Netflix Announces Live-Action ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ Series
Avatar: The Last Airbender fans have been eating well lately. Just a few weeks ago it was announced that the franchise was getting an order of a few new original YA novels set to be released next year. The books are focusing on yet to be explored areas of Avatar lore- which already sounds exciting- but fans who crave some of the old stories will soon be very pleased. Netflix took to Twitter today to announce a new live-action re-imagining of the original Avatar: The Last Airbender series. Still have the bad taste of the live-action movie in your mouth? Do not worry- Netflix is out to make things right this time.
A reimagined, live-action “Avatar: The Last Airbender” series is coming to Netflix!
(ᴄᴏɴᴄᴇᴘᴛ ᴀʀᴛ ʙʏ Jᴏʜɴ Sᴛᴀᴜʙ) pic.twitter.com/YsMoE4UguV
— Queue (@netflixqueue) September 18, 2018
Not long after this news broke Netflix took to one of their other official news accounts to confirm what every fan wanted to hear- original creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko are back. This should calm some if not all of fans worries for yet another live-action Avatar project.
AND I can confirm that the original creators, Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, will be back to take on the live action. THIS IS WHAT WE’VE BEEN TRAINING FOR ALL THESE YEARS. https://t.co/Pi5M1TDTZc
— Netflix Geeked (@NetflixGeeked) September 18, 2018
The Hollywood Reporter has since confirmed more information about the series. Nickelodeon has been the home for all Avatar animated programs and will co-produce with the streaming service. The show is set to go into production next year with no current release date set in stone. Konietzko and DiMartino released an official statement in which they proclaim their vision for this new series.
We’re thrilled for the opportunity to helm this live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender. We can’t wait to realize Aang’s world as cinematically as we always imagined it to be, and with a culturally appropriate, non-whitewashed cast. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to build upon everyone’s great work on the original animated series and go even deeper into the characters, story, action and world-building. Netflix is wholly dedicated to manifesting our vision for this retelling, and we’re incredibly grateful to be partnering with them
Non-whitewashed cast and cinematic visuals? That statement alone is enough to get many people onboard. Still, the prospect of another shot at a live-action Avatar project feels a bit odd. Many hold the original series that Nickelodeon ran for three years to very high regards, for good reason. Many might say that Aang’s story of finding his place as the new Avatar only requires more gaps in the series’ timeline to be filled in. However, little is still known about this new show and how it truly will set out to be different from what has come before. For now, fans can only put faith in the original creators, Netflix, and Nickelodeon.
What are your thoughts on revisiting Aang’s story but in live-action? Do you also feel that a streaming service is a right home for such an idea? Let us know on our social media and stay tuned for all updates on this new rendition of Avatar: The Last Airbender!
Source: THR
