Netflix is making a live-action version of Avatar: The Last Airbender

Avatar: The Last Airbender, not to confused with Avatar the mega-successful movie series about blue aliens, is an animated fantasy show that ran for three seasons on Nickelodeon back in the mid-2000s. Family-friendly without being patronizing, it told a surprisingly rich story packed with memorable characters. Even a decade later, it has many loyal fans. And now, Netflix is making a live-action version, according to Deadline.

Netflix confirmed the news on Twitter. Original series creators Michael DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko are returning to shepherd this new version. “We’re thrilled for the opportunity to helm this live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender,” they said in a statement. “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.”

Netflix had a statement, too, from VP of Kids & Family Content Melissa Cobb. “We are committed to honoring Bryan and Mike’s vision for this retelling and are thrilled to support them on creating a live-action event series, bringing Aang’s epic world of elemental magic to life for global audiences on Netflix.”

The series, as you’ve probably picked up, is about Aang; that’s him leading his flying bison Appa across a snowy landscape in the concept art above. Aang is an airbender, meaning he can control the wind at will. The last of his kind, Aang sets out on a journey to restore balance to the world, much of which has been conquered by the militaristic Fire Nation, picking up allies and enemies along the way. It’s a good yarn, and some fans are wondering why it needs to be retold, particularly after M. Night Shyamalan, then near the nadir of his credibility, adapted the first season as a disastrously terrible live-action movie in 2010. (The bit about a “non-whitewashed cast” in DiMartino and Konietzko’s statement seems to be a dig at that movie’s casting, which stirred up controversy at the time.)

The presence of DiMartino and Konietzko, who also helmed the well-received spinoff The Legend of Korra, should allay fears somewhat, but the show isn’t that old. Does it need a remake, and a live -action one at that? What do you think?

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