Netflix's Live-Action Avatar Introduces Toph Beifong: Casting, Preparation, and Blind Representation

Netflix released a behind-the-scenes featurette showcasing Miyako Cech (credited as Miya) as Toph Beifong, who is voiced by Michaela Jill Murphy, the blind earth-bending teacher who instructs Aang in Season 2 of the live-action adaptation of *Avatar: The Last Airbender*.

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Co-showrunner Jabbar Raisani described the casting as “extensive,” noting that the team reviewed more than 6,000 submissions before conducting chemistry reads with Cech. The selection emphasized her ability to convey Toph’s connection to the earth and her physicality.

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Blindness consultant Joe Strechay was hired to advise on Toph’s sensory perception. He helped design a method for the actress to locate objects without sight, likening it to “a no-look pass” in basketball. Cech wore contact lenses that fully blocked her vision and gave her eyes the stylized look from the animated series. The goal, according to Strechay, was to allow blind or low-vision children to see themselves reflected in the character. Miyako also calls Aang “Twinkletoes” and “Bald Wonder,” reflecting Toph’s limited perception of his aerial movements.

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• Miyako Cech (Miya) – Actress portraying Toph and voiced by Michaela Jill Murphy; said portraying a fully blind character was one of her biggest insecurities.

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• Jabbar Raisani – Co-showrunner overseeing casting.

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• Christine Boylan – Co-showrunner who praised Cech’s embodiment of the earth-connected character.

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• Ryan Halprin – Executive producer who highlighted Cech’s discipline and commitment.

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• Gordon Cormier – Actor playing Aang; compared Toph to a “really mean, older sister” and noted her “younger and way stronger” demeanor.

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• Joe Strechay – Blindness consultant guiding movement and sensory portrayal.

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The production team emphasized that the casting process prioritized authenticity and chemistry, with Raisani noting the breadth of the talent pool. Boylan affirmed that Cech “embodied” Toph’s grounded nature, while Halprin commended her disciplined approach to the physically demanding role. Strechay reiterated the series’ intent to provide representation for blind audiences, stating that the portrayal was designed to be both realistic and inspirational.

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• “Miya got it, Miya embodied it, she was connected to the ground, to the earth,” — Christine Boylan, Co-showrunner

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• “It was amazing to watch Mia approached that role with such discipline and commitment,” — Ryan Halprin, Executive Producer

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• “When Toph is bending, it’s evident that she doesn’t have to look at what she’s doing,” — Joe Strechay, Blindness Consultant

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• “It’s kind of like playing basketball and doing a no-look pass.” — Joe Strechay, Blindness Consultant

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• “Even with all the science fiction and super powers, we want children who are blind or low vision to watch this show and see themselves in the character,” — Joe Strechay, Blindness Consultant

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Netflix announced that filming for the third and final season of the live-action series has wrapped, concluding production after Toph’s introduction in Season 2.

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