Avatar: The Last Airbender Actor Responds To Backlash Over Changes To Sokka's Sexism

Avatar: The Last Airbender fans have been vocal about the folks in charge toning down how sexist the character Sokka will be. Many weren't fans of that reported change, and not for the reasons people are usually angry about less sexism. But the star behind the character has his view on the situation.

Avatar: The Last Airbender earned some cautious attention from audiences when its live-action adaptation was announced, mainly due to the infamously poor reception the last time this was attempted via M. Night Shyamalan's The Last Airbender film. This time around, it seems Netflix wants to correct the mistakes of that movie. But the thing is, it looks like it will still make some significant changes. Fans criticized Netflix's change to Sokka's sexist views for removing one of his prominent points for character development.

In a recent interview with Metro, Sokka actor Ian Ousley finally spoke out about his thoughts on the changes to his character. Fans were understandably concerned that taking away that initial aspect of Sokka would remove some of the most satisfying character development from the original Avatar: The Last Airbender series. But according to Ousley, that hasn't changed the character like fans think it will. «I think that the essence of the character that Sokka is, is 100% the character that is portrayed in the live-action version of the show,» the actor reassured.

«I think the fans are a little worried that there's going to be changes in who Sokka is, and I don't really think that's been the case at all in our show. Obviously it's different from an animation show to a live-action in those ways, but the heart and soul of the animation show is the breath that we're all playing into.»

In the original Avatar: The Last Airbender series, Sokka began as a brash and ignorant character, carrying overtly sexist opinions and often belittling the efforts and capabilities of his sister, Katara (despite her obvious aptitude). Sokka often found himself humbled by capable