Avatar: The Last Airbender official trailer
In 2005, Jennie Kwan and James Sie headed to what they believed would be just another voice acting job for an animated Nickelodeon show with both of them only expecting to be in a single episode.
Nearly 20 years later the actors are still beloved by fans across the globe as Kyoshi warrior Suki and the Cabbage Merchant, pivotal parts of the original Avatar: The Last Airbender universe.
With season 2 of the Netflix’s live action adaptation is believed to be underway, and season 3 confirmed as well, Express caught up with the stars at MCM Comic Con to hear where their ATLA journeys would be going next.
James, who revived his role in the live-action, admitted his hopes for season 2: “I would like to see more cabbages.”
Unfortunately, fans might not be hearing his iconic line again. The actor confessed: “I don’t know if I’ll be coming back.”
While teenage Suki was recast, with Maria Zhang taking the reigns, Jennie teased: “You never know about cameo…”
The 51-year-old also gave Maria her ultimate seal of approval: “Maria is gorgeous. She’s, I think, one of the most delicious things about the show.”
Reflecting on the iconic animation that celebrates its 20th year in the coming months, Jennie revealed: “I was only supposed to be there for one episode but thanks to the creators and the fans I kept coming back. I feel really lucky to be part of the show. People ask me all the time; ‘Do you think you’re similar to Suki?’ I hope so, she’s a very upstanding character. I hope I can be somewhat similar.”
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Originally, the role of the cabbage merchant was a one-off background character that James voiced alongside two others in the same episode.
No one expected just how deeply fans would cling to this now iconic, but still nameless, character.
James reflected on that shocking callback: “When I heard Nickelodeon wanted me back for Avatar I said; ‘Oh my god do I get to be a bender this time? Do I get to be royalty?’ No, no, remember that cabbage guy... It’s so unexpected. It’s a character that somehow strikes everyone’s fancy and you can’t really plan for that.”
The Cabbage Merchant has since had honorary roles in The Legend of Korra, ATLA comics and even has his own extensive range of merchandise.
It should be no surprise that James has been asked by fans to sign actual produce and the actor has unintentionally taken method acting to a whole new level as he sells his own cabbages now too.
