Picture: Netflix
Netflix’s live-action adaptation sequence of Avatar: The Last Airbender is coming to Netflix in 2024. This is our large preview of all the pieces we all know up to now about Avatar: The Last Airbender‘s live-action Netflix sequence, together with solid, manufacturing updates, what we are able to count on, and extra.
Please be aware: this text is a preview that’s been up to date over time to replicate adjustments in solid, manufacturing standing, and extra. It was first printed in November 2021 and was up to date in September 2023.
Co-created by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, the animated sequence was one of the crucial well-liked cartoons of the mid-2000s. The sequence spawned an equally well-liked spin-off in 2012 referred to as The Legend of Korra (each of that are streaming on Netflix in most areas world wide however are anticipated to depart finally).
There’s quite a bit to get to beneath, however in the event you’re on the lookout for simply the headlines, right here is the TL;DR:
- 10 hour-long episodes have been anticipated, nevertheless it’s been reported that it’ll be 8. The writers for every episode have been revealed alongside the episode titles.
- It’s rumored to be touching down in February 2024 however has been confirmed by Netflix to be launched in 2024.
- The sequence makes use of groundbreaking new LED expertise whereas filming that has gained it a Guinness World Record.
- It’s considered one of Netflix’s costliest reveals, reportedly costing $15 million per episode for a complete of $120 million for season 1 alone.
- Filming ran till June 2022.
- The unique creators of the Nickelodeon sequence aren’t concerned within the manufacturing.
When is the discharge date for Avatar: The Last Airbender?
At Netflix TUDUM 2023 in Brazil, we got a primary have a look at the logos for every nation, plus the reveal that the present will likely be coming in 2024.
No phrase on something past 2024, although. Given the present has lengthy since wrapped, we’re guessing both Q1 or Q2.
Here’s the title video and first look photos launched at TUDUM:
In early September 2023, the dependable fan web page and web site Avatar News reported that the sequence can be launched in February 2024. We haven’t verified this info, however they’ve been correct all through the manufacturing on casting.
Breaking: Netflix’s live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender is coming in February 2024 pic.twitter.com/LhEMmXOigv
— Avatar News (@AvatarNews_) September 2, 2023
What is the plot of the live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender?
The plot of the live-action remake will retread the identical adventures as its animated counterpart.
In the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender, civilization is split into 4 separate nations. The 4 nations are named after the weather: the Air Nomads, Earth Kingdom, Fire Nation, and the Water Tribes. In every nation, solely a choose few folks referred to as the “Benders” can use their nation’s factor by the regional martial arts and telekinetic powers. The solely person able to utilizing all 4 parts is the “Avatar.”
Avatar: The Last Airbender Concept Art – Picture: Netflix
Aang is the newest Avatar of the air nomads. After sleeping for 100 years within the ‘Avatar State’, Aang is awoken by Katara and Sokka of the Water Tribe. Learning of the battle ravaging the world by the Fire Nation, Aang, with the assistance of his new pals, should grasp the skills of the remaining parts to deliver concord to the nations.
Who is within the solid of Avatar: The Last Airbender?
Main solid of Avatar: The Last Airbender on set – Picture: Netflix
We’ve had two essential waves of solid bulletins, with loads of further castings alongside the way in which. We’ll cowl the principle solid beneath, however you’ll wish to go to our expanded model of the Netflix Avatar: The Last Airbender solid record right here.
The first batch of castings got here in August 2021, after we discovered who will play a very powerful roles within the new sequence.
Here’s who will likely be enjoying the enduring roles:
- Gordon Cormier (Lost in Space) as Aang
- Kiawentiio Tarbell (Anne with an E) as Katara
- Ian Ousley (13 Reasons Why) as Sokka
- Dallas Liu (PEN15) as Zuko
Pictured: Gordon Cormier, Kiawentiio Tarbell, Ian Ousley, Dallas Liu
Alongside the solid bulletins, Albert Kim had the next to say:
“We’ll be expanding and growing the world, and there will be surprises for existing fans and those new to the tale. But throughout this process, our byword has been “authenticity.” To the story. To the characters. To the cultural influences. Authenticity is what retains us going, each in entrance of the digicam and behind it a live-action model would set up a brand new benchmark in illustration and herald a complete new technology of followers. This was an opportunity to showcase Asian and Indigenous characters as dwelling, respiratory folks. Not simply in a cartoon, however in a world that really exists, similar to the one we stay in.”
