5 Things to Know Before Watching Avatar: The Last Airbender
The live-action adaptation of the beloved animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender was first ordered by Netflix in 2018, and now the time has finally come. So, here’s everything you need to know before diving into the live action version.
Avatar: The Last Airbender was created for kids but doesn’t shy away from tackling complex themes. The animated series garnered three 100% fresh seasons and is considered one of the most successful Nickelodeon shows of all time. Known for its creative world-building and compelling characters, it follows the journey of a young boy known as the Avatar, who must master all four elements to save the world. Additionally, it spawned a successful spin-off series, The Legend of Korra, and various other media adaptations. Notably, there was a live-action movie in 2010 directed by M. Night Shyamalan, which received poor reviews.
It’s worth noting that the creators of the animated series, Michael Dante Dimartino and Bryan Konietzko, were initially involved as executive producers and showrunners for the live-action adaptation. However, they parted ways with Netflix due to creative differences. This led to Albert Kim, known for his work on Fox’s Sleepy Hollow, taking on the role of showrunner. Kim’s personal connection to the animated series, watching it with his daughter, played a significant role in his decision to lead the project. He expressed excitement about setting new representation standards by featuring Asian and Indigenous actors in prominent roles.
The Cast
Now, let’s talk about the cast. The lineup includes Gordon Cormier as Aang, Kia Wintio as Katara, Ian Alsley as Sokka, Dallas Liu as Prince Zuko, Elizabeth Yu as Princess Azula, and Paul Sun-Hyung Lee as General Iroh. Interestingly, some cast members have ties to the animated series, adding to the excitement for fans. The storyline of the live-action adaptation will differ slightly from the animated series, with Kim mentioning a conscious decision to separate the two.
Story Line and Budget
In terms of production, the show boasts a hefty budget of around $120 million, translating to $50 million per episode. This substantial investment promises high-quality visuals and immersive storytelling. To complement the visuals, award-winning composer Takashi Furukawa has been brought on board to create the music score. With experience in video games and renowned shows like Clone Wars and Star Trek Enterprise, Furukawa’s involvement adds another layer of excellence to the project.
In conclusion, before you tune in to Avatar: The Last Airbender on Netflix, remember that the animated series is also available on the platform.
