Netflix Orders Live-Action 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' Series
"Avatar: The Last Airbender" will bend once again — on Netflix, in live action.
Netflix has ordered a live-action version of Nickelodeon's acclaimed animated series. Creators Bryan Konietzko and Michael DiMartino will return to the helm and Netflix is partnering with Nickelodeon on the production, which is set to begin in 2019.
"Avatar: The Last Airbender" aired for three seasons between 2005 and 2008 and won Emmy and Peabody Awards. It was set in a mystical world where special people could "bend" the elements (air, water, fire, earth) using telekinetic powers. The main character, Aang, was the Avatar — someone who could bend all four elements.
The Nickelodeon show spawned a popular comic book series (which still releases new issues) and a not-so-popular 2010 movie directed by M. Night Shyamalan.
"We're thrilled for the opportunity to helm this live-action adaptation of 'Avatar: The Last Airbender,'" said Konietzko and DiMartino. "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."