Netflix's foray into live-action adaptations has garnered considerable attention, particularly following the success of their reimagining of One Piece. This time, they are about to premiere the long awaited adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender, a popular animated series beloved by millions of millennials when it first aired on Nickelodeon back in 2005. The original series left an indelible mark on the landscape of American animation with its intricate world-building and compelling storytelling. The announcement of the new live-action cast and the release of flashy trailers have ignited fervent anticipation among fans eager to revisit the fantastical realm of bending and elemental mastery.
Leading the charge in this epic saga is showrunner, executive producer, and writer Albert Kim (Sleepy Hollow, Nikita), supported by executive producers and directors Jabbar Raisani (Lost in Space, Stranger Things), Michael Goi, Roseanne Liang (also a co-executive producer), and Jet Wilkinson. Dan Lin (The Lego Movie, Aladdin) and Lindsey Liberatore (Walker) of Rideback contribute as executive producers.
For those unfamiliar with the original animated series, it is a story about a world divided into four nations of Water, Earth, Fire, and Air, who co-existed harmoniously under the guardianship of the Avatar, the master of all four elements, ensuring peace across the lands. However, the tranquility shattered when the Fire Nation launched a devastating assault, annihilating the Air Nomads and igniting a ruthless campaign to dominate the world. With the Avatar yet to emerge, despair grips the world.
Yet, a beacon of hope emerges from the shadows in the form of Aang (Gordon Cormier), a young Air Nomad and the sole survivor of his people. As the destined Avatar, Aang embarks on a perilous journey to fulfill his sacred duty, accompanied by his newfound allies Sokka (Ian Ousley) and Katara (Kiawentiio), siblings hailing from the Southern Water Tribe. Together, they face formidable adversaries, including the formidable Fire Lord Ozai (Daniel Dae Kim) and the relentless Crown Prince Zuko (Dallas Liu).
Martial arts fans will be thrilled to see real martial arts styles as the inspiration for the “bending” movements, such as Tai Chi for waterbending, Hung Gar for earthbending, Northern Shaolin for firebending, and Bagua for airbending.
The new live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender premieres globally on February 22, 2024 on Netflix.