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Thread: Avatar: The Last Airbender Live Action from Netflix

  1. #1
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    Whhaaaaatttt?!?!?

    Avatar: The Last Airbender Is Being Reborn as a Live-Action Netflix Series
    Charles Pulliam-Moore
    Today 11:46am


    Concept art fro the Avatar reboot.
    Image: Netflix

    Hot on the heels of Netflix’s The Dragon Prince, from Avatar: The Last Airbender head writer Aaron Ehasz, the studio has just stealthily announced that Avatar is coming back in an all-new, live-action series.

    Along with the first piece of concept art from the upcoming reboot, Netflix announced that The Last Airbender’s co-creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko are both signed on to oversee the show, something they’ve been planning on for ages.

    In a public statement, DiMartino and Konietzko expressed their excitement about the upcoming show and made a point of stating that this incarnation of the Aang’s story will star characters of color, unlike M. Night Shyamalan’s much-maligned 2010 The Last Airbender:

    “We’re thrilled for the opportunity to helm this live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender. 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.”
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    AND I can confirm that the original creators, Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, will be back to take on the live action. THIS IS WHAT WE’VE BEEN TRAINING FOR ALL THESE YEARS.NX added,


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    A reimagined, live-action “Avatar: The Last Airbender” series is coming to Netflix!

    (ᴄᴏɴᴄᴇᴘᴛ ᴀʀᴛ ʙʏ Jᴏʜɴ Sᴛᴀᴜʙ)

    8:30 AM - 18 Sep 2018
    It’s been a while since we last caught up with Aang and the Avatar crew, but from the sounds of it, it won’t be too long before we’re all “yip-yipping” our ways into another unforgettable adventure.
    I actually checked out the first ep of Dragon Prince last night. Maybe I'll review that later.
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    Yip YIP!

    Avatar: The Last Airbender Live Action from Netflix needs its own indie thread, independent of our original Avatar: The Last Airbender thread and definitely distinct from our M. Night Shyamalan's The Last Airbender thread.



    Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender does what Shyamalan couldn’t
    Written by Erin Dick on Dec 11, 2018

    Few children’s television programs boast the complexity of Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005). With the new live action series adaptation set to hit Netflix in 2019, it hurts to think how hard the first attempt at a real-life remake failed.

    The 2010 M. Night Shyamalan live action film was a theatrical and political disaster. Gut-churning CGI shots aside, the real problem with this remake was a lack of authenticity.

    The intricate world built by the animated series is lost in Shyamalan’s miscast venture. He bumbles through a poorly condensed plot, dismissing the discourses laid out by its animated predecessor.

    Racial stereotypes are thoughtlessly emphasised, where a young Dev Patel plays the villain in Fire Nation Prince Zuko, and our protagonists are unnecessarily white. They might be Eskimos from the Water Tribe, but, their colour is the least significant aspect of their identity as characters and as products of a bigger conversation of global, communal and individual harmony.

    The 2010 M. Night Shyamalan live action film was a theatrical and political disaster.
    Watch the announce for Avatar: The Last Airbender below:


    The original TV series

    The original series follows an air bender named Aang (voiced by Zach Tyler Eisen), who discovers that he is the next Avatar, the earthly guardian of humankind. Fearing the responsibility of his demi-God status, Aang flees his home in the Air Kingdom.

    As a deadly storm hits, he is forced to preserve himself in the depths of the ocean. 100 years passes before he is discovered in an iceberg by two young members of the Southern Water Tribe: a water-bender named Katara (Mae Whitman) and her brother Sokka (Jack DeSena).

    Aang wakes to learn that the world has been engulfed in war, led by the Fire Nation. Aang must master all four elements – air, water, earth and fire – to defeat the Fire Lord, end the 100-year war and restore peace and balance to civilisation.


    Avatar: The Last Airbender the original series

    In a pre-colonial Asiatic setting, the Avatar exists to maintain harmony in society. Only they can master all four elements. This becomes essential when Aang must conquer Fire Lord Ozai (Mark Hamill): His father, Fire Lord Sozin, initiated the war and conducted the extermination of the earth’s Air Nomads.

    Aang, who is only 12 years old, must come to terms with the extinction of his people. He must halt the Fire Lord’s plan to achieve world domination and elevation of a Fire Nation master race.

    It’s a lot for a young audience to digest
    Yet, these themes are communicated with elegance and integrity. Explorations of globalisation, authoritarianism and revolution, coincide with Aang’s philosophical realisations of morality, human connection and destiny.

