Halfway through the third episode of Netflix’s tremendously anticipated live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender, we’re treated to a slickly choreographed fight through a town square between our title character, Aang (Gordon Cormier), and his self-declared nemesis, Prince Zuko (Dallas Liu). This hand-to-hand combat through a colorful, chaotic street scene ends not with a victor but with a different coup de grâce: a cameo from a fan-favorite produce vendor wailing over his ruined cabbages.
Between the rocky history of the franchise and uncertainty about the current production, fans’ anxiety around this Netflix release might well be at an all-time high. The previous attempt to adapt Nickelodeon’s beloved animated show, which ran for three seasons from 2005 to 2008, for a mainstream live-action audience resulted in infamy. M. Night Shyamalan’s 2010 movie sparked a notorious controversy over his decision to cast his main characters with white actors, a move that resulted in years-long protests from fans and contributed to the movie being released to utter ignominy.
A gutsy 2012 series expansion following the exploits of Aang’s successor, Korra, renewed the franchise, though it garnered plenty of controversy in its own right for featuring a (gasp!) messy female protagonist. With so many fans still burned by the film, the news of Netflix’s eight-episode live-action adaptation spawned plenty of worry. That wasn’t helped when the original show’s creators, Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, walked away from the project in 2020, two years after it was first announced. Between their departure and the delays caused by the pandemic, fans wondered whether the show would even be released at all.
The wait, it turns out, has been worth it. Although there are plenty of things to quibble with in successor showrunner Albert Kim’s version of the series, so many things go right that this adaptation of Avatar not only rejuvenates the whole franchise but elevates Netflix’s flagging live-action project.
1. Faithful to the Original Avatar
I am unabashedly Avatar-pilled; I think the Nickelodeon original is one of the greatest TV shows ever made. It pulls off in just three seasons the kind of epic world building and character evolution that shows double its length never manage to achieve. It does so by balancing its family-friendly ethos with a story that deals openly with war, genocide, fascism, trauma, and child abuse. This reboot stays true to the essence of the original, preserving its depth and moral clarity.
2. Spectacular Production Design and CGI
The production design is opulent and rich with detail, carefully incorporating Avatar’s cultural influences, from architecture to costuming. The CGI is primarily an unobtrusive enhancement rather than a distraction, generating visually spectacular climactic battle sequences that seamlessly integrate with live-action choreography.
3. Impeccable Casting
The ensemble cast features cameos from a host of geek faves like Danny Pudi, Arden Cho, George Takei, and Osric Chau but never feels like pandering or stunt casting. Standouts include Dallas Liu as the willful Prince Zuko and Paul Sun-Hyung Lee as General Iroh. Their performances add depth and emotional resonance to the storyline, drawing audiences into the complex relationships within the series.
4. Updated Storylines and Character Development
While staying faithful to the original plot, the reboot introduces updates that tighten the narrative, deepen characterization, and strengthen the impact of key moments in the storyline. From retconned romances to nuanced character arcs, the series explores new dimensions of the Avatar universe while remaining true to its roots.
5. Relevant Themes for Today’s World
At its core, Avatar remains one of the most unapologetically antifascist shows ever made. Its moral clarity about the necessity of resisting genocidal regimes and political isolationism resonates strongly in today’s political climate. By tackling themes of war, colonization, and identity, the series offers valuable insights into contemporary issues.
In conclusion, while the reboot may not be perfect, it offers a compelling reimagining of the beloved Avatar universe that is sure to reignite fans’ love for the series. With its faithful adaptation, stunning visuals, and relevant themes, Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender deserves a spot at the top of your watchlist.
