5 Shocking Ways Elizabeth Yu’s Career Is Redefining Hollywood In 2025

As of December 2025, Elizabeth Yu has cemented her status as one of Hollywood's most intriguing rising stars, effortlessly navigating the divide between indie film drama and blockbuster fantasy. The American actress, known for her captivating duality, has spent the last two years dazzling critics with her subtle, heartbreaking turn in the film *May December* while simultaneously conquering a global audience as the ruthless Fire Nation Princess, Azula, in Netflix’s live-action adaptation of *Avatar: The Last Airbender*.

Her career trajectory is a masterclass in versatility, showcasing an ability to embody characters from a quietly distressed teenager to a fiery, complex villain. With a confirmed upcoming role and her personal life frequently making headlines, Yu is not just an actress to watch—she is an undeniable force shaping the next generation of Asian-American representation on screen.

Elizabeth Yu: A Quick-Fire Biography and Profile

Elizabeth Yu’s rapid ascent in the entertainment world is built on a foundation of early dedication and a clear choice of diverse roles. Before she became a household name, she honed her craft with a focus on powerful storytelling.

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• Full Name: Elizabeth Yu
• Date of Birth: October 6, 2002
• Age (as of late 2025): 23
• Place of Birth: New Jersey, USA
• Ethnicity: Korean-American
• Occupation: Actress
• Years Active: 2022–Present
• Major Breakthrough Roles: Azula in *Avatar: The Last Airbender* (2024–) and Mary Atherton-Yoo in *May December* (2023)
• Relationship Status: Dating actor Gaten Matarazzo (*Stranger Things*)
• Debut Film: *Somewhere in Queens* (2022)

The Stunning Duality: From Indie Drama to Fire Nation Princess

What truly sets Elizabeth Yu apart is her incredible range, highlighted by two diametrically opposed roles that defined her early career: Mary Atherton-Yoo and Princess Azula. This professional duality is a testament to her acting prowess and her commitment to challenging material.

1. Mastering Subtlety in Todd Haynes’ *May December*

In the critically acclaimed 2023 film *May December*, directed by auteur Todd Haynes and starring Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman, Yu delivered a performance of quiet devastation. Her character, Mary Atherton-Yoo, is the daughter of Gracie (Moore), whose scandalous relationship with a minor rocked the community decades earlier.

Yu’s portrayal was a masterclass in non-verbal acting. She captured the deep, suppressed turmoil of a young woman grappling with a bizarre family legacy and a mother who is a public spectacle. Her performance was noted for its incredible subtlety, requiring her to convey complex emotions—insecurity, confusion, and a quiet judgment—with minimal dialogue.

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2. Conquering the World as the Live-Action Azula

The transition from the indie film set of *May December* to the massive, effects-heavy production of Netflix's *Avatar: The Last Airbender* (ATLA) was dramatic. Yu took on the iconic role of Princess Azula, the Fire Nation Princess known for her ruthless ambition, tactical genius, and terrifying blue firebending.

The casting initially faced some fan skepticism, with a vocal minority suggesting her appearance was "too innocent" for the manipulative and intense villain. However, Yu’s on-screen presence quickly silenced the criticisms. Her portrayal of Azula was "phenomenal," bringing a fresh layer of human complexity and vulnerability to the character while still delivering the necessary cold menace. The role required a completely different energy—fiery, commanding, and physically demanding—proving her versatility beyond a doubt. The success of the first season has secured her return for *ATLA* Season 2, which is tentatively set for a 2026 release.

3. The Current Buzz: New Projects and A High-Profile Relationship

Elizabeth Yu's 2025 and 2026 calendar is packed, ensuring her presence remains constant in the media and on streaming platforms. Beyond her established work, new projects are on the horizon, further expanding her topical authority.

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Upcoming Project: *Murder by the Book*

One confirmed future project is the television series *Murder by the Book*, where Yu is slated to play the role of "Young Maggie." While details on the series are still under wraps, this role suggests a pivot back toward dramatic television, offering another chance for her to explore a new facet of her acting repertoire.

A Stable Star Couple: Elizabeth Yu and Gaten Matarazzo

In an industry known for volatile relationships, Elizabeth Yu and her long-term boyfriend, *Stranger Things* star Gaten Matarazzo, have become a beacon of stability. Their relationship continues to be a major point of interest for fans of both Netflix franchises.

As of late 2025, the couple's relationship remains strong and sincere. They have reportedly moved into a new apartment together, maintaining a low-drama, private life despite their high-profile careers. This confirmed stability is a welcome piece of news for fans who follow the personal lives of the *ATLA* and *Stranger Things* casts, solidifying her presence in the public eye beyond just her on-screen roles.

4. The Impact of Elizabeth Yu on Asian-American Representation

Elizabeth Yu’s prominence is a significant step forward for Asian-American representation in major Hollywood productions. As a Korean-American actress, her casting as a lead in a globally recognized fantasy series like *Avatar: The Last Airbender*—which intentionally features a primarily Asian and Indigenous cast—is groundbreaking.

Her work provides a powerful counter-narrative to outdated casting traditions. By successfully portraying both the Fire Nation Princess Azula and the emotionally complex Mary Atherton-Yoo, Yu demonstrates that Asian-American actors are not limited to a single type of role. Her success helps to normalize and expand the narrative possibilities for future generations of diverse talent in film and television.

5. Why Elizabeth Yu’s Future is Brighter Than the Fire Nation’s Flames

Elizabeth Yu has accomplished more in her early twenties than many actors do in a decade. She has navigated the tricky waters of adapting a beloved, iconic character (Azula) and delivered a memorable performance alongside cinematic legends (Moore and Portman in *May December*).

With the anticipation building for *Avatar: The Last Airbender* Season 2 in 2026, her visibility will only increase. Her upcoming role in *Murder by the Book* and her foundational work in critically acclaimed films mark her as a powerful, versatile talent. Elizabeth Yu is not just a passing trend; she is a foundational figure for the next era of Hollywood, promising a career filled with diverse, challenging, and unforgettable performances.