Netflix has been investing heavily in creating and buying rights to original content to maintain its position as a top streaming service. One of the most popular franchises on the platform that has garnered a huge viewer base is the supernatural thriller series Stranger Things. However, according to recent reports, the streaming giant is planning to replace the franchise with a new project.
The streaming giant is reportedly working on a live-action adaptation of the beloved animated series, Avatar: The Last Airbender. Rumors are rife that Netflix has poured a significant amount of money into the production of the new series in hopes of replicating the success of Stranger Things and capturing the hearts of viewers once again.
What Will Be The New Series About?
The source material of the upcoming show is an animated series that focuses on a 12-year-old boy named Aang. The protagonist resides in a universe where a few individuals possess the extraordinary ability to psychokinetically control one of the four fundamental elements – air, earth, fire, or water using a skill called “bending.”
While the world is engulfed in chaos as the Fire Nation wages war, Aang is the only survivor of his tribe, the Air Nomads. The animated series spanned three seasons during the mid-2000s and was heavily influenced by Chinese martial arts and the country’s diverse cultural symbolism.
Although the original creators of the series, Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko departed from their showrunner roles in mid-2020, the live-action adaptation is anticipated to adhere to the storyline of its animated predecessor. Like The Mandalorian, the series utilizes advanced VFX technology to create its visuals. The production has utilized a virtual production stage that replaces the traditional green screens with LED backdrops to craft immersive and realistic settings in real-time.
Also Read: Hellbent on Milking $1B Franchise, Netflix Working on Stranger Things Animated Series
Avatar: The Last Airbender’s Star Cast
After the criticism of M Night Shyamalan’s Avatar film for alleged white-washing, the creator of the new series tried to be culturally appropriate for its casting. It could be an opportunity for showrunner Albert Kim to showcase Asian and indigenous characters as fully fleshed-out individuals within a realistic world.
The lead role of Aang will be played by Gordon Cormier, known for his work in The Stand. Besides, Kiawentiio will portray Katara, Ian Ousley as Sokka, Dallas Liu as Prince Zuko, and Paul Sun-Hyung Lee as General Iroh. This casting decision reflects the creators’ commitment to authenticity and inclusivity in the series, providing an opportunity to showcase diverse talent and celebrate underrepresented communities.
Having finished filming in June of last year, Avatar: The Last Airbender was slated to make its debut on Netflix during the summer season. However, if the rumors are to be believed, the series won’t release this year.
Source: Twitter
