“The greatest illusion of this world is the illusion of separation. Things you think are separate and different are actually one and the same. We are all one people, but we live as if divided.” – Guru Pathik, Episode 2.19 “The Guru”
One of the most prolific animations of recent times, AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER, is once again getting the live-action treatment. According to Netflix, a new live-action version of creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko's fantasy adventure epic is coming to the mega-popular streaming platform. In addition to the rather low-key tease for the project, the streaming giant also shared a concept image with art by John Staub for the upcoming, and now highly-anticipated series.
Not long after Netflix broke the news, it was confirmed that both DiMartino and Konietzko are involved in the making of the new show. This last detail will undoubtedly come as a relief for fans who cared not for the 2010 live-action feature film, THE LAST AIRBENDER, from director M. Night Shyamalan.
"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," said Konietzko and DiMartino in a statement.
Melissa Cobb, vice-president of Kids & Family Content, also voiced her excitement for the series by saying, “We are committed to honoring Bryan and Mike’s vision for this retelling and are thrilled to support them on creating a live-action event series, bringing Aang's epic world of elemental magic to life for global audiences on Netflix.”
Yip yip! While I'm definitely not a fan of Shyamalan's take on the fantasy martial arts epic, I think AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER has the potential to become a truly amazing live-action series, provided that it's placed in the right hands. The story has a little bit of everything: Evolving friendships, outrageous danger, fantastical creatures, exotic locales, and elemental superpowers! What I'm saying is, that if the casting director and effects department are on point, we may soon have a live-action adaptation that the show has always deserved.
AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER, which aired on Nickelodeon from 2005-2008, follows the adventures of the main protagonist Aang and his friends, who must save the world by defeating Fire Lord Ozai and ending the destructive war with the Fire Nation.
The new series, in partnership with Nickelodeon, will be exclusively available on Netflix and will start production in 2019.