interview by JANA LETONJA

Actor Dallas Liu has quickly become one to watch in the entertainment industry through the diverse and dynamic characters he has brought to life on screen, and he isn’t slowing down anytime soon. On 22nd February, we’ll be able to see Dallas in Netflix’s highly anticipated live action adaptation of the beloved animated series ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’. The series was also just renewed for a second and third season.

Dallas, we’ve just been able to watch you in Netflix’s live action adaptation of the beloved animated series ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’. How exciting was it to get cast on this show?
It was the experience of a lifetime. 

How would you sum the first season for the fans of ‘Avatar’?
They got to see a lot of classic scenes and characters from the animated series, but also a few changes that I think they can be really excited about. 

In the series, you portray the iconic Prince Zuko. Tell us more about your character in this adaptation. What excites you the most about portraying him?
He’s a child who thinks he’s a man. He has a one-track mindset and can’t see anything outside of it. Zuko will go to great lengths to capture the Avatar. All of the emotions that Zuko gets to go through excite me more than anything. I loved him in the animated series, so hopefully fans are able to enjoy my portrayal of him in the live-action. 

If you had to choose your favorite role that you’ve portrayed so far, which one would that be and why?
It’s got to be Prince Zuko. The writers and directors in the show truly gave me so much to work with, so as an artist, that’s all I can ask for. My co-workers were amazing and the entire project was bigger than anything I could have ever imagined. 

What made you passionate about the craft of acting?
I would have to say it came from my love of films. What had always stuck out to me in films were the actors and actresses. I felt that their performances were what had always entertained me the most. 

Before acting, you were a top competitor in martial arts, especially in Japanese Shotokan and even competed in the NASKA (North American Sport Karate Association). Why was martial arts a sports discipline that attracted you the most?
I had a huge interest in combat and action as a kid. I loved watching anything related to it on TV or in movies, so naturally my parents put me in martial arts as they felt there was a lot to be learned from it. 

Do you ever miss it and competing?
Yes and no. Sometimes I do because it was a huge part of my childhood, but now not so much because my passion has changed and I feel that I want to be in entertainment for as long as I can. 

What would you describe as your biggest career goals?
To write and direct my own film, and have it released in theaters for the world to see. I just want to make my parents proud honestly. They’ve sacrificed everything in their lives for me and my brother. 

Tell us more about your passions and hobbies outside of acting.
I love snowboarding and rock climbing. Those are my two favorite hobbies at the moment. 

After ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’, what’s coming up next for you? Do you have any exciting projects lined up that you can share with us about?
The series has just been renewed for seasons 2 and 3, so I am looking forward to shooting that as everyone knows those are the best seasons of the animated series.

TEAM CREDITS:
photography TIMOTHY FERNANDEZ
styling FABIO IMMEDIATO
grooming TAMMY YI