Netflix’s Avatar live action has been out for more than a week and continues to receive praise from long-time fans of the beloved animated series.
Among the stars that have been part of its wonderful cast, the inclusion of the live action Mechanist is one of the reasons that got the fans excited.
Live action Mechanist: One of the greatest minds of the Earth Kingdom
The actor who brought the Mechanist to life is none other than Danny Pudi, a 44-year-old American actor born in Chicago.
Pudi’s journey into the entertainment industry began with a background in dance in Chicago. He further honed his skills at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, graduating with a degree in communication and theatre in 2001.
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Before his role as the live action Mechanist, Pudi made a mark in the television industry, starring in the critically acclaimed series Community for six seasons from 2009 to 2015.
His versatility as an actor was showcased in various television pilots, and he also became a familiar face in television advertisements for products such as Snickers, Verizon, McDonald’s, T-Mobile, and even the videogame Far Cry 4.
Adding to his diverse portfolio, Pudi took on the role of Brad Bakshi in the TV series Mythic Quest: Raven’s Banquet, which premiered in February 2020.
Nonetheless, it was in 2022 that he secured the coveted role of the live action Mechanist in Netflix’s Avatar adaptation.
Warning: Major spoilers if you haven’t watched Avatar live action series.
Portrayal of live action the Mechanist
In the original animated series, the Mechanist is a brilliant inventor and engineer from the Earth Kingdom who found himself displaced by a flood and became a refugee.
Alongside his son, Teo, they resettled at the deserted Northern Air Temple during the Hundred Year War. However, in the live action adaptation, their new home is in Omashu.
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The live action Mechanist, portrayed by Pudi, adds depth to the character by living in poverty as a widower tasked with caring for his son.
Much like in the animated series, he is coerced into building ingenious weapons for the Fire Nation. Though, in this rendition, he takes on an additional layer as a double agent serving Bumi, working to uncover a network of spies throughout Omashu.
It was also mentioned that the live action Mechanist is the one responsible for the Omashu delivery system, which is different from its animated counterpart since Aang used to ride it with a younger Bumi before the war.
Instead of having a separate episode dedicated to the Mechanist, his story is intricately woven into the Omashu episode, intertwining with the narratives of Jet and Bumi.
Pudi’s portrayal of the live action Mechanist brings a fresh perspective to the character, showcasing his ability to navigate complex roles with authenticity and finesse.
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