Filipino-Taiwanese child actor Jordan Roberto Chien is making waves in Hollywood after portraying the younger version of Prince Zuko in the second season of Netflix’s live-action series Avatar: The Last Airbender.
The banished crown prince of the Fire Nation and a skilled firebender, Zuko is portrayed by Dallas Liu in Netflix’s live-action adaptation. He has a burn scar on his left eye from trying to save a division of troops from being used as bait, causing his father, the Fire Lord and leader of the Fire Nation, to burn and banish him for the perceived slight. His pursuit of the Avatar is driven by his desire to restore his honor and to complete the terms of his banishment so he can return home.
Zuko is one of the original show’s most popular characters, placing 3rd in a popularity poll by IGN. His eventual turn to join Team Avatar is often cited as one of the most iconic redemption arcs in popular media.
Zuko from Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender
Chien described this journey to portray the young prince as an incredible and unforgettable one.
Chien is the son of Filipina singer and International Star Search champion Josephine “Banig” Roberto. His IMDB page shares that from a very young age, he “showed a natural passion for the performing arts,” landing him his first role in a short film titled Adam’s Song (2023) when he was just five years old.
After auditioning for Avatar: The Last Airbender, Chien underwent months of callbacks and anxious moments before receiving the news from his agent that he had been cast as a young Zuko, which he cited as one of the best days of his life.
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Chien appeared in the second episode of season 2 entitled “A Fight, Once Begun” during flashback scenes, including the scene showing young Zuko’s separation from his beloved mother, Ursa. This is one of Zuko’s most painful moments from his childhood, and Chien plays it perfectly.
Filipino viewers were quick to celebrate Chien’s appearance, praising his emotional performance and expressing pride over seeing another Filipino talent make an impact on the global stage.
Lo and Li from Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender
Chien’s casting also adds to the growing Filipino representation in the series, which already features acclaimed Filipina actress Dolly de Leon in the dual role of the Fire Nation advisers Lo and Li, and Ian Ousley as Sokka, who also has Filipino heritage through his mother.
As more people with Filipino descent rise to the global stage, we look forward to more projects showcasing just what we Filipinos can do.