It’s been a fair amount of time since we’ve had any major updates about the Netflix live-action remake of “Avatar: The Last Airbender.” The last major development saw the new series lose the original creators of the acclaimed, beloved animated show, which led fans to wonder if a live-action series is even worth it if the original creators aren’t involved. Well, Netflix just announced the cast and included a letter from the new showrunner, Albert Kim, to hopefully change their minds.
According to Netflix, Albert Kim is the showrunner of the new ‘Avatar’ series. He’s probably best known for his work on series such as “Nikita” and “Sleepy Hollow.” And leading the cast for the series are Gordon Cormier as the lead, Aang, Kiawentiio as Katara, Ian Ousley as Sokka, and Dallas Liu as Zuko. For those not aware, “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” as the title implies is a fantasy series about, well, the last airbender, known as the Avatar, as a reluctant hero that goes on adventures growing into the hero he is meant to be.
But as mentioned, fans are skeptical of this new series. So, Netflix also included a full open letter to fans from Kim about the new project, and why it’s something new and interesting, not just a retread.
“My first thought was, ‘Why? What is there I could do or say with the story that wasn’t done or said in the original?’” admitted Kim. “‘A:TLA’ had only grown in popularity and acclaim over the last decade and a half, which is a testament to how complete and resonant a narrative experience it had been. So if it ain’t broke, why fix it?”
He continued, “But the more I thought about it, the more intrigued I became. VFX technology has advanced to the point where a live-action version can not only faithfully translate what had been done in animation — it can bring a rich new visual dimension to a fantastic world. We’ll be able to see bending in a real and visceral way we’ve never seen before.”
Kim goes on to explain how the new live-action series is going to utilize the Netflix model to “reimagine a story that had originally been told in self-contained half-hour episodes as an ongoing serialized narrative.” He added that a live-action version “would establish a new benchmark in representation and bring in a whole new generation of fans.”
So, while fans seem to be a bit torn on the idea of Netflix tackling a live-action version of ‘Avatar,’ it would appear the showrunner thinks it’s a good idea and something that can add to the franchise instead of just rehashing things. We’ll just have to see how it all turns out. Hopefully, no matter what, it’s better than M. Night Shyamalan’s film version.
A release date for “Avatar: The Last Airbender” has yet to be released. You can read more about the character breakdowns below:
GORDON CORMIER (he/him) is AANG (12), a fearless and fun-loving twelve-year-old who just happens to be the Avatar, master of all four elements and the keeper of balance and peace in the world. An airbending prodigy, Aang is a reluctant hero, struggling to deal with the burden of his duties while still holding on to his adventurous and playful nature.
KIAWENTIIO (she/her) is KATARA (14), a determined and hopeful waterbender, the last in her small village. Though only fourteen, she’s already endured great personal tragedy, which has held her back from rising to her true potential, though it’s never dimmed her warm and caring spirit.
IAN OUSLEY (he/him) is SOKKA (16), Katara’s sardonic and resourceful 16-year-old brother. Outwardly confident, even brash, he takes his responsibility as the leader of his tribe seriously, despite his inner doubts over his warrior skills… doubts that he masks with his wit and deadpan sense of humor.
DALLAS LIU (he/him) is ZUKO (17), a skilled firebender and the intense and guarded Crown Prince of the Fire Nation. Currently roaming the world in exile, he’s on an obsessive quest to capture the Avatar because he believes that is the only way to reclaim his life and live up to the demands of his cruel and controlling father, the Fire Lord.