Avatar: Seven Havens has only just begun streaming, but the animated series is already facing online complaints about its disabled and queer characters. Greg Baldwin, known for voicing Uncle Iroh, has responded by defending the franchise’s long-established approach to representation.
Seven Havens continues Avatar’s established tradition
The new series is set more than 200 years after The Legend of Korra. Its latest Avatar is Pavi, a young girl who has an amputation, while her friend Jae is in a relationship with his boyfriend, Datu.
Those elements fit comfortably within the wider Avatar universe. The franchise has previously featured disabled heroes such as the blind earthbender Toph, draws on Asian and Indigenous cultures rather than presenting a world of white characters, and made Korra—the protagonist of The Legend of Korra—a canonically bisexual character.
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Greg Baldwin answers the criticism
Baldwin voiced Iroh from 2007 to 2014, taking over the role after the death of original performer Mako. He entered the discussion after some commenters argued that Seven Havens should not include queer or disabled characters because it is intended for children.
Baldwin mocked that position, suggesting that being reminded of the existence of queer and disabled people must be “traumatic” for someone committed to an imagined version of the franchise. Topher Ngo, who voices Datu, thanked him for his support.
When another commenter used a homophobic slur while claiming that LGBTQ+ themes did not belong in children’s television, Baldwin answered with an image of Iroh raising a giant middle finger to the camera. He shared that response on October 12, 2026.
A changing voice cast
Iroh was most recently played by Artt Butler in the 2023 video game Avatar: Quest for Balance. In recent years, the franchise’s voice cast has been recast to better reflect its Asian inspirations.
Baldwin’s response adds a former cast member to the defence of Seven Havens while the series establishes its new characters. The early reaction to Jae and Datu’s relationship has generally been positive, with viewers responding warmly to the couple’s limited screen time so far.
Fans are nevertheless wary of what may come next. Earlier Avatar stories have often delivered painful turns, leaving some viewers concerned that a future plot twist could place Jae and Datu’s relationship in serious danger.
Where to watch Avatar: Seven Havens
Avatar: Seven Havens is streaming on Paramount+, with new groups of episodes scheduled to arrive each Friday throughout the rest of October.
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