In news that will probably make sense to no one, Netflix confirmed that their own live-action re-imagining of the celebrated Nickelodeon series Avatar: The Last Airbender is in the works. And just in case anyone reading is still dubious about it, the streaming company tweeted out some official concept art.
A reimagined, live-action “Avatar: The Last Airbender” series is coming to Netflix!
(ᴄᴏɴᴄᴇᴘᴛ ᴀʀᴛ ʙʏ Jᴏʜɴ Sᴛᴀᴜʙ) pic.twitter.com/YsMoE4UguV
— See What's Next (@seewhatsnext) September 18, 2018
With any talk of a live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender adaptation, there’s an obvious concern that it will go in the way of the last time someone tried to do that—we don’t like discussing it. But Netflix promises that the co-creators of the original animated series are on board.
AND I can confirm that the original creators, Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, will be back to take on the live action. THIS IS WHAT WE’VE BEEN TRAINING FOR ALL THESE YEARS. https://t.co/Pi5M1TDTZc
— NX (@NXOnNetflix) September 18, 2018
Jeez, Netflix sure has a lot of social media accounts. Of course, several fans (myself included) probably want the original series to be left alone, but I can see how this could work. With better production design, direction, and fight choreography (and certainly better casting), it’s possible to translate the action-oriented animated series to an awesome martial arts TV show.
Currently, Netflix is streaming the first season of The Dragon Prince, a new animated show from some key animators involved with Avatar: The Last Airbender—I’ve yet to binge-watch it myself, but I imagine that the positive buzz surrounding that show led to a relationship between Netflix and the Avatar people.
