ZUKO'S ZEAL: DALLAS LIU DELVES INTO THE FIRE NATION'S FLAME

BY IRVIN RIVERA

PHOTOGRAPHER: IRVIN RIVERA, FASHION DIRECTOR: ANDREW PHILIP NGUYEN, GROOMING: TAMMY YI @ EXCLUSIVE ARTISTS USING UNITE HAIR CARE, DIGITAL TECH: PHIL LIMPRASERTWONG

Amidst the fiery, ever-evolving world of entertainment, it's not just the bright lights and red carpets that define a star; it's the passion, the perseverance, and the unique journeys that captivate us. Dallas Liu, with his deep roots in martial arts and a childhood immersed in the realms of action and anime, is a testament to this very ethos. From his early days executing precise martial arts moves to embodying the complex character of Prince Zuko in Netflix's much-anticipated "Avatar:The Last Airbender," Dallas's journey is a compelling narrative of dreams turned reality. His candid reflection on the role martial arts and his supportive family played in shaping his career path offers a rare glimpse into the making of a versatile actor, one who brings a disciplined focus to the craft inherited from his days on the mat.

As Dallas steps into the shoes of Zuko, he not only takes on the mantle of a beloved character but also fulfills a personal dream, marking a full-circle moment in his career. His thoughtful approach to preparation, from studying Zuko's nuances to seeking guidance from original voice actor Dante Basco, underscores a deep respect for the source material and the fanbase. Beyond the fiery intensity of his on-screen avatar, Dallas's reflections reveal a multi-dimensional artist eager to explore varied genres, from the adrenaline of action-packed sequences to the nuanced rhythms of drama and comedy. His anticipation for future projects, coupled with a heartfelt desire to contribute to the evolving narrative of Asian representation in Hollywood, positions him as a luminary in an industry on the cusp of change. Join us as we delve into the world of Dallas Liu, where martial arts discipline meets the boundless imagination of a fan turned hero, crafting a narrative that promises to inspire the next generation of dreamers and doers.

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Hi Dallas! How are you doing? What are you looking forward to and excited for this year? Growing up in Los Angeles, you started martial arts at a young age, even playing young Jin Kazama in the "Tekken" film franchise at seven. How did that early experience in martial arts influence your decision to pursue acting, and do you think it gives you a unique perspective in the industry? 

I am feeling quite relaxed and excited at the same time right now. Because the show is now out and we have gotten a season 2 and 3 renewal, I can now breathe. And because of the renewal, I am more than excited to go and shoot our new material! There is a lot to look forward to regarding the show, but I’m just grateful that I get to come back and work on the project. I would have to say that my early experience in martial arts influenced me to pursue acting through the support of my parents. I trusted them and knew that if I had decided that acting was something I want to pursue, they would be in full support of it. My parents put everything they had into me finding some sort of success and battled for me every single day. I was only able to do it because of them. I’m not sure that it has given a unique perspective, but I do think that I carried over a lot of the same discipline and focus that I had in martial arts over to the industry.

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Your role as Prince Zuko in Netflix's "Avatar: The Last Airbender" has generated a lot of excitement. What was your initial reaction when you found out you would be playing such an iconic character, and how did you prepare for the challenges that come with bringing Zuko to life in a live-action adaptation?

I was overwhelmed with so many different emotions. Excitement and stress were definitely the two that I felt the strongest. Not only was I given the opportunity to play such an iconic character, but I was given the opportunity to play my favorite animated character of all time. There was pressure that I felt as a fan myself to bring this character to life. I did everything in my power to research as much as I could about Zuko. I studied his life, the small details other fans may have noticed about him in the series, and even his mannerisms. But one of the first things that I did was reach out to Dante Basco. I think receiving a stamp of approval from him gave me a level of confidence that I wouldn’t have been able to find alone by myself.

With the release of "Avatar: The Last Airbender,” what do you hope audiences will take away from the live-action adaptation, especially considering the beloved nature of the original animated series?

I hope that they’ve been able to appreciate it for what it is. There are obviously a few changes here and there, but I think if you’re truly a fan of Avatar, it will bring back some nice memories from your youth. 

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In preparing for physically demanding roles like those in "Shang-Chi" and "Avatar," what aspects of your training do you find most challenging, and how do you maintain mental and physical well-being during intense filming schedules? 

In “Avatar” the training was just pure fun for me. I had spent so much time in my youth training so hard everyday at it that it feels second nature to me. If anything the stunts and the fight scenes are the easiest part of my day as long I am maintaining the strength of my body and taking care of it.

You've worked with accomplished actors such as Daniel Dae Kim, Paul Sun-Hyung, Ken Leung, and Elizabeth Yu in "Avatar: The Last Airbender." How has the collaborative process been with such a talented cast, and are there any memorable moments from the set you can share?

