the most rewarding part about playing Katara?

Kiawentiio: How powerful she is. She is just a powerhouse, a badass, a superhero. She’s so cool, and she’s so confident. And I loved stepping into her bending, her stunts and the confidence that she carried, and it just felt so rewarding. Getting to watch it all done and seeing the VFX and believing that she is so powerful.

What’s one behind-the-scenes moment from Season 2 that fans would be surprised to learn about?

Kiawentiio: Everything that I did in episode seven, I did after we had already gotten into season three. So we started filming, I think it was around three weeks of season three, and then I went back and did all my stuff personally that happened in season two, episode seven.

Did the legacy of the animated series influence your portrayal of Katara, or did you try to make the role entirely your own?

Kiawentiio: It becomes a balance that you have to find. I think for this season, and going forward, I relied more on myself and on the experience that we were having. Although the [animated series] was the core of what we would always go back to, especially for specific scenes, it was like extra material that we could incorporate into the things that we maybe weren’t able to get to. [We would] incorporate it as much as we could or as much as we were able to.

From an acting perspective, are there things you learned or developed while working on Avatar: The Last Airbender that you’ll carry into future roles?

Kiawentiio: I can’t even express how much I learned on this project and in being Katara. I feel so lucky in how much grace was given to me and how loving and supportive this cast, crew and creatives were. They were so patient and open with me. And I feel like in the time I spent on set and in being Katara, I learned everything from how to be a lead in the best way and how to read a scene and really dig into it. I feel like I learned everything from A to Z on this show. So, I think I will be taking a lot of what I’ve learned to most things.

Season 2 of Avatar: The Last Airbender is streaming on Netflix.

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