Why Eric Nam’s “Avatar: The Last Airbender” Casting Has Been Met With Massive Backlash

On April 11, it was announced that singer Eric Nam was cast in the upcoming new Avatar: The Last Airbender film. The star was reported to be playing a lead role as the adult version of the titular character, Aang.

Eric Nam | Vogue Philippines | Nick

Eric Nam has made a name for himself in the K-Music industry and abroad, and he has interviewed some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, so this role seems like the next logical step in his career. However, instead of being met with anticipation, Eric Nam’s participation in the film has resulted in massive backlash and announced boycotts.

This reaction stems from Eric Nam’s initial weighing in on the humanitarian crisis in Palestine and the following response from him and his team.

In October 2023, Eric liked a post about the ongoing conflict with a more neutral stance, leaving many of his fans feeling discontent. The post read “…It is absolutely reasonable and logical to be opposed to the Israeli government’s treatment of Palestinians WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY calling for the protection of Jews in Israel and around the world…”

didn’t expect it from eric nam but imagine if idols were allowed to express their political views, i’d probably be stanning 4 people in the industry imo pic.twitter.com/VuyJcVqtRB

— ℰlena ⟡ | 樂-✩ semi ia (@SSICK3RACHA) October 16, 2023

Many felt the post’s limited view did not shed light on the thousands of innocent Palestinians who have been killed in the conflict. This led many fans to protest against the idol, with Malaysian fans, in particular, going so far as suggesting a boycott of the artist’s then-recently announced concert in the country.

However, not long after, the Kuala Lumpur date was quietly removed from the star’s website without notice, solidifying his thoughts on Palestine for many.

Eric Nam’s original tweet listing the Asia tour dates. | @ericnamofficial/X Eric Nam’s Asia tour dates following backlash. | ericnam.com

eric nam removed malaysia from his tour list without saying anything bc a lot of people from there told him not to come bc they don't want anyone who is supporting israel in their country- no joke he showed that he doesn't gives a fck about palestine… another genocide supporter

— Gül (@somebodyspotato) October 27, 2023

The situation only worsened when Eddie Nam, Eric’s brother and manager, shared a message in a private Discord server about the situation, implying that no response would be given. This message only led to more criticism as netizens reacted to the non-addressing of the situation.

| Discord

On October 29, Eric Nam addressed the backlash in a statement on his X account, where he stated that he was “pro-human” and claimed the cancelation of the Malaysian concert was due to death threats.

Hi everyone – following the horrific events of October 7th, I liked a post that I believed expressed a position of anti-violence, anti-hate and was against intolerance.
‌
My liking of that post was a reaction to waking up to devastating news, as someone who has always been… pic.twitter.com/GyMx4Fuii0

— Eric Nam (에릭남) (@ericnamofficial) October 30, 2023

“Hi everyone – following the horrific events of October 7th, I liked a post that I believed expressed a position of anti-violence, anti-hate and was against intolerance. ‌

My liking of that post was a reaction to waking up to devastating news, as someone who has always been pro-human, pro-peace, and for love and equality for all.

‌ After that, I received threats related to my scheduled show in Kuala Lumpur. Out of an abundance of caution for my team and my fans, I made the difficult decision to cancel the show. ‌

My heart is broken for the Palestinian and Israeli families that have been ripped apart by violence and are facing unimaginable loss. Nothing I say can be enough when there is so much pain and suffering, but I am praying every day that there is peace and safety for everyone soon.”

— Eric Nam’s statement

His continued neutrality did not sit well with many, who accused the star of simply doing “damage control.”

In light of his casting as adult Aang in the new Avatar movie, these instances have resurfaced, leading to backlash. Many feel that Eric’s casting as Aang, an Airbender who was one of the only left following a genocide, was made in poor taste due to his neutral stance on the genocide taking place against the Palestinians.

Since Eric Nam (@ericnamofficial), a zionist, will be playing Aang in the ATLA movie, we have decided to refrain from sharing any posts on the movie mentioning the actor until @ParamountPics recasts the character. We hope you will join us in demanding a recast. #BoycottATLAMovie pic.twitter.com/5xJTND8dpE

— daily kataang | READ PINNED (@dailykataang) April 11, 2024

The same Eric Nam who works with Israeli companies and, when called out, cowardly threw his brother under the bus to give a half-assed response to fans?

That Eric is who they cast to play Ang, the last person left from the genocide of his people? Hollywood is an unserious place? https://t.co/80v9Dm4O1N

— Carolyn Hinds #FreePalestine #CongoInCrisis (@CarrieCnh12) April 11, 2024

i really hope that the fandom continues talking abt eric nam and his zionism to the point that they give up on him and remove him from the cast. this was the worst and most disrespectful choice possible for aang. don’t stop talking abt this man

— bianco (@docehalle) April 11, 2024