Before their departure from the challenge, right here’s what Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko needed to say about casting the sequence:
“We’re thrilled for the opportunity to helm this live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender. 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.”
Despite rumors, Dante Basco, who voiced Prince Zuko within the animated sequence, had been pegged for a task within the upcoming Netflix sequence however finally confirmed he wouldn’t return as Prince Zuko.
In an interview with ComicBook.com in September 2021, Dallas Liu (enjoying Zuko) spoke concerning the stress going into the primary season, saying:
“… as a result of it’s such a beloved present I really feel like there’s some stress to do an important job and never that I’m doubting anybody or the challenge in any respect, however that is the most important challenge and the most important position that I’ve been in a position to participate in now, particularly main with a personality like Zuko, who’s so advanced and considered one of, if not the favourite, one of many favorites of the present along with his fireplace bending and his historical past. I imply, he’s such an unbelievable character and he has considered one of my favourite character developments in the entire animated sequence. So, I imply, I’m simply as a lot of a fan of Zuko as everybody else is. So I imply, clearly I’m excited as a result of this is sort of a dream, however on the identical time, it will get slightly nerve-wracking. You know? To do a superb job, and I imply, on the finish of the day I can solely do what I’m able to, however I hope that individuals take pleasure in my efficiency.
Netflix has additionally confirmed the casting of three necessary roles, with the roles of Uncle Iroh, Gyatso, and Commander Zhao occupied by Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, Lim Kay Siu, and Ken Leung, respectively.
In December 2021, 4 extra roles have been crammed, together with:
- Elizabeth Yu as Azula, the daughter of Fire Lord Ozai and sister to Zuko
- Maria Zhang as Suki, the chief of an elite feminine preventing power referred to as the Kyoshi Warriors.
- Yvonne Chapman as Avatar Kyoshi, a legendary warrior revered for her bravery.
- Casey Camp-Horinek as Gran Gran, the compassionate matriarch of the Southern Water Tribe and Katara and Sokka’s grandmother.
Rounding out the solid contains:
- George Takei as Koh
- Randall Duk Kim as Wan Shi Tong
- Tamlyn Tomita as Yukari
- François Chau because the Great Sage of the Fire Temple.
- Ryan Mah as Fire Navy officer Lieutenant Dang (an unique character)
- Thalia Tran as Mai
- Irene Bedard as Yagoda
- Meegwun Fairbrother as Avatar Kuruk
- Joel Oulette as Hahn of the Northern Water Tribe
- Nathaniel Arcand as Chief Arnook
- Momona Tamada as Ty Lee
- Arden Cho as June
- Joel Montgrand as Hakoda
- Rainbow Dickerson as Kya (Sokka and Katar’s mom)
- James Sie as a cabbage service provider
- Utkarsh Ambudkar as King Bumi of Omashu
- Danny Pudi as Mechanist
- A Martinez as Master Pakku
- Amber Midthunder as Princess Yue of the Northern Water Tribe.
We’ve additionally obtained a primary have a look at the present’s solid on the new state-of-the-art set that Avatar: The Last Airbender will likely be filmed on courtesy of Netflix.
Avatar: The Last Airbender Cast & Crew – Picture: Netflix / Noah Asanias
On April seventh, 2023, Knight Edge Media revealed extra solid members for the sequence. The younger actors which have been solid are part of Jet’s Freedom Fighters:
- Taylor Lam Wright as The Duke
- Wes Valaro as Smellerbee
- Nathaniel Kong as Longshot
- Sebastian Amoruso as Jet
Who is concerned with Avatar: The Last Airbender on Netflix?
The most fun information early on within the challenge was that the unique creators of the Nickelodeon sequence can be concerned.
Unfortunately, the unique creators, Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, who would function the chief producers and showrunners, departed the challenge in mid-2020.
Composer Jeremy Zuckerman was additionally believed to be returning to compose the music for the live-action remake; nonetheless, in an interview, he says he’s not formally signed on for the challenge, saying:
“No, there was never a contract. It was just like “obviously you’re doing the music”, you recognize, however now that they’re not there, I don’t know what they’re gonna need. I’m not tremendous pumped that they’re not gonna be there, so I don’t know. Honestly, I don’t know what the long run holds for that, it’s a giant query mark. Yeah, sorry to not have a happier, extra simple reply.”
In February 2023, it was revealed that Takeshi Furukawa can be behind the music in Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender. Also, in response to Netflix, the unique themes from the present will likely be used within the sequence.
