Shirt Figi Studios, Pants Helmut Lang, Shoes Christian Louboutin
Dallas Liu has always understood movement. Long before stepping into the Avatar universe as Prince Zuko, the actor spent his childhood training in martial arts, building the discipline, precision, and physical instinct that now shape his work on screen. In season two of Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender, Liu brings even more fire to Zuko, blending emotional intensity with fight choreography that feels deeply personal. From firebending to dual swords, family loyalty, and the advice that keeps him grounded, Liu opens up about the power behind the prince.
Editor-in-Chief Kelly Mi Li @kellymili
Photography Steve Limones @stevelimonesphotography
Fashion Director Benjamin Holtrop @benjaminholtrop
Creative Direction Aleksandar Tomovic @alekandsteph
Movement Director James Burke @jameslukeburke
Video Alberto Gonzales @alberto_filmdirector
Photography Assistant Nick Ahmet @nick_amet
Fashion Styling Assistants Emily K.E. Johnson @emilykejohnson & Welsh @awelch.ingram
Social Media Tesia Kuh @thefirstthree.co
Production Assistants Lizzie Mansour & Aisha Dandia
Location The London Hotel West Hollywood @thelondonweho
Special Thanks to Mei Coble & Netflix
You’ve been doing martial arts since you were five. Was it something you loved, or something you felt you had to do?
No, I absolutely loved martial arts growing up. I started because my best friend in preschool, his dad was “Sugar” Shane Mosley, who is a famous boxer, and we took karate classes together. I kept up with it until I was about 13 or 14, and then that is when I made the transition into acting.
A lot of martial artists will approach the stunt side of the industry, but there are also martial artists who become actors. One example would be Taylor Lautner. We used to share the same martial arts community, which is really cool.
You played Rui Hua in the MCU, and now you play Prince Zuko in the Avatar universe. Who would win in a fight, someone from the Ten Rings world or a Fire Nation prince?
Prince Zuko, are you joking? Rui Hua does not even have any powers. He is just Katy’s younger brother.
Maybe I would give it to Shang-Chi, but he is the only one. I have firebending powers, and in the cartoon, when the comet comes down, those powers are boosted. There is lightning bending too, so yes, firebending.
What do you admire about Prince Zuko that you think people do not talk about enough?
I would say his love for his family members. I say this a lot, but I think you can only hate someone as much as you love them. In season two, with the relationships you see between Uncle Iroh and Azula, they are both family, and especially in the Fire Nation royal family, those ties are extremely deep.
No matter how much time you spend apart, or the wrongdoings that have happened between you, at the end of the day, family brings everyone back together.
In the show, you firebend and also fight with dual Tao swords. Which fighting style did you prefer?
That is tough. I really like the swords because I got to do a lot more with them this time around for the second season. But I love firebending because it makes me feel like I did when I was a little kid watching Zuko in the cartoon. I would always imagine play fighting with my brother, bending different elements and things like that.
I think I am going to have to stick with firebending, but as a kid, I always enjoyed stick fighting or pretend fighting in general. So both of those are my bread and butter when it comes to shooting the show.
Did your martial arts background help with the firebending, even though it is such a fantasy element?
I would say it was probably some of the most relaxing fun I got to have on the show. Because of the martial arts experience I had growing up, I got to collaborate on a lot of the Zuko fight scenes with the stunt team.
They are extremely talented, and there were certain stunts that, because of my martial arts background, sometimes only I would be able to do. Every setup, no wires, no safety pads, I would just do it because it was what I wanted for the character. The stunt team was like, “Let’s do this for Zuko.” He deserves this cool, breakdancing flair style that is very personal to my experience in martial arts.
Do you have a favorite fight scene from the season?
It has got to be that finale. Absolutely.
Was there a piece of advice from a family member or mentor that has stayed with you throughout your journey?
There are so many, but I will go with the most simple one from my mom and dad: stay humble.
What superpower from the show would be the most useful in real life?
The practicality of firebending. You can make a campfire, keep yourself warm when it is cold, cook food, and boil water.
Which castmate is most likely to prank someone?
Ian.
Who is most like their character in real life?
Gordon.
Who is the most gullible?
Gordon.
Who is the most competitive?
Gordon. No offense, I love you, but these are all very fitting in our group. Actually, maybe most competitive is Kiawentiio. Maybe a little bit Kiawentiio.
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