In an exclusive update, Netflix has reportedly cast Adam Beach (Older than America, Turok: Son of Stone) as the role of Hakoda, according to Deadline. Hakoda is the father of Sokka, played by Ian Ousley (13 Reasons Why, Physical), and Katara, played by actress and singer Kiawentiio Tarbell, who uses the mononym Kiawentiio (Beans, Rutherford Falls). Both are lead characters in the series.

According to Deadline, fans have long petitioned for Beach to play the part of Hakoda, due to his magnificent acting abilities and his prominent voice for Native American people. Beach has a history of acting in Native American films, such as Wounded Knee and Windtalkers which solidified his perfection for the role. However, amid the casting news, Netflix has declined to comment on their decision in casting Beach.

The adaption on Netflix comes from the popular animated series which previously aired on Nickelodeon in 2005. The animated show followed Aang, voiced by Zach Tyler Eisen (The Last Airbender, Entropy) who fights to master all four element powers — air, water, fire, and earth. In accomplishing this, he will restore balance to the world which is being threatened by the Fire Nation. However, Deadline mentions that while the Netflix adaption is not a direct copy, citing changes to the original storyline and a darker tone, Netflix has essentially reimagined a more ‘adult’ version of the animated series for fans who grew up watching the beloved anime series.

According to Deadline, the cast alongside Beach will also include Dallas Liu (Pen15, The Slumber Party), Elizabeth Yu (May December, Somewhere in Queens), Paul Sun-Hyung Lee (Kim’s Convenience, Night of the Zoopocalypse), Daniel Dae Kim (Hawaii Five-0, Lost), Momona Tamada (The Baby-Sitters Club, Secret Headquaters), and Thalia Tran (Council of Dads, Raya and the Last Dragon).

Additions from season two, via Deadline, include Miya Cech (Rim of the World, The Astronauts), Chin Han (Final Recipe, Skyscraper), Hoa Xuande (The Sympathizer, Ronny Chieng: International Student), Justin Chien (The Brothers Sun, Sun Moon), Amanda Zhou (Spinning Out, Rabid), Crystal Yu (Sunrise, The One Note Man), Kelemente Misipeka (Night at the Museum: Kahmunrah Rises Again, Sons of Thunder: Redemption), Lourdes Faberes (Bus girl, Room 304), and Rekha Sharma (No Men Beyond This Point, Baking Spirits Bright).

Joining Beach for season three will include Jon Jon Briones (Ratched, Trese) as Piandao and Tantoo Cardinal (Dances with Wolves, Smoke Signals) as Hama.