In an interview given to the Moviepilot site, Dallas Liu (Zuko) talks about the process of creating the scar he wears on his face in Avatar the Last Airbender, on Netflix.
For two weeks now, Netflix subscribers have been able to binge Avatar the Last Airbender, the live action adaptation of the 2000s cartoon. We follow the adventures of young Aang, a 12-year-old boy who carries the spell the world on his shoulders. He is the Avatar, the one who has the power to master the four elements and prevent the Fire Nation from destroying the planet.
In the case of a live action adaptation, the most difficult thing is to know what to keep on screen, what to remove or what to modify. And if we are to believe Dallas Liu, Zuko’s scar was a central subject.
The Prince “inherited” this scar after a lost fight against his father, Fire Lord Ozai (Daniel Dae Kim). This mark characterizes the character, symbolizes his exclusion and his shame. He refuses to let anyone touch her (except Katara).
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The scar of discord
In an interview given to the site MoviepilotLiu looks back on the process of creating his scar and how he tried to convince the showrunner to make it as real as possible.
“I went to Albert Kim every day and tried to talk to him! It wasn’t the outcome I was hoping for but it was his decision. We tried to create something that an older audience could enjoy, but at the same time doesn’t traumatize younger viewers. So no burns from blisters.
They had also designed a rubber prosthesis which ultimately remained at the drawing stage: it was almost as if the scar had sunk into my cheek, with holes in my face. It was quite scary.”
If the result was considered too smooth by some fans, Dallas Liu’s interpretation allowed others to forget his slightly too cosplay look. We will have to wait for season 2 of Avatar, which has not yet been ordered by Netflix, to discover the complete transformation of the Prince of the nation (we say goodbye to the ponytail!).
(Warning, the following paragraph contains spoilers about the cartoon). After realizing that his father never wanted him to return – despite the Avatar’s capture – Zuko finds himself without a homeland. He ends up joining Aang’s gang and helping the young boy control fire. He will also face his sister, who will be the real antagonist of season 2.