There’s an old saying in Hollywood. I think it goes— “Why leave a beloved franchise alone when you can re-do it and make more money, while also subsequently creating an inferior product?” At least that feels like something that should be an old saying because producers and studios never seem to learn their lesson. And with that in mind, I bring you news of Netflix teaming with Nickelodeon to develop a live-action series based on the globally adored “Avatar: The Last Airbender” animated series.
That’s right, not even the reviled attempt to create a live-action ‘Avatar’ film from M. Night Shyamalan, which almost killed his career, is going to stop Netflix and its infinite hubris, saying, “Don’t worry guys, we got you this time!”
For those not fans of the original animated series, “Avatar: The Last Airbender” follows a world where people can control earthly elements with their psychokinetic abilities. The series followed Aang and his friends, who attempt to stop the Fire Lord and ending a war.
As much as it pains me to even consider a live-action version of the series is somehow necessary, there is a bit of a silver lining to this announcement. Original series creators Michael DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko have come aboard this new Netflix venture as the showrunners. So, I guess if anyone is going to ruin a property, let it be the guys who created it.
“We’re thrilled for the opportunity to helm this live-action adaptation of ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender,’” Konietzko and DiMartino said in a statement (via The Wrap). “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.”
“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,” Melissa Cobb, Netflix’s vice-president of Kids & Family Content, added.
Obviously, the creators are well-aware, as evidenced in their statement, of the white-washing controversy surrounding Shyamalan’s 2010 film, which holds a 6% on Rotten Tomatoes. The film also won 5 of the 9 Golden Raspberry Awards it was nominated for, including Worst Eye-Gouging Mis-Use of 3D. The ‘Last Airbender’ creators have spoken publicly about their displeasure with this film, as they are people with eyes.
No release date has been specified, but all joking, and pessimism, aside, a live-action “Avatar: The Last Airbender” series is a huge opportunity for Netflix, and if done correctly, could become one of the streaming services most popular series.