When Netflix announced its live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender, fans were very skeptical. The original animated series was beloved for its deep characters, rich world-building, and its deft handling of mature themes through a kid-friendly lens. As more details about the new adaptation emerged, changes to character backstories and personalities have sparked controversy, especially when these changes undercut core elements of the original. A recent announcement about the reimagining of Toph Beifong, one of the show’s most iconic characters, has ignited a fresh wave of concern.