“Avatar: The Last Airbender” is coming back, thanks to Netflix.
The streamer announced Tuesday that it will produce a reimagined live-action series based on the Nickelodeon cartoon “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” from original series’ creators Michael DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko. The two will serve as showrunners and executive producers on the project.
The new series will be created in partnership with Nickelodeon. Production is set to begin in 2019.
The original “Avatar: The Last Airbender” aired for three seasons (61 episodes) from 2005 to 2008 on Nickelodeon. The show follows the adventures of Aang and his friends, who must save the world by defeating Fire Lord Ozai and ending the destructive war with the Fire Nation.
The cartoon has been adapted into a comic book and graphic novel series and the 2010 live-action feature film, “The Last Airbender,” directed by M. Night Shyamalan.
“We’re thrilled for the opportunity to helm this live-action adaptation of ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender,’” Konietzko and DiMartino said 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.”
“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,” Melissa Cobb, Netflix’s Vice President of Kids and Family Content, added.
“‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ continues to grow and resonate with fans around the world due [sic] its combination of relatable characters with all their foibles and a fully realized world of epic, high-stakes stories and adventures,” Chris Viscardi, Senior Vice President, Animation Production and Development, Nickelodeon said. “This partnership with Netflix is part of our broader efforts at Nick and Viacom to tap into our enormous library of culturally resonant properties to produce new interpretations, and we can’t wait for people to see Netflix’s live-action version of ‘Avatar.’”