'The Legend of Korra': Meet Janet Varney, JK Simmons and rest of the series' outstanding voice cast
'The Legend of Korra' is about to make its Netflix release, reintroducing the classic series to a whole new era of fans seeking something to spend their lockdown consuming. The 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' release has been wildly popular already, and fans both new and old are sure to enjoy binging the series as soon as it's available on Netflix. Meanwhile, we take a look at the cast that lent their voices to this series, bringing the show's characters to life.
Janet Varney
Janet Varney voices the titular Korra. After the death of Aang, a new Avatar is chosen, and manifests as a headstrong young woman from the Water Tribe. After a lifetime of training, she makes her way to Republic City to take on her role as the Avatar, a symbol of peace for the world. Korra is the role that Janey Varney is most widely known for, though she's made several other appearances in film and television as well. She currently stars as Becca on FX's 'You're the Worst'. She's also appeared on 'Stan Against Evil', 'Fortune Rookie' and 'Take My Wife'.
David Faustino
David Faustino voices Mako, a firebending worker in Republic City's factories, as well as a member of the illustrious pro-bending Fire Ferrets team with his brother, Bolin (PJ Byrne). He briefly has a romantic interest for Korra, but they spend most of the series as friends. David Faustino is best known for his roles on 'Married With Children' and 'The Young and the Restless'. He has also done voice work for 'Dragons: Race to the Edge' and 'DreamWorks Dragons.'
PJ Byrne
PJ Byrne voices Bolin, Mako's more lightheared, earthbending brother. Mako is the comic relief of the new Team Avatar, with a heart of gold and the strength to back his friends up no matter what. PJ Byrne is known for his roles in 'The Wolf of Wall Street', 'Rampage' and 'Big Little Lies'.
Seychelle Gabriel
Seychelle Gabriel plays Asami Sato, the daughter of a wealthy industrialist. Asami makes up for her lack of bending ability with her inventiveness and a handy array of gadgets funded by her father's company. Though she also was a romantic interest for Mako, she most famously entered into a relationship with Korra herself by the series' end. Seychelle Gabriel has actually appeared in the Avatar franchise before — she played Princess Yue in the live-action adaptation of 'Avatar: The Last Airbender'. She is also known for her roles in 'Falling Skies', 'Revenge' and 'The Spirit'.
JK Simmons
JK Simmons plays Tenzin, one of Aang's children, and one of the only masters in the world who can train Korra in the art of airbending. He acts as a mentor to Korra, whose headstrong personality makes life very difficult for the formal, by-the-book airbending master. Simmons is a major Hollywood star, known for his roles on 'Spider-Man', 'Whiplash', 'La La Land' and 'BoJack Horseman'.
The series also stars Mindy Sterling as Lin Beifong, Kiernan Shipka as Jinora, Dee Bradley Baker as pets Naga, Pabu, Oogi, and Maria Bamford as Pema, amongst others. All episodes of 'The Legend of Korra' release on Netflix on August 14, 2020.
