Filipino-Taiwanese Jordan Roberto Chien makes a splash as Young Zuko in ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’

Jordan Roberto Chien is a revelation in his portrayal of Young Zuko in Netflix's “Avatar: The Last Airbender” Season 2. 

The Filipino-Taiwanese child actor appears in the second episode as the younger version of the skilled firebender and exiled Crown Prince of the Fire Nation. His role gives viewers a deeper look into Zuko's early years, including his complicated family dynamics and the sibling rivalry between Young Zuko and Young Azula, portrayed by Cordelia "Coco" Chao.

Following the release of the new season, Jordan posted a lengthy message on Instagram, expressing his gratitude for being part of one of Netflix's biggest fantasy action-adventure series.

"I can't even begin to tell you how incredible this journey was for me to be able to play Young Zuko. From the very first audition, to the callbacks, to the director's session and the nerve-racking anticipation... but to finally receive the news that afternoon from my agent, it was hands-down one of the best days of my life," Jordan said.

Jordan also thanked his talent agency and its Director of Youth Talent Jeremy Apody for believing in him and helping him find roles that best suited him.

Jordan's performance also earned praise from his on-screen counterparts, Dallas Liu and Elizabeth Yu, who portray the older Prince Zuko and Princess Azula. When asked if they had met the actors who played their younger selves in the flashback scenes, both shared their admiration for Jordan and Coco.

Dallas said, "Yes! Oh my gosh, I've been waiting to talk to them! They're so freaking adorable. " Elizabeth agreed, saying, "They are so cute, it's insane." 

Dallas also praised Jordan's understanding of the character, saying, "I think Jordan definitely understood the assignment with Zuko, because he was just like that in real life. He was such a kind kid. My favorite line read of his was, he's laying in bed and Ursa's comforting him, and he's like, 'I guess.' And that's something that me and Elizabeth will still say to this day."

Elizabeth added, "We quote to this day that line read is fierce."

Jordan's mother, Filipino “International Star Search” champion Josephine "Banig" Roberto, also expressed how proud she was of her son for becoming part of the "Avatar: The Last Airbender" franchise. 

The former singer-actress from the Philippines described the experience as something their family would cherish forever, saying they never imagined Jordan would one day be in one of the world's biggest fantasy franchises.

Also representing Filipino talent in the live-action "Avatar" franchise are Dolly de Leon, who portrays Fire Nation twins Lo and Li in Season 2, and Jon Briones, who will be joining Season 3 as Piandao, the legendary swordsman.

Jordan began his acting journey at the age of five, following in the footsteps of his mother. Before taking on the role of Young Zuko, he had already appeared in several TV series and continues to build an impressive résumé as a rising young actor.