Dallas Liu is having a moment. Honestly, it’s more than a moment. If you’ve been anywhere near Netflix lately, you’ve seen his face—specifically that iconic, brooding scar of Prince Zuko. He basically walked onto the set of Avatar: The Last Airbender and decided to carry the emotional weight of the entire Fire Nation on his shoulders.
But here’s the thing: most people think he just appeared out of thin air. They see the perfect firebending forms and the intense "honor" rants and assume he’s a newcomer. He’s not. Dallas has been grinding in the industry since he was literally seven years old. From niche martial arts flicks to prestige Hulu comedies, the list of Dallas Liu movies and shows is surprisingly deep, and it explains exactly why he was able to out-act almost everyone in a red suit.
The Martial Arts Prodigy Nobody Knew
Before he was a prince, he was a world-class martial artist. This isn't just "actor training" fluff. Dallas started Shotokan karate when he was five. By the time most kids were learning to tie their shoes, he was competing in the North American Sport Karate Association (NASKA) circuit.
His first big break came because of that athleticism. In 2009, he landed the role of young Jin Kazama in the live-action Tekken movie. He was seven. It’s a tiny role, sure, but if you go back and watch it, you can see the foundation. He wasn't just a "cute kid"; he had the discipline of a professional athlete.
Breaking Down the Early Credits
A lot of actors have "stunt" backgrounds, but Liu’s transition into actual acting was slow and deliberate. He did the usual rounds of guest spots that every young actor in LA does.
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- Mortal Kombat: Legacy (2013): He played young Bi-Han.
- Bones (2014): A one-off episode as a kid named Riley.
- Underdog Kids (2015): This was basically a martial arts version of The Bad News Bears. He played Young Jimmy. It’s cheesy, but it’s a cult favorite for martial arts nerds.
The PEN15 Era: Proving the Range
If you want to know why Dallas Liu is a great actor and not just a "martial arts guy," you have to watch PEN15. This show is painful to watch in the best way possible—it’s a visceral, cringey time capsule of middle school in the early 2000s.
Dallas played Shuji Ishii-Peters, the older brother of Maya (Maya Erskine). Shuji is arguably the most grounded character in a show that is frequently unhinged. He’s the "cool" older brother who smokes weed and acts like he doesn't care, but then he’ll have these incredibly tender, protective moments with his sister.
It was a masterclass in subtlety. While the leads were doing high-energy physical comedy, Dallas was playing it cool, using small facial shifts to show he actually gave a damn. It’s that same "guarded but vulnerable" energy that makes his Zuko so compelling.
That "Wait, Was That Him?" Moment in the MCU
Marvel fans usually have eagle eyes, but even some of them missed Dallas in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. He didn't have a huge role—he played Ruihua, Katy’s (Awkwafina) younger brother.
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It was a small part, mostly focused on the family dinner scene where he’s poking fun at Katy’s lack of a "real" career. It’s a thankless role in some ways, but it put him in the room with Destin Daniel Cretton and Simu Liu. It proved he could handle the scale of a massive blockbuster without looking like a deer in headlights. Plus, he got to represent his Chinese-Indonesian heritage on a global stage, which he’s spoken about being incredibly proud of.
The Zuko Factor: How He Saved the Remake
Let’s be real: the Netflix Avatar: The Last Airbender adaptation had a lot of skeptics. The 2010 movie (which we don’t talk about) left a bad taste in everyone’s mouth. People were protective of Zuko. He’s arguably the best-written character in animation history.
Dallas didn't just play Zuko; he inhabited him.
The biggest difference in his performance is the physicality. In the animated series, Zuko is a "try-hard." He’s not a natural prodigy like Azula; he’s someone who had to work ten times harder just to be competent. Because of his karate background, Dallas was able to perform his own stunts and firebending forms with a level of precision that felt real. When he moves, it’s sharp, angry, and desperate.
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Why Fans Are Raving
- The Voice: He didn't try to impersonate Dante Basco (the original voice actor), but he captured the same raspy, teenage angst.
- The Chemistry with Iroh: His scenes with Paul Sun-Hyung Lee are the emotional heart of the show. You can see the internal struggle between his need for his father’s love and his genuine affection for his uncle.
- The Meme Factor: "HE RAN!" became an instant TikTok sound. Dallas has a comedic timing that most "serious" actors lack.
What’s Next for Dallas Liu?
As we head into 2026, the momentum isn't slowing down. Netflix has already greenlit Seasons 2 and 3 of Avatar, which means we’re going to see Dallas tackle the "Blue Spirit" arc and eventually the legendary redemption of the Fire Prince.
He’s also branching out into voice acting. He recently joined the cast of the English dub for Sakamoto Days, playing Shin Asakura. If you know the manga, you know Shin is a telepathic hitman—another role that requires a mix of high-octane action and dry humor. It’s perfect casting.
Dallas Liu: Movies and Shows To Watch Right Now
If you’re a new fan, don't just stop at Avatar. Here is the "Dallas Liu Starter Pack" if you want to see how he grew into the actor he is today:
- For the Action: Watch his fight scenes in Avatar: The Last Airbender (Season 1). Look for the Agni Kai in the finale—the footwork is insane.
- For the Laughs: Binge PEN15. Even if you aren't an Asian-American kid from the 2000s, the sibling dynamics are universal.
- For the History: Find his episode of The Who Was? Show where he plays Bruce Lee. It’s silly, but it shows his respect for the legends that came before him.
- For the Family Vibes: Re-watch The Slumber Party on Disney+. It’s a lighthearted romp, but it shows he can lead a "teen" movie just as well as an epic fantasy.
Dallas Liu isn't a fluke. He’s a veteran who happened to find the perfect role at the perfect time. Whether he’s hunting the Avatar or just being a dorky brother on Hulu, he brings a level of authenticity that’s hard to find in Hollywood. Keep an eye on his 2026 projects—he's just getting started.
If you're looking to dive deeper into his filmography, start with PEN15 to see his range beyond the scars and fire. It’ll make you appreciate his performance as Zuko even more.