When Netflix announced that a live-action adaptation of the beloved animated series “Avatar: The Last Airbender” was set to air on Feb. 22, 2024, it left many fans highly nervous and skeptical of the project.
The original animated series follows Aang, the last Airbender and latest Avatar after he wakes up from an iceberg 100 years into the future. He and his newfound friends travel the world to stop the Fire Nation and for him to become The Avatar.
Lately, remakes and reboots have not received the best feedback and are causing a division between the new and old fans of the franchise.
While fans have mixed opinions on the live-action show, no one can ignore the stunning visuals on screen.
The set designs of different locations like Ba Sing Se, the Southern Air Temple and the Northern Water Tribe look realistic while remaining faithful to the original.
The costumes are also well-designed and make the characters in the world look believable. Unfortunately, that is where the good things stop.
One of the main complaints of this adaptation is the writing with several stories presented in a new order, leaving many fans confused.
In addition, many stories were cut from the live-action version. This leaves the series feeling rushed with not enough time to form connections with the main characters.
There is also a major change in how the characters are depicted. Instead of Aang being an adventurous, funny and kindhearted kid, he is a serious and depressed monk constantly reminded of his responsibilities as Avatar.
The characters are stripped of the personality, chemistry and growth that made them special in the original.
Constantly telling the audience what is going on in the show without visually showing them, breaks the fundamental rule of storytelling: “Show, don’t tell.”
The majority of the audience are not children, they are adults. Adults who grew up with the original show now can comprehend what is going on without being told.
People deserve good storytelling. Give them colors, give them humor, give them good writing and characters they will connect with for the rest of their lives.
Even though the Netflix adaptation of “Avatar: The Last Airbender” cannot compare to the original animated series, it is worth keeping an open mind to.
Netflix has already greenlit seasons two and three. Hopefully, the producers will take fan’s criticisms and make the show better, more faithful and something the audience can connect with for years to come.