    Avatar takes heed of morality tropes in both Western genre and east-Asian animation and cinema. Aang’s destiny to save the world foils his youthful disposition, ultimately forcing him to mature. Zuko (Dante Basco) is the banished prince of the Fire Nation and son of Fire Lord Ozai.

    His driving force is a chance at redemption, capturing the Avatar and delivering him to his father. Zuko endures suffering, before learning the dangers of greed and anger. Aang grapples with his fate, as he considers whether he is capable of murder for the greater good. With the tutelage of mentors, from the living and spirit worlds, Aang and Zuko’s juxtaposed paths lead to restored honour for them both.

    Avatar takes heed of morality tropes in both Western genre and east-Asian animation and cinema.

    Dev Patel as Fire Nation Prince Zuko

    The cultural consultants that guided the art direction

    Few western cartoons have adapted anime-style storytelling and characterisation, as well as imagery and symbolism as genuinely as the TV series.

    While the creators of the series were interested in western legends and modern epics like Harry Potter (2001-2011) and Lord of the Rings (2001-2003), they were ultimately inspired by Chinese art and religion, east-Asian history and mythology.

    They brought on cultural consultants in Edwin Zane and calligrapher Siu-Leung Lee to help guide the art direction and world building of the series. Set designs deviate slightly from the landscapes that inspire them, so as not enforce racial stereotyping.

    The indicators of each elemental faction are represented in authentic Chinese characters, except for the Fire Nation symbol, which was adapted to prevent cultural fear-mongering. Aang’s plight to learn all four elements comes with knowledge and tales of mythological Sun Gods, hybrid animals, fire bending dragons, spiritual encounters, and the ways of nature. Aang’s mission allows him to understand that the contrasting elements of the world cannot thrive without each other.

    Avatar invites its young audience to consider what really matters in life. In the words of Iroh himself: “Who are you? What do you want?”
    Many of Aang’s key allies, a collaboration of lay people and exiled royalty, are affected by some form of ailment exacerbated by the imperialistic war, ranging from poverty, systematic sexism, disability to emotional instability.

    Toph is blind but can earth bend by feeling the vibrations of the earth. Katara will not be limited by misogyny in her efforts to master the art of water bending. Zuko overcomes his fury and takes on the wisdom of his uncle Iroh (Mako Iwamatsu and Greg Baldwin), who has believed in his good nature all along. Sokka cannot bend, so he looks to his father and the expertise of a swordsman to become a purposeful leader.

    Our five key characters are all young children, seeking spiritual and intellectual nourishment from their elders and revolting against their oppressors. Avatar invites its young audience to consider what really matters in life. In the words of Iroh himself: “Who are you? What do you want?”

    Avatar: The Last Airbender goes above and beyond any western animation of the early 21st Century
    The series reaches new heights to create a lasting impression on its young viewers. It instills a level of cultural sensibility and hope that young people are not trapped by their physical, emotional or societal circumstances.

    It tells us that fate is not set in stone, and that good can prevail over evil. We can overcome tragedy and injustice to write our own destinies. This motive and audience are at the heart of Avatar’s validity, and will be the deciding factor of success in future remakes to come.
    Gene Ching
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    ttt 4 2020!

    Netflix's Avatar: The Last Airbender to Start Production in Early 2020
    By MEGAN PETERS - December 30, 2019 11:24 am EST

    It has been quite some time since Avatar: The Last Airbender made its debut. The hit TV show gave Nickelodeon an entirely new reputation thanks to its thought-provoking material. Even years later, Avatar stands as one of the network's critical darlings. Soon, Netflix will take a stab at the franchise with its own adaptation, and Avatar will begin production soon after the new year rolls in.

    Recently, fans got an update on Avatar and its Netflix adaptation. It came courtesy of the Word Crafts Chitchat Podcast as the show had Jessie Flower on for an episode. The actress, who famously voted Toph in the animated series, spoke about her time with the franchise. And before the episode went to wrap, she admitted Netflix's project was slated to kick off production in early 2020.

    In fact, it seems the live-action redo will begin in February 2020. Productions on the show will begin after a New Year's lull, so fans are hoping to get some updates on the show soon. After all, there have been no casting announcements about Avatar as of yet, and the project will need to nail its leads if it wants to succeed.

    After all, this is not the first time Avatar has pursued live-action glory. In the past, the series was turned into a film under director M. Night Shymalan. While the film's star was praised for their technical work, Avatar was panned overall for its thin casting and absurd story. Now, it seems Netflix has the chance to fix what the first adaptation set into motion, so here's to hoping Aang can finish the job this time around.

