Movies
The Heroes of "Avatar: The Last Airbender" Have Been Cast for Netflix
Netflix's "authentic" live-action series is distinct from the work of Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko on Nickelodeon.
It's not an overstatement to say that for many of us, the live-action adaptation of "Avatar: The Last Airbender" coming to Netflix is like a childhood dream coming true.
Although news about Netflix's live-action take on "Avatar: The Last Airbender" has been relatively quiet for some time, the streaming giant is now unveiling important details, including the cast for key roles.
Netflix has not only confirmed that their reimagining of "The Last Airbender" is still in the works but has also introduced the central cast and creative team behind the series. In a statement about the show, showrunner Albert Kim ("Sleepy Hollow") revealed that he had become a devoted fan of the franchise while watching it with his young daughter during its initial run on Nickelodeon.
When Netflix approached Kim about the project, the "Avatar" series had already achieved widespread popularity, along with a notoriously disappointing adaptation. Despite Kim's initial reservations about reimagining the world of bending, he ultimately agreed to take on the challenge.
The live-action adaptation was initially announced in 2018 but faced hurdles when "Avatar" creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko parted ways with the project due to creative differences with Netflix last year.
DiMartino expressed his reasoning in a blog post, stating, "I realized I couldn't control the creative direction of the series, but I could control how I responded." He added that "Netflix's live-action adaptation of Avatar has the potential to be good... but what I can be certain about is that whatever version ends up on-screen, it will not be what Bryan and I had envisioned or intended to make."
Kim authored a blog post discussing the process of creating the second live-action adaptation of the series, following M. Night Shyamalan's 2010 film. Kim expressed growing fascination with the project, stating, "The more I thought about it, the more intrigued I became."
Advancements in VFX technology have reached a point where a live-action rendition can not only faithfully replicate the animated series but also introduce a visually stunning new dimension to the fantastical world. Kim anticipates that bending will be portrayed in a real and immersive way that surpasses anything previously seen.
The cast for the show will include Gordon Cormier ("The Stand") as Aang, Kiawentiio ("Beans") as Katara, Ian Ousley ("13 Reasons Why") as Sokka, and Dallas Liu ("Shang-Chi and the Legends of the Ten Rings") as Zuko.
Netflix frequently films in various locations worldwide, including Hungary, where productions like "The Witcher," "Shadow and Bone," and "Barbarians" have been shot. With the recent expansion of studios in Hungary, particularly in Fót, it wouldn't be surprising to see more Netflix projects hosted in the country.