Furukawa is behind the music on the PlayStation recreation, The Last Guardian and Mythic Quest on Apple TV+.
In a put up confirming the information, Furukawa mentioned:
“It is an amazing honor to announce my involvement in @netflix’s epic live-action remake of Avatar: The Last Airbender.
I’m really humbled to obtain stewardship of the unbelievable musical world and themes from the unique sequence.
We are all onerous at work to raise this wonderful franchise to new heights so please keep tuned!”
Picture: snowingmusic / Instagram
Dan Lin is listed as an government producer alongside his firm, Rideback. Rideback is liable for some large motion pictures (predominantly for Warner Brothers), together with the Sherlock Holmes motion pictures, the Lego Movies, and IT movies.
Albert Kim has taken over the showrunning duties for Avatar: The Last Airbender. Kim is understood for engaged on TNT’s Leverage and Nikita. In addition, Ryan Halprin and Lindsey Liberatore are listed as producers, with Rideback Productions being the first manufacturing firm behind the challenge. Rideback lately bought off one other challenge to Netflix within the type of Parallel.
Jang Chol Lee will function an idea designer on the sequence, in response to IMDBPro, along with his earlier credit together with Big Hero 6, Tangled, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and Beowulf.
Marc David Alpert was at one level producing the sequence too. Marc’s spectacular credit span a long time, with him engaged on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Lethal Weapon, and Nikita.
Our pals at AvatarNews.co revealed on July 1st that Michael Wylie can be on board as a manufacturing designer. His spectacular resume contains Pushing Daisies which was launched on Disney+.
Michael Goi
In June 2021, we discovered that Michael Goi is ready to direct within the new Netflix sequence. Although but to be formally confirmed, the completed cinematographer has labored beforehand on tasks resembling American Horror Story, Swamp Thing, Mary, and Megan is Missing.
Alongside the solid announcement, two extra administrators have been introduced for Avatar: The Last Airbender sequence, together with Roseanne Liang and Jabbar Haisani. In addition, Jet Wilkinson will direct two episodes.
Roseanne Liang and Jabbar Haisani
In October 2021, AvatarNews caught wind of an enormous recruitment course of on the lookout for “Asian & Indigenous performers with martial arts or dance backgrounds,” citing that the primary guide options many key battles with heavy choreography.
Why did the unique creators depart Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender?
Returning again to the unique creators now. As chances are you’ll recall again in August 2020, we discovered that the 2 unique creators had departed the challenge over what’s considered artistic variations.
In an open letter, Michael Dante DiMartino penned his ideas on their departure from the challenge.
The co-creators of Avatar: The Last Airbender Michael DiMartino (left) and Bryan Konietzko (proper)
The key paragraph is as follows (though the entire letter is price studying):
“When Bryan and I signed on to the project in 2018, we were hired as executive producers and showrunners. In a joint announcement for the series, Netflix said that it was committed to honoring our vision for this retelling and to supporting us on creating the series. And we expressed how excited we were for the opportunity to be at the helm. Unfortunately, things did not go as we had hoped.”
Bryan Konietzko additionally posted a press release on Instagram. Here are among the key highlights from the assertion we’d like to the touch upon:
“Though I set to work with some nice people, each on Netflix’s aspect and on our personal small growth workforce, the final dealing with of the challenge created what I felt was a unfavorable and unsupportive surroundings. “
Since their departure, the duo introduced they’d be helming new animated tasks at Paramount+ inside the Avatar universe below a new studio known as Avatar Studios.
Since the departing creators, extra criticism of Netflix’s imaginative and prescient for the sequence has materialized. As Winter is Coming experiences, Dee Bradley Baker (who voiced Appa and Momo) didn’t mince his phrases about Netflix’s imaginative and prescient to recreate the Nickelodeon sequence saying:
“I just don’t know how you fulfill that any better than this show did. I’m open to whatever they do with the live-action series, which I know nothing about, but it’s like, ‘Well, how do you do this better than the way that it was rendered on this show?’ I don’t know how you do that! I hope you can.”
Where is manufacturing as much as for Avatar: The Last Airbender season 1?
It was initially reported in late 2018 that manufacturing would start in 2019. However, two years later, that didn’t occur for numerous causes (one being the departure of the unique creators and the second being COVID-19).
