Emily Zemler
Updated on: October 14, 2024 12:59 am GMT
One of the most beloved characters from the “Avatar: The Last Airbender” universe is making her live-action debut. Miya Cech, a 17-year-old actress known for her roles in Netflix’s “Beef” and the film “You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah,” has been cast as Toph Beifong in the upcoming second season of Netflix’s adaptation of the iconic animated series.
A New Era for Toph Beifong
Toph, a master earthbender and one of the pivotal members of Team Avatar, is a character that fans have long anticipated seeing in a live-action format. The character is notable for her strength, sarcasm, and unique perspective, as she was born blind and trained to “see” through her other senses. Netflix executives believe Cech is perfectly suited to portray this multifaceted character.
According to executive producers Christine Boylan and Jabbar Raisani, Cech stood out among thousands of auditions. “We make a point of reviewing submissions separately, and after countless tapes, we both had the same reaction… Miya is our Toph!” they said. They emphasized Cech’s ability to balance Toph’s humor, stubbornness, and vulnerability.
Meet Miya Cech
Cech, who excitedly spoke to [Tudum.com](https://www.tudum.com), shared her enthusiasm for taking on the role. “I grew up watching the animated series. I’ve probably seen it 10 times all the way through. Toph was always my favorite character,” she said.
Despite not being blind, Cech is committed to authentically representing Toph. She is working with a consultant from the blindness community to ensure an accurate portrayal. “It’s really amazing and a gift as an actor,” she remarked about being part of a project that embraces diversity in its characters.
Training for the Role
Preparation for the role of Toph has already commenced for Cech. Over the past week and a half, she has been participating in “boot camp” sessions to learn the necessary earthbending choreography. Cech expressed how much she enjoys the training, noting, “I have some martial arts experience, and I also have some dance experience from when I was younger.”
The physical demands of portraying a blind earthbender present unique challenges. Cech’s training will also include learning specific movements that define Toph’s character. “I have a great instructor who keeps me in shape when I’m not working,” she added.
Caption: Miya Cech will portray Toph Beifong in the second season of ”Avatar: The Last Airbender” on Netflix.
Behind the Scenes Insights
As filming begins on the new season, here are some interesting insights about Cech and her role:
- China and Japan Heritage: Cech is proud to represent her Chinese and Japanese heritage while portraying Toph. “One of the most incredible aspects of this show is the diversity of the Asian cultures,” she noted.
- Honoring the Character: Cech emphasized Toph’s uniqueness, expressing excitement about playing a character who stands out in the world of “Avatar.”
- Audition Journey: Unlike some cast members from Season 1, Cech knew she was auditioning for Toph. She underwent multiple auditions, including in-person chemistry reads with Gavin Gordon, who plays Aang.
- A Surprise Casting Call: Cech shared a surprising moment when she found out she had booked the role. She was initially told to do “one last” Zoom callback, only to learn there was no callback and she had secured the role.
- Costume Anticipation: Cech is eager to see Toph’s complete costume design, stating, “I haven’t actually seen Toph’s costume yet, but we have tested some looks for her iconic hairstyle.”
The Future of *Avatar: The Last Airbender*
Fans of the series are understandably excited about the new casting choice and what Cech will bring to the character. However, there is a bit of uncertainty surrounding the release timeline for Season 2, given that production has just begun. Typically, it takes several months to complete filming and post-production. Therefore, viewers may have to wait a considerable time before they see Cech in action as Toph.
The anticipation for “Avatar: The Last Airbender” continues to grow, especially as fans hold high hopes for the adaptation of such a cherished series. With Cech at the helm of Toph’s character, many believe that the live-action version of “Avatar” will stay true to its animated roots while also introducing fresh perspectives.
As we look forward to the upcoming season, it’s clear that the journey of Aang and his friends will continue to captivate audiences, blending humor, adventure, and emotional depth as it always has. With Miya Cech stepping into Toph’s shoes, the show’s future seems brighter than ever.
While we wait, let’s stay excited for more news about the series as they keep working on it. Fans can’t wait to see what happens next and how Toph joining the group will change things for Team Avatar!
