Avatar: The Last Airbender is getting another shot at live-action glory, as Netflix is developing a new series based on the popular Nickelodeon animated franchise.
Original series creators Bryan Konietzko and Michael DiMartino are both on board and will over see the production, which is set to begin in 2019.
“We’re thrilled for the opportunity to helm this live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender,” explained Konietzko and DiMartino 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.”
Avatar: The Last Airbender fans will no doubt recall the critically-reviled 2010 film adaptation from director M. Night Shyamalan, which was panned by critics and fans alike for its white-washed cast and poor handling of the source material, among other things. The good news is that the new Netflix series has Nickelodeon’s backing behind it, as the two companies have partnered to bring the franchise back to television.
“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,” said Melissa Cobb, vice-president of Kids & Family Content at Netflix.
All we have to go on right now is the piece of concept art of Aang and Appa by artist John Staub, but we’re excited to see what Netflix has in store with its take on Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Concept art by John StaubSource: Variety
Do you think Avatar: The Last Bender will be a win for Netflix’s original programming? It certainly will have some stiff competition.
The 25 Best Netflix Original Series
Netflix is now one of the biggest powerhouses in the entertainment industry and is taking some serious market share away from the networks. Even just a few years ago, nobody thought that Netflix would be NEARLY as powerful as it is now. They have even begun to win prestigious prizes at major awards shows for some of their own unique content, something that will likely continue in the future.
With the massive and increasing success of Netflix, there is some fantastic original programming on the platform, and that is exactly what this article will look at. These are the 25 best Netflix Original shows to-date, so read on and see where your favorite’s landed among the ranks and what shows are worth checking out, if you haven’t had a chance to watch them all yet.
25. Glow
Even if you have no interest in pro wrestling, past or present, it’s still worth watching GLOW, the dramatized story of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling. Back in the 80s, during the boom of Hulkamania, GLOW was a real-life wrestling promotion that featured an all-female roster. Although it only ran for a few “seasons” (as opposed to the never ending style of today’s WWE storylines), GLOW was fondly remembered for its colorful characters and over-the-top comedy. Of course, putting attractive women in tight, revealing outfits certainly helped too.
The Netflix series isn’t necessarily historically accurate, as many details were changed to make GLOW a better TV series. Starring the always-great Alison Brie, Betty Gilpin, and comedian Marc Maron (who is exceptional in his role as grumpy director Sam Sylvia), GLOW is a hilarious nostalgic throwback to the 80s, complete with neon lights and the biggest of big hairdos. Critics and fans alike loved the series, as proven by its high scores on Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic. A second season is on the way.
Netflix