    Avatar: The Last Airbender was originally created by Michael DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko for Nickelodeon in 2005. The series is set in world people can manipulate the elements of Earth, Water, Fire, and Air, and they lived peacefully in different regions until one of the regions started a world war. One master who can manipulate all four elements, dubbed the "Avatar," had been able to prevent this war, but disappeared soon after. 100 years later, a new Avatar named Aang awakens and sets out on a journey to master all the elements in order to bring peace to the land once more.
    Wonder who will be doing fight choreo?
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    bummer

    Aug 12, 2020 9:44am PT
    ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ Creators Exit Netflix Live-Action Adaptation

    By Joe Otterson


    Avatar The Last Airbender
    Courtesy of Nickelodeon

    “Avatar: The Last Airbender” creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko are no longer involved with the planned live-action adaptation of the series at Netflix.

    “Many of you have been asking me for updates about the ‘Avatar’ live-action Netflix series,” DiMartino wrote in an open letter on his website early Wednesday morning. “I can finally tell you that I am no longer involved with the project. In June of this year, after two years of development work, Bryan Konietzko and I made the difficult decision to leave the production.”

    DiMartino went on to say that when he and Konietzko first signed on to make the series Netflix was committed to working with them on their vision for the show. “Unfortunately, things did not go as we had hoped,” he wrote.

    “Look, things happen. Productions are challenging,” he continued. “Unforeseen events arise. Plans have to change. And when those things have happened at other points during my career, I try to be like an Air Nomad and adapt. I do my best to go with the flow, no matter what obstacle is put in my way. But even an Air Nomad knows when it’s time to cut their losses and move on.”

    He also assured fans that he is still involved in the “Avatar” universe, which has seen renewed interest since “The Last Airbender” became available on Netflix, with “Legend of Korra” set to join it this week.

    “And who knows? Netflix’s live-action adaptation of Avatar has the potential to be good,” he wrote. “It might turn out to be a show many of you end up enjoying. But what I can be certain about is that whatever version ends up on-screen, it will not be what Bryan and I had envisioned or intended to make.”

    He closed by quoting the show’s character Iroh, who said, “Sometimes life is like this dark tunnel. You can’t always see the light at the end of the tunnel, but if you just keep moving you will come to a better place.”

    Netflix did not immediately respond to Variety‘s request for comment.

    The live-action version of the hit Nickelodeon animated series was first ordered at Netflix in September 2018. The animated version aired for three seasons on Nickelodeon from February 2005 to July 2008. The series received substantial acclaim during its run, picking up multiple Annie Awards, Genesis Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, and a Peabody Award. The sequel series, “Legend of Korra,” aired for four seasons from 2012-2014.
    Is M. Night replacing them?




    too soon?
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    Cast reveal

    Netflix's Avatar: The Last Airbender Reveals Official Cast and Crew

    By MEGAN PETERS - August 12, 2021 10:30 am EDT

    Avatar: The Last Airbender is ready to give the world of live-action film one more shot. Netflix began developing a live-action adaptation of the hit animated series years ago, but little has been said about the project until now. The company took time today to announce the official cast and crew of Netflix's Avatar: The Last Airbender.

    The announcement was put forward this morning not long after reports went live about the cast. Netflix has now confirmed who will be leading the show, so you can learn all about the stars and their roles below:

    GORDON CORMIER (he/him) is AANG (12), a fearless and fun-loving twelve-year-old who just happens to be the Avatar, master of all four elements and the keeper of balance and peace in the world. An airbending prodigy, Aang is a reluctant hero, struggling to deal with the burden of his duties while still holding on to his adventurous and playful nature.
    KIAWENTIIO (she/her) is KATARA (14), a determined and hopeful waterbender, the last in her small village. Though only fourteen, she’s already endured great personal tragedy, which has held her back from rising to her true potential, though it’s never dimmed her warm and caring spirit.
    IAN OUSLEY (he/him) is SOKKA (16), Katara’s sardonic and resourceful 16-year-old brother. Outwardly confident, even brash, he takes his responsibility as the leader of his tribe seriously, despite his inner doubts over his warrior skills… doubts that he masks with his wit and deadpan sense of humor.
    DALLAS LIU (he/him) is ZUKO (17), a skilled firebender and the intense and guarded Crown Prince of the Fire Nation. Currently roaming the world in exile, he’s on an obsessive quest to capture the Avatar because he believes that is the only way to reclaim his life and live up to the demands of his cruel and controlling father, the Fire Lord.
    As for the crew, Albert Kim (Sleepy Hollow) has been tapped to write the adaptation and act as show runner. Dan Lin, Lindsey Liberatore, Michael Goi, and Kim will also executive producer the project alongside Roseanne Liang. Jabar Raisani, Goi, and Liang will also act as directors for Netflix's Avatar: The Last Airbender.


