Nickelodeon’s 2000s show Avatar: The Last Airbender is widely regarded as one of the most beloved animated series in the world. The series has won many awards including a Primetime Emmy Award, a Kids’ Choice Award, and five Annie Awards. Netflix has begun filming a live-action adaptation, a brand-new take on the animated series of the same name. The live-action series will be set in the world where people harness one of four elements (water, earth, fire, and air) and will also focus on the young airbender, Aang. As the “Avatar”, Aang has the destiny of mastering all four elements and bringing balance to a world ruled by the Fire Nation.
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There is massive potential for a live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender series. But fans are concerned whether the new series will do its source material justice or if the series will join a list of failed live-action anime adaptations, especially after M. Night Shyamalan’s movie flopped, critically and commercially. Here are five reasons why Netflix’s live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender series could succeed (and why it could fail).
Succeed: Great Source Material
Sourced via Nickelodeon Animation Studios
Aang, Prince Zuko, Katara, Sokka, and Toph are among Nickelodeon’s greatest characters. Millions of fans have fallen in love with the world of Avatar, its characters, and their stories. The animated series incorporated themes such as redemption and unity, and also asked philosophical questions regarding free will and destiny. Some believed that it would be too complex for a children’s show, but the series never dumbed-down its concepts while resonating with people of all ages. The series was so successful that it led to a sequel series in The Legend of Korra. Netflix has so much rich mythology established in the animated series that they can pull from. If the Netflix production can keep the spirit of Avatar intact, it could become an overwhelming success.
Fail: Original Creators Left the Project
Nickelodeon Animation
When the live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender series was first announced, Netflix heavily promoted the involvement of the original series’ creators. In 2018, Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko were signed on as showrunners and executive producers. In 2020, they announced their exit from the project due to creative differences. The duo were initially excited to take part, but it seems they and Netflix did not part on the best of terms. DiMartino revealed in an open letter that things did not go as they “had hoped.” He also expressed that while the show may be positively received, that it does not represent what he and Knoietzko “envisioned or attempted to make.” Creative differences are not uncommon and do not necessarily serve as an indicator for the quality of the series. However, the significant steps that the creators took to distance themselves from the live-action series is a cause for concern.
Succeed: Not Connected to the 2010 Last Airbender Movie
Nickelodeon
The year 2010 saw the release of M. Night Shyamalan’s live-action The Last Airbender movie. It was quickly panned by both fans and critics. The film was nominated for several Golden Raspberry Awards and won Razzies for “Worst Picture”, “Worst Director”, “Worst Screenplay”, and “Worst Eye-Gouging Mis-Use of 3D.” Sequels to the films were originally planned, but the overwhelming negative response caused the studio to reconsider. A sequel failed to be materialized and the plans for the franchise were eventually canceled.
To say that the 2010 Last Airbender film was a misfire is an understatement. Fortunately, Netflix’s live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender series will not be connected to the 2010 film. It is a new series featuring a new cast and crew, and is set in a new Avatar universe. The successes of the animated series and the failures of the 2010 film have provided great reference points for the Netflix series. Hopefully, the creative team has learned from both and will get things right.
Fail: Live-Action Adaptations of Anime Are Often Unsuccessful
Hollywood has had many failed attempts to repeat the success of an animated series in live-action film and television. Dragonball Evolution, Ghost in the Shell, and Death Note are all widely considered to be inferior to their source material. Netflix released a live-action adaptation of Cowboy Bebop in 2021. Since its inception, there was not much demand for a live-action adaptation, with many fans preferring that it did not happen. The live-action Cowboy Bebop proved not to be successful enough to be picked up by Netflix for a second season. The track record of successful live-action adaptations of anime has not been great. If things go wrong, Avatar: The Last Airbender will suffer the same fate as many adaptations before it.
Succeed: Authenticity to the Cultural Influences
Netflix
Avatar has always pulled heavily from East-Asian and Inuit culture. The influences were very present in the world’s imagery and philosophy, and also referred to Chinese martial arts as the main inspiration behind the practice of element “bending.” Bryan Konietzko, co-creator of the original series, expressed that the creative team was committed to “culturally appropriate, non-whitewashed casting.” Showrunner Albert Kim also recognized the importance of authenticity to the series’ cultural influences, story, and characters. Kim shared;
Previously, the 2010 Last Airbender movie became the subject of major controversy for failing to accurately represent the show and dismissing opportunities to cast Asian-Americans. Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings recruited Asian talent which proved to be essential to the film’s success. Asian actors and creatives are able to bring their own unique perspectives and experiences that other people do not have. The Netflix series has potential to fail but an Asian and Indigenous cast and crew will only improve its chances of success.
This was a chance to showcase Asian and Indigenous characters as living, breathing people. Not just in a cartoon, but in a world that truly exists, very similar to the one we live in.
