Oh, The Last Airbender, you stupid movie.  You are the first thing most people think of when they hear "The Last Airbender," and I hate you for that.  There's such a fantastic mythology at the heart of the Nickelodeon cartoon Avatar: The Last Airbender, all of which was referenced but never explored in the lifeless film adaptation.

Avatar creators Michael DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko are on a mission to reclaim the phrase "The Last Airbender" with The Legend of Korra, a new series set 70 years later when rebellious teenage girl Korra becomes the new avatar.  The voice cast has been announced: Janet Varney will play Kara -- Kiernan Shipka, Daniel Dae Kim, David Faustino, Seychelle Gabriel , Lance Henriksen, P.J. Byrne, and JK Simmons will supply additional voices.

The Legend of Korra is scheduled to premiere sometime in 2012.  Check out two new images after the break.

Images courtesy of Speakeasy [via /Film]

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Click for high resolution

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Interesting that Nickelodeon targeted notable live-actioners.  Shikpa of Mad Men.  Kim of Lost/Hawaii Five-0.  JK Simmons!  I have a pre-emptive vow in place to watch any series that features Simmons voice or likeness every week.  (Gabriel played Princess Yue in The Last Airbender, but we won't hold that against her.)

Here's a look at the character each actor will voice:

  • Janet Varney as Korra
  • Kiernan Shipka as Jinora
  • Daniel Dae Kim as Hiroshi Sato
  • David Faustino as Mako
  • Seychelle Gabriel as Asami
  • Lance Henriksen as Lieutenant
  • P.J. Byrne as Bolin
  • JK Simmons as Tenzin