    (Photo: Netflix)

    (Photo: Netflix)
    At this point, fans know little about the project outside of its casting. Avatar: The Last Airbender will adapt the critically acclaim story found in the original Nickelodeon series. As for a release date or synopsis, Netflix's adaptation has yet to settle those finer details. But with a cast and crew in pocket, fans are as curious as they are nervous about this ambitious adaptation.

    What do you think about Netflix's big cast and crew here? Are you excited for this Avatar: The Last Airbender makeover? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below or hit me up on Twitter @MeganPetersCB.
    Anyone know any of these actors?
    Gene Ching
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    I am not familiar with any of them.

    But, just going by their looks, I think they look like their characters from the animated. I know that there is more to it than that, like how they capture the personality of the character too.
    "God gave you a brain, and it annoys Him greatly when you choose not to use it."

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    Kim

    Nov 3, 2021 2:37pm PT
    ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ Netflix Live-Action Series Casts Daniel Dae Kim as Fire Lord Ozai


    By Joe Otterson

    Harold Julian / Nickelodeon
    Daniel Dae Kim is joining the “Avatar: The Last Airbender” live-action series at Netflix, Variety has confirmed.

    He will appear in the role of Fire Lord Ozai. The character is described as the ruthlessly-driven leader of the Fire Nation who demands everyone live up to his impossible standards, especially his teen son, Prince Zuko. Ozai’s drive to conquer and unite the world under firebender rule is a family burden — he believes that it’s his destiny to finish a war started by his ancestors. The character was voiced by Mark Hamill in the animated series.

    Kim joins previously announced series stars Gordon Cormier, Kiawentiio, Ian Ousley, and Dallas Liu. Cormier will star as Aang, with Kiawentiio set to play Katara. Ousley will play Sokka and Liu will play Zuko.

    Kim is known for his roles on shows like “Lost” and “Hawaii Five-O,” as well as films like “Hellboy” and “The Divergent Series: Insurgent.” He previously voiced the character of General Fong in the “Last Airbender” animated series as well as Hiroshi Sato in “The Legend of Korra,” which served as a followup to “Last Airbender.” Kim currently executive produces the hit ABC medical drama “The Good Doctor,” on which he as also appeared.

    He is repped by UTA, Brillstein Entertainment Partners, and Gang Tyre.

    Albert Kim serves as writer, showrunner, and executive producer on the series. Dan Lin and Lindsey Liberatore executive produce for Rideback, with Michael Goi also executive producing. Roseanne Liang is co-executive producer. Goi and Liang are also directors on the show, as are Jabbar Raisani and Jet Wilkinson.

    Original series creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko were originally attached to create the series for Netflix, but they announced in August 2020 that they were no longer involved. They have since announced a new deal with Nickelodeon to establish Avatar Studios, which will create new animated series and films set within the “Avatar” universe.

    The live-action version of “Last Airbender” was first ordered at Netflix in September 2018. The animated version aired for three seasons on Nickelodeon from February 2005 to July 2008. The series received substantial acclaim during its run, picking up multiple Annie Awards, Genesis Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, and a Peabody Award. The sequel series, “Legend of Korra,” aired for four seasons from 2012-2014.
    DDK could nail this.
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    I've always enjoyed him as an actor. I think he would do a very good job on this.

    Really looking forward to the show.
    "God gave you a brain, and it annoys Him greatly when you choose not to use it."

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    Appa! No, not that Appa.

    Netflix's Avatar: The Last Airbender Casts Kim's Convenience Star as Uncle Iroh
    Appa loves tea, apparently.
    Matt Kim
    By Matt Kim
    Updated: 16 Nov 2021 9:20 am
    Posted: 16 Nov 2021 9:00 am
    Netflix’s live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender has announced three new cast members as the series begins principal photography. As part of the casting news, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee (Kim’s Convenience) will play Uncle Iroh.

    Lee is best known for playing Appa in the Canadian sitcom Kim’s Convenience. He was also a guest star as a rebel pilot in The Mandalorian. In Avatar, he will play Iroh a guardian and father figure to Prince Zuko following his banishment from the Fire Nation. Iroh is a tea-loving, kind mentor though in the past he was feared as a skilled general.


