Avatar: The Last Airbender has had mixed fortunes on screens, with the animated series (and its sequel) drawing praise and a big fanbase before M. Night Shyamalan's live-action film version flopped with critics and barely squeaked a profit. Yet those who love the series have more reason to celebrate, as the creators of the 'toon version are working on a new show for Netflix.
Like the movie – in style, if hopefully not in quality – this will be a live-action version of the series, which follows the adventures of Aang, the titular Avatar and last Airbender, and his friends, who live in a world divided into four nations, each corresponding with one of the four elements: Water, Fire, Earth, and Air. Special people in each nation, known as benders, have the ability to manipulate one of the elements through martial arts. The Avatar is able to control all four elements and is meant to bring balance to the world. Aang and company must save the world by defeating Fire Lord Ozai and end a destructive war waged by the Fire Nation.
Michael DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko are gearing up the show, and seem excited at the chance to re-visit the idea. "We’re thrilled for the opportunity to helm this live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender," they said in a statement picked up by Variety. "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." You can find the first piece of concept art from the show below.
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