The collaborative process with everyone has been a core memory for me. Working with such experienced actors, breaking down scenes, and then getting to do them in front of a camera alongside those guys has given me more than I could have imagined. I learned how to navigate myself as an actor on set. I would say a memorable moment for me was working with Ken for the first time. His work as “Zhao” was unlike anything that I had ever seen before with my own eyes. He fully transformed himself into his character. I was in complete awe and shock. I hadn’t expected it at all and it showed me a completely different level of acting. It was something that I knew I wanted to emulate.

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Having appeared in both Disney/Marvel's "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" and now "Avatar: The Last Airbender," you're deeply immersed in the world of superheroes and fantasy. Were you a fan of these genres growing up, and how do you approach the responsibility of portraying characters with such passionate fan bases?

I was a major fan of the genre growing up. I feel that I am truly getting to live my childhood dreams. I think that the responsibility of portraying characters with such passionate fan bases comes from within your heart. If you truly care, and you truly want to do a good job, then you will automatically by all means do whatever it takes to get it right. 

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You mentioned being a fan of anime, specifically citing "My Hero Academia." If given the chance, would you be interested in participating in a live-action adaptation of the series, and if so, which character would you find most intriguing to portray?

I don’t know anything about the live-action or when they shoot, but for me it would most definitely have to be the villain Stain. If you know the series, you know that he is arguably one of the best characters in the series. 

Your background in martial arts is evident in your competition videos. Do you ever miss the competitive aspect of martial arts, and how do you feel your martial arts training contributes to your approach to action sequences in film and television?

Sometimes I do, other times I don’t. I think in every job that you take on there is some sort of competitive nature to them. My martial arts training certainly contributes to my approach in action sequences. It simply involves constant repetition and getting it perfect every single time that you practice it. This was something that had been ingrained into me by my mother.

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You mentioned watching Power Rangers as a kid, which inspired your interest in martial arts. Are there specific elements from your childhood influences that you find still resonate in the roles you take on today?

“Avatar: The Last Airbender” is definitely up there for me. As well as Naruto. They all sort of shaped my childhood. I loved action as a kid.

You've successfully navigated between drama and comedy, with standout performances in "PEN15" and other projects. How do you approach the different genres, and do you have a preference for one over the other?

I think I approach them both just the same, which is just to do a good job and study up on them lol. However, I think I might be able to really separate the two approaches if I ever have to work on both at the same time. I love love love both comedy and drama because they are so different. 

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Your career has taken you from Macy's commercials to major film and television projects. Looking back, what has been the most surprising or unexpected aspect of your journey in the entertainment industry?

Working on “Avatar: The Last Airbender” for sure. I never thought I’d make it here today. When I was getting really close to booking the role I would break down on those nights because I knew that I was going to take a break from acting if I didn’t book it. I wanted this role desperately. After having gotten so close to booking different roles on multiple occasions, my heart was tired. I needed some time away from it. But now the show is out. Now people get to watch my work as Zuko on Netflix. It all still feels unreal sometimes. 

As someone who started their professional career at a young age, what advice do you have for aspiring actors, especially those who may be balancing education with their passion for the arts?

Keep going! Keep pushing! 

The representation of Asian characters and actors in the entertainment industry has been evolving. How do you perceive the progress being made, and do you feel a sense of responsibility as a trailblazer in the industry?

I see the progress being made to be great. I’m glad that Asian representation in the entertainment industry is something that is constantly being fought for. I think with every Asian in the industry there is a sense of responsibility. I am hoping to get more experience though so that I am properly able to help in the best way possible in the future.

Your journey includes a variety of roles in film, television, and commercials. Is there a specific type of project or character you haven't tackled yet that you would love to explore in the future?

I want to try everything at least once! I would love to explore and challenge myself in whatever might be out there. 

With the increasing popularity of streaming services, audiences have more access to diverse content. How do you think this shift has impacted the entertainment industry, and do you see it influencing the types of projects you choose to be a part of?

I have always watched international entertainment growing up, so for me, I’m glad that the rest of the world gets to tune in a lot of the things I got to experience as a kid. I think the added content has only done more for the industry. It certainly has me wanting to do more projects if I am capable!

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Looking ahead, what are your personal and professional goals for the next few years, and are there specific genres, directors, or actors you aspire to work with in the future?

I love films. So hopefully I can get more in touch with that side of the industry. I have a huge desire to write and direct my projects as well! I think I would like to work with Steven Yeun and William Dafoe in the near future if possible. To put it simply, I’m just happy to be here. I would just like to continue working.

What’s a valuable lesson that you’ve learned that you always carry with you?

Keep your head up. 

If you were a book, what book would you be and why? 

I would be Chainsaw Man by Tatsuki Fujimoto. It’s an amazing manga series that I love. But no real reason, I just like the art style and story.