The Last Airbender Book 2 Fights Netflix’s Live-Action Remake Must Nail

Netflix’s live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender remake needs to get some of the most important and impressive fights right when adapting the cartoon. From 2005 to 2008, the Nickelodeon show captured the minds and hearts of viewers, and it has never let go.

Fans are just as passionate about Avatar: The Last Airbender now as they were initially. As such, Netflix had an impossible job when adapting the show for live-action. Luckily, despite some flaws, the first season of Netflix’s Avatar remake received mixed-to-positive reviews. Even the original Aang actor was enthusiastic about the Avatar remake.

However, the challenge will only get bigger as Netflix’s Avatar remake moves forward with seasons 2 and 3. They need to get many things right when adapting the story. One of the most difficult will be replicating some of the impeccable battle scenes in Book 2, which still take my breath away two decades later.

7

Aang Defending Ba Sing Se From The Drill

“The Drill”

One of the best fights in Avatar: The Last Airbender Book 2 is Aang defending Ba Sing Se from Azula and the drill. Rather than a back-and-forth of attacks, Aang and Azula are defending and attacking simultaneously, making it visually captivating. The choreography is brilliant and complex, feeling as much like an art form as it does a fight.

The battle features exciting moves, such as Aang making a rock gauntlet and running down the Ba Sing Se wall to gain momentum. It’s thrilling to see Aang use earthbending, waterbending, and airbending in a single fight. At the same time, Azula proves that her lightning bending is one of the most powerful bending styles in the show.

However, I’m even more excited to see it in the live-action, given how fantastic the battle is in animation. The visual effects of the live-action are probably the most exciting part of the Netflix remake because they elevate the bending styles.

6

Zuko Fighting The Earth Kingdom Rogues

“Zuko Alone”

The two back-to-back episodes that will make or break Netflix’s Avatar remake are “The Blind Bandit” and “Zuko Alone,” two masterpiece episodes. Although they are both character-driven episodes, they both have excellent fight scenes that the remake needs to get right. In Zuko Alone, that’s the fight against the Earth Kingdom Rogues.

The start of the battle shows how capable he is without the use of his bending. He manages to take down two enemies with traditional weapons, and he withstands the third enemy for quite some time. Then, the end of the fight is one of the most epic Zuko moments. I need to see live-action Zuko wielding fiery swords.

Additionally, they need to get this fight right because it’s crucial for his character arc. Throughout the episode, he’s grappling with whether he should be ashamed or proud of who he is. His firebending abilities are what save the town, but they’re also what get him shunned. This shows that Zuko’s redemption is much more complex than it seems.

5

Azula Versus The Kyoshi Warriors

“Appa’s Lost Days”

Although it’s a brief battle, the Kyoshi Warriors versus Azula, Mai, and Ty Lee is a delightful fight that the Netflix remake needs to get right. The scene shows that the Kyoshi Warriors remain allied to Aang and the Gaang, even after they leave the island. I love that Suki helps Appa get away, even when it puts her in danger.

Additionally, it’s one of the more interesting fights because it shows a group of non-benders going up against one of the strongest benders in the TV show. Azula might ultimately win, but the Kyoshi Warriors do a decent job of holding their own under the circumstances.

It’s impressive to see that they can use swords and shields when going up against firebending and lightningbending. I’m also always delighted to see the Kyoshi Warriors using their battle fans, even if it’s just for a few moments.

4

Jet Attacking Zuko In The Tea Shop

“City Of Walls And Secrets”

Most of the noteworthy fight scenes in Avatar: The Last Airbender include bending. However, Jet attacking Zuko in the tea shop is an exception. Jet tries to force Zuko into using his firebending abilities, which would expose Zuko and Iroh. However, he wasn’t prepared for the fact that Zuko is arguably a better swordsman than he is a firebender.

This leads to one of the best choreographed fight sequences in the entire show. It’s captivating to watch them with the swords, especially when they’re fighting back-to-back. Zuko also seems to be having the time of his life, beating Jet with just a sword.

At the same time, the fight between the two is crucial because it shows just how much the Fire Nation’s past actions have harmed Jet. As much as I dislike him as a character, I still empathize with Jet’s inability to move forward from the past.

3

Appa Versus The Boar-Q-Pine

“Appa’s Lost Days”

Appa is just as important a member of Team Avatar as every human character, and I refuse to overlook his fight scene with the Boar-Q-Pine. After going through one of the most terrible situations, being taken away from Aang, he just wants to find shelter. Unfortunately, he lands in the Boar-Q-Pine’s territory, causing a fight between the two.

I feel righteous indignation that the Boar-Q-Pine would dare come after our beloved Appa, even though I know Appa’s the one who landed in their habitat. Still, the fight with the Boar-Q-Pine shows just how resilient Appa is. He’s in pain and very injured, but he still gets up to finish the fight.

Given the live-action show’s proclivity for removing slower and less narratively crucial moments, there’s a good chance that they will cut out the fight between Appa and the Boar-Q-Pine. However, that would ultimately be a mistake. Appa deserves his moment to shine, too.

2

Azula Taking Down Avatar-State Aang

“The Crossroads Of Destiny”

The fight scene with Aang and Katara going up against Zuko and Azula was a great way to finish off Avatar: The Last Airbender Book 2. The choreography was beautiful. The tension had a perfect ebb and flow to it, keeping viewers enticed. This leads up to one of the most impressive and shocking moments: Azula knocking out Avatar-State Aang.

Aang is transforming into his Avatar state to help take down the Fire Nation siblings. Unfortunately, Azula attacks Aang, striking him with a bolt of lightning that nearly kills him. Had she been two seconds later, it wouldn’t have been such an easy fight.

However, she acted quickly enough to take him out, showing that she has enough prowess in battle to act quickly and swiftly. It’s a great climax for the season and a natural stopping point between seasons 2 and 3 of the live-action.

1

Toph’s Blind Bandit Battle

“The Blind Bandit”

We already know Toph will be everyone’s favorite Avatar season 2 character if they do the character right. However, viewers will riot if they mess up the beloved earthbender, and that includes her introduction. As such, they need to put extra attention into getting Toph’s Blind Bandit scene right.

Her fight against The Boulder shows exactly who Toph is as a person and a fighter. Her taunts towards a large, muscle-y man immediately establish her personality as a snarky spitfire. The choreography of the fight also proves in a matter of two minutes why she needs to be Aang’s earthbending teacher, versus someone else.

The animation introduces the audience to the seismic sensing that Toph uses to see. Then, she unleashes her master Earthbending abilities, defeating The Boulder with minimal effort. The live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender scene needs to achieve all those same things and be careful not to cheapen the scene with unnecessary changes.