Since the first episodes of the animated series, Nickelodeon has had gold in its hands. A fantastic story about a world where people can control the four elements. And one person, the avatar, with the power to control all four elements. A previous live-action adaptation by M. Night Shyamalan in 2010 was not successful. But Netflix has now delivered a better retelling with the series Avatar: The Last Airbender.
The avatar has the power to control the four elements. He or she reincarnates in a new body. The new avatar has not yet revealed itself, but it is certain that they are among the Air Nomads. The Fire Nation wants to get ahead of the avatar’s arrival and unleashes a war in which the Air Nomads are all defeated. All except one: the avatar has survived.
During the battle with the Fire Nation, Aang unknowingly leaves. He ends up in a storm. Aang, the avatar, remains preserved in ice for 100 years, hibernating. Until Katana and Sokka from the Water Tribe discover him. That is when the avatar awakens.
Together with Katana and Sokka, Aang embarks on an adventure to master the other elements and defeat the Fire Nation. Meanwhile Prince Zuko of the Fire Nation has been searching for the avatar for years. Now that he has finally awakened, Zuko does everything to capture the avatar and make his father, the Fire Lord, proud.
The Legend of Aang
The immense popularity of the animated series has paid off well for Nickelodeon. The television channel has also been involved in this Netflix live-action remake. Partly due to this involvement, the latest remake is almost an exact copy of the animated series. Something that was lacking in the previous film. The fact that more time is taken in the form of eight episodes also contributes to this.
However, Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender cannot be called an exact copy. The storyline of season 1 of the animated series is followed, but in a very fast pace. This does not mean that ‘The Legend of Aang’ is not well told. The series is a successful remake of a strong story that was previously not well told. (Netflix has already proven to have an eye for this with One Day.)
Young diverse cast in The Last Airbender
Netflix has not overlooked the Asian influences from the animated series. The cast is chosen by age, but also by background. It is a big stage for the young cast to showcase their talents. While their acting skills may seem somewhat childish on one hand, it’s also logical on the other. The actors are still children themselves and are basing their roles on a children’s series.
Still, Netflix has done everything to make The Last Airbender more mature than the animation. With many special effects of bombings and intense battles, the live-action series is less suitable for young children. But that doesn’t stop an older audience from reliving childhood memories. In fact, the success of this first season has led Netflix to announce seasons 2 and 3 of Avatar: The Last Airbender. The remainder of ‘The Legend of Aang’ will also be available in live-action in the coming years.
Avatar: The Last Airbender (2024 -) – Netflix
A young boy known as the Avatar must master the four elemental powers to save a world at war — and fight a ruthless enemy bent on stopping him.
Cast: Gordon Cormier, Kiawentiio, Ian Ousley, Dallas Liu, e.a.
Creator: Albert Kim
Studio’s: Netflix & Nickelodeon
