The recently released animated film 'Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender,' now streaming on Paramount+, has ignited discussions among fans regarding the potential bisexuality of the character Zuko. The film, directed by Lauren Montgomery and written by Tim Hedrick and Christopher Yost, features a moment where Zuko describes a new character, Tagah, as "very attractive."
Tagah, voiced by Dave Bautista, is introduced as a large, physically imposing Airbender discovered frozen in ice. When Toph, Aang's earthbender master, questions the newcomer's attractiveness, Sokka voices confusion about the term. Zuko then interjects with a confident affirmation of Tagah's appeal, stating, "He’s very attractive." When his friends express surprise, Zuko elaborates, "What? He is. It’s all in the bone structure."
This exchange, which was featured prominently in the film's trailer, has resonated with a fandom that has long speculated about Zuko's romantic interests. For years, fans have explored various pairings for Zuko, including the well-known "Zutara" (Zuko and Katara) and "Zukaang" (Zuko and Aang) ship dynamics.
The creators of the 'Avatar' universe, Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino, have previously confirmed same-sex relationships within the franchise. Notably, the series 'The Legend of Korra,' a sequel to 'Avatar: The Last Airbender,' concluded with its two lead female characters, Korra and Asami, in a confirmed romantic relationship. Konietzko stated at the time that the depiction was "the official story."
In light of this precedent, the film's portrayal of Zuko's comment about Tagah has led many to believe it signifies a canon queer identity for Zuko, possibly indicating bisexuality or fluidity in his attractions. While Zuko was previously depicted in a relationship with Mai, fans suggest this new development opens possibilities for exploring a broader spectrum of his romantic life, aligning with the creators' established approach to diverse representation within the 'Avatar' world.