Attention all Avatar fans. Netflix recently unveiled the first look of its highly anticipated live-action adaptation, Avatar: The Last Airbender. During the streaming platform’s Tudum global fan event in São Paulo, Brazil, the cast offered a sneak peek of the upcoming series through a teaser video. Scheduled for release in 2024, the project features a talented cast, including Kiawentiio as Katara, Ian Ousley as Sokka, Dallas Liu as Prince Zuko, and Gordon Cormier as Aang. However, as soon as the first look surfaced online, many fans were left baffled.
It’s obvious that the fans of the original Nickelodeon series are looking forward to seeing their beloved characters brought to life. But with the comments on social media after the unveiling of the first look, it seems that the makers have disappointed many.
Fans seem confused about the looks of the characters
Leading the creative team behind the series is the showrunner, executive producer, and writer Albert Kim, known for his work on Sleepy Hollow and Nikita. And joining Kim as executive producers are Dan Lin from Rideback Productions, known for his involvement in The Lego Movie and Aladdin, and Lindsey Liberatore from Walker. Additionally, Michael Goi, renowned for his work on Swamp Thing and American Horror Story, serves as an executive producer, while Roseanne Liang, Jabbar Raisani, and Jet Wilkinson take on directing duties.
Excited to see such talented professionals bring their favorite characters to life, fans anticipated a lot from the makers. However, unable to understand why most characters look like AI-generated images, a few Twitter users seemed baffled.
But should the makers be concerned about these comments? Probably yes.
How can a character’s look be a problem for Avatar: The Last Airbender
For those unfamiliar with the story, Avatar: The Last Airbender is set in a world divided into four nations: the Water Tribes, the Earth Kingdom, the Fire Nation, and the Air Nomads. In this world, certain individuals known as “Benders” possess the extraordinary ability to telekinetically manipulate and control their respective nation’s element, utilizing movements inspired by Chinese martial arts. The “Avatar” is a unique being with the power to bend all four elements.
Originally created by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, the Nickelodeon animated fantasy action series received widespread audience and critical acclamation. But in 2010, filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan attempted a live-action adaptation titled The Last Airbender which received backlash for the look of its characters. Alleging the makers of ‘whitewashing characters,’ the film earned a 5% approval from Rotten Tomatoes. In fact, a few critics described it as the worst movie to ever be made.
Hence, with the rich mythology, compelling characters, and themes that captivated the audience in its original animated run, it is imperative for the makers of the upcoming series to get the ‘look’ right.
