C2E2 2023: ‘Avatar’ Cast Reunion

At C2E2 2023, voiceover actors from Avatar: The Last Airbender reunited to discuss the legacy of one of the most celebrated animated television series of all time. The panel included Dante Basco (Zuko), Jack De Sena (Sokka), and the first convention appearance of Zach Eisen (Aang). The trio shared some laughs and answered fan questions.

It may surprise fans who grew up with the Avatar series that several of the actors admitted they hadn’t seen every episode when the show first aired. It was only once the series was rereleased on Netflix that Jack De Sena watched the episodes that didn’t have Sokka in them.

While the Avatar series made a huge emotional impact on those that grew up with it– to the actors the recording sessions were a bit of a blur. They knew from reading the scripts that the show was good, but they couldn’t anticipate the influence and legacy it would have. Dante Basco said that he was overwhelmed by the fan response and felt that the biggest lesson he learned from the series was to “leave yourself open to surprises.”

There were several fans during the Q & A portion who were aspiring voice actors or animators. Jack De Sena advocated for surrounding yourself with people who are more creative and experienced– or “Be the non-bender in the room.” Dante Basco suggested that aspiring voice actors should learn the craft then “bring yourself into the role.” Your experience is the greatest creative asset.

The event closed with an emotional recollection of an interaction Dante Basco had with a fan. The themes explored in Avatar appeared to echo the challenges for justice and equality expressed in today’s youth movements. In the fan’s own words, “You programmed our generation to restore balance to the world.”