The first launch manufacturing replace for the sequence got here in late May 2019. Bryan Konietzko shared an replace on the manufacturing of the present, saying:
“We’re moving into a new office space, transitioning into the next phase of production. Our core team is growing. We’re writing, planning, and testing. Though there’s plenty that’s new for us in this live action process, we’ve been on this long rollercoaster ride twice before and a lot of the climbs and twists and turns feel familiar. Right now, everything seems slow, and we’re itching to speed up; before we know it, everything will be moving too fast and happening all at once. For those who are eager to see this new series and are asking if we have a trailer yet: thank you for your enthusiasm, sincerely, but you wouldn’t want to see a version of this series that was made within 9 months. Too much Hollywood fare is fast-tracked and the results speak for themselves. Thankfully for us and this series, Netflix is committed to doing it right.”
In September 2019, Bryan Konietzko shared some previous storyboard photos that are from the unique animated sequence however perhaps going by them for inspiration for the upcoming sequence.
Storyboard image for Avatar: The Last Airbender – Picture: bryankonietzko/Instagram
Among the opposite introduced crew members embody Jan Chol Lee who’s working as an idea designer on the sequence. His earlier roles have included engaged on Disney’s Big Hero 6, 2006’s Beowulf, and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.
In October 2019, ProductionWeekly said that the present was nonetheless in energetic growth, and manufacturing is scheduled to begin in 2020 (it’s unclear as of January 2021 whether or not that is nonetheless the case).
In March 2020, Bryan shared a small (and reasonably empty) replace relating to the live-action sequence, saying:
“In other news, sorry for the lack of updates on the live action adaptation of ATLA. It’s been a slow process, slower than expected. But VERY exciting things are in the works on the project… Hang in there. We’ll share some info as soon as we can. ⬇️ But there are more important things going on in the world… It is surely going to be a rough ride for the next few months, at least. So, again, let’s all try to take care.”
Of course, in August 2020 (see above), the unique creators departed the sequence when manufacturing was nonetheless up within the air.
Production will go forward in Vancouver, Canada. Although it has been listed to get underway a number of instances, it’s now believed by a number of sources that manufacturing is ready to get underway in November 2021 and run by April 2022.
The present is being filmed below the working title of ‘Trade Winds.’
As of the sixteenth of November, the production of Avatar: The Last Airbender is underway. The affirmation that manufacturing underway additionally comes with additional casting information, which sees the roles of Gyatso, Uncle Iroh, and Commander Zhao now crammed.
In January 2022, journalist Caleb Williams said that manufacturing is presently now set to run by May 2022 and that they’re searching for extras “for the 2-part finale”.
Filming on the sequence formally wrapped on June seventeenth, 2022 that means the sequence was in manufacturing for seven months and sooner or later.
The solid had a “wrap party” on June 18th, 2022, the place the animated ATLA performed on the bar screens.
Episode Writers and Titles for the First Season
The writers for all eight episodes have been revealed for the primary season of Avatar!
- Episode 1 – The Last Airbender
- Written by Albert Kim, Bryan Konietzko, Michael Dante DiMartino
- Directed by Michael Goi
- Episode 2 – Warriors
- Written by Joshua Hale Fialkov (Young Justice)
- Directed by Michael Goi
- Episode 3 – Omashu
- Written by Christine Boylan (Cloak and Dagger, The Punisher)
- Directed by Jabbar Raisani
- Episode 4 – Into the Dark
- Written by Keely MacDonald (He-Man and the Masters of the Universe)
- Directed by Jabbar Raisani
- Episode 5 – Spirited Away
- Written by Gabriel Llanas (National Treasure: Edge of History)
- Directed by Roseanne Liang
- Episode 6 – Masks
- Written by Ubah Mohamed (LA LAW)
- Directed by Roseanne Liang
- Episode 7 – The North
- Written by Audrey Wong Kennedy (Amazing Stories)
- Directed by Jet Wilkinson
- Episode 8 – Legends
- Written by Albert Kim
- Directed by Jet Wilkinson
Poster for Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender
Will the Animated Avatar Movies come to Netflix?
In case you weren’t conscious, the newly created Avatar Studios are engaged on not one however three animated function movies which can be set to launch in 2024, 2025, and 2026, respectively.
Paramount is distributing these and, due to this fact, will find yourself on Paramount+. We have heard rumors that Netflix could distribute the films internationally the place Paramount+ is just not obtainable, however we’ve got but to have these rumors confirmed.
Before we depart you, we’d extremely advocate following AvatarNews on Twitter and its web site. They stay among the best assets for information surrounding all issues Avatar and even created this unbelievable idea poster artwork for the Netflix sequence.
Are you wanting ahead to the live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender?