Thalia Tran Talks Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2, Mai’s Journey & Team Azula

Thalia Tran joined Elias on Pop Culture Unplugged to discuss her role as Mai in Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2. With the new season bringing Mai, Ty Lee, and Azula deeper into the story, Tran opened up about stepping into the Avatar universe, the fan response, Team Azula’s bond, stunt training, and what fans can expect from Mai’s journey.

Joining The Avatar Universe

For Tran, being part of Avatar: The Last Airbender still feels surreal. She grew up with the franchise, so stepping into this world as Mai has been a full-circle moment.

“I get to be a part of that universe and I get to play this really amazing character. It really is like a childhood dream come true.”

Tran said the fan response has been incredibly rewarding, especially when people recognize her and talk about the show. She also noted how meaningful it is to know that her name will now always be connected to the Avatar universe.

Mai’s Season 2 Journey

Season 2 is a major turning point for Mai. Alongside Azula and Ty Lee, this is her first real experience outside the Fire Nation. Tran explained that Mai has grown up with a specific worldview, but once she steps into the larger world, that perspective begins to be challenged.

“This is our first hands-on experience with the real world outside of the Fire Nation.”

Tran said the mission to track down the Avatar carries a heavy emotional weight. While Mai is trained and prepared as a fighter, actually facing the pressure of that mission forces her to process the reality of what she is doing.

Playing Mai’s Quiet Emotions

Mai is known for her deadpan personality, but Tran wanted to make sure there was always something happening beneath the surface. She described Mai’s stoicism as a kind of emotional armor.

“It really is like a defense mechanism.”

Tran said she focused on staying grounded in each scene and allowing herself to react internally before adding Mai’s calm, guarded exterior on top of it.

Watch The Full Interview

Team Azula Takes The Spotlight

Fans can expect to see much more of Mai, Ty Lee, and Azula together in Season 2. Tran teased strong fight scenes, meaningful character moments, and even new material that was not in the original animated series.

“When we fight together, it means something.”

Tran also spoke warmly about her real-life bond with her co-stars, saying that working with Lizzy Yu and Momona Tamada made the Team Azula dynamic feel natural on set.

Stunts, Training, And Mai’s Weapons

Tran came into the series with a background in kung fu, but before Season 2 she added combat sports and Muay Thai boxing to her training. She said that type of discipline helped her better understand Mai’s mindset as a precise and focused fighter.

The weapons were also a major part of bringing Mai to life. Tran said the team went through multiple versions of Mai’s daggers to make sure they felt practical, personal, and true to the character.

“It felt like Mai getting her own knives. It was me getting my own knives.”

A Favorite Moment From Season 2

While Tran kept the details spoiler-free, she teased a special moment at the end of Episode 1 that became one of her favorite filming memories. She said it felt like a powerful way to bring the characters back together and begin the new season.

“We’re back, guys. We are back.”

What’s Next For Thalia Tran?

Tran said she would love to continue playing strong characters, especially roles that involve action, fantasy, and physical storytelling. After her experience on Avatar: The Last Airbender, she is excited for more opportunities to explore similar worlds and characters.