In Netflix’s ongoing adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender, viewers are set to embark on a fascinating journey to the Earth Kingdom this season.
As one of the Avatar world’s most expansive and densely populated regions, the Earth Kingdom serves as the home to many beloved characters. Aang, portrayed by Gordon Cormier, along with his companions, ventures into this vast territory in search of a master earthbender.
Those familiar with the original show will recall that the element of earth was particularly challenging for Aang, given his Air Nomad background. However, in Season 2, audiences travel to Ba Sing Se and meet intriguing new Earth Kingdom characters. Among them is Toph, played by Miya Cech, a blind yet incredibly skilled earthbending master who guides Aang in mastering this formidable element.
Toph is not the only Earth Kingdom native in Aang’s circle. This season delves deeper into the story of Suki, a well-loved character, exploring her dynamic with a certain member from the water tribe.
Who is Suki on Avatar: The Last Airbender?
As the leader of the Kyoshi Warriors, Suki herself does not wield bending powers. Nonetheless, she excels in martial arts. In the original series, during Season 1, Episode 2, Suki initially apprehends Aang and his friends under the mistaken assumption they were enemies. After proving their innocence, Suki persuades her mother, Yukari, played by Tamlyn Tomita, to allow them to remain. During this time, she grows close to Sokka, Ian Ousley’s character, a non-bender from the Southern Water Tribe. Though the live-action series accelerates their relationship timeline compared to the original animated series, this creative decision has sparked a variety of responses from fans.
In Season 2, Suki takes on a more prominent role as their relationship continues to expand as she joins the group on their journey. She steps out beyond her secluded village, and gets to experience the rest of the Earth Kingdom. She and the other Kyoshi warriors help protect villages from the Fire Nation and refugees across the Earth Kingdom.
Who plays Suki on Avatar: The Last Airbender?
Suki is played by Polish-born Chinese actress Maria Zhang. According a 2022 interview with Mixed Asian Media, Zhang first started acting by doing community theater, after her grandma found a newspaper clipping asking for young actors. The now-26-year-old has a B.A. in acting from The University of Southern California. She has starred in short films, and has been featured in shows like ABC’s The Rookie and Netflix’s A Man on the Inside.
Playing Suki is Zhang’s first major television role, and she’s doing great. We can’t wait to see more of her and her character in the next season.