    Credit: Netflix
    Joining Lee are Lim Kay Siu (Anna and The King) who will play Avatar Aang’s mentor Gyatso, and Ken Leung (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) as Commander Zhao, a villainous Fire Nation general and the primary antagonist in the animated show’s first season.

    The three new cast members join Gordon Cormier’s Aang, Kiawentiio’s Katara, Ian Ousley’s Sokka, Dallas Liu’s Zuko, and Daniel Dae Kim’s Fire Lord Ozai as part of Netflix’s cast.


    Netflix's Avatar: The Last Airbender Cast

    Netflix has revealed the cast for its live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender. Click through to see who's playing these iconic characters.

    Gordon Cormier as Aang
    A fearless and fun-loving twelve-year-old who just happens to be the Avatar, master of all four elements, and the keeper of balance and peace in the world. An airbending prodigy, Aang is a reluctant hero, struggling to deal with the burden of his duties while still holding on to his adventurous and playful nature.

    Kiawentiio as Katara
    A determined and hopeful waterbender, the last in her small village. Though only fourteen, she’s already endured great personal tragedy, which has held her back from rising to her true potential, though it’s never dimmed her warm and caring spirit.

    Ian Ousley as Sokka
    Katara’s sardonic and resourceful 16-year-old brother. Outwardly confident, even brash, he takes his responsibility as the leader of his tribe seriously, despite his inner doubts over his warrior skills… doubts that he masks with his wit and deadpan sense of humor.

    Dallas Liu as Zuko
    A skilled firebender and the intense and guarded Crown Prince of the Fire Nation. Currently roaming the world in exile, he’s on an obsessive quest to capture the Avatar because he believes that is the only way to reclaim his life and live up to the demands of his cruel and controlling father, the Fire Lord.
    The studio also announced that production will take place on a virtual stage designed by Pixomondo that utilizes the same tech seen in The Mandalorian and, uh, How I Met Your Father.

    Avatar: The Last Airbender is the latest animated series to receive a live-action adaptation from Netflix. The company recently announced the cast of its upcoming One Piece adaptation, a still from the live-action Gundam, and announced a live-action adaptation of YuYu Hakusho.

    Check out IGN’s review of Netflix’s Cowboy Bebop, a live-action adaptation that takes a page from similar live-action adaptations from Japan which are more dedicated to the original source material versus adaptations that choose to localize anime for western audiences.

    Matt T.M. Kim is IGN's News Editor. You can reach him @lawoftd.

    (Photo by Darren Eagles/Getty Images)
    Lee could kill it as Iroh. This is the first positive thing I've heard about this show's development.
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    More cast additions

    Dec 16, 2021 9:30am PT
    Netflix’s ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ Casts Its Azula, Suki, Avatar Kyoshi and More

    By Mónica Marie Zorrilla

    Courtesy of Netflix / Yang Da Wei / Lauren Baldwinson
    Netflix’s live-action “Avatar: The Last Airbender” series has discovered its Azula, Suki, Avatar Kyoshi, Gran Gran and Suki’s mother Yukari.

    Elizabeth Yu (“All My Love”), plays Azula, the daughter of Fire Lord Ozai and sister to Zuko. She’s a fire-bending prodigy and relentless perfectionist who will stop at nothing to secure her position as the heir to the throne. Maria Zhang will play Suki, the leader of an elite female fighting force known as the Kyoshi Warriors. Yvonne Chapman (“Family Law”) will play the legendary warrior Avatar Kyoshi, revered for her bravery, fearsome fighting skills and uncompromising dedication to the cause of justice. Tamlyn Tomita (“Cobra Kai”) will play Suki’s mother Yukari, the fiercely protective mayor of Kyoshi Island. Finally, Casey Camp-Horinek (“Reservation Dogs”) will play Gran Gran, the compassionate matriarch of the Southern Water Tribe and Katara and Sokka’s grandmother.

    They join the previously announced cast members playing Aang (Gordon Cormier), Katara (Kiawentiio), Sokka (Ian Ousley), Zuko (Dallas Liu), Fire Lord Ozai (Daniel Dae Kim), Uncle Iroh (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee), Commander Zhao (Ken Leung) and monk Gyatso (Lim Kay Siu).

    The adaptation of the beloved animated series from Nickelodeon, which has a passionate fanbase of millennials that grew up with the series and Gen Zers who have discovered the cartoon on streaming platforms, comes from showrunner, executive producer and writer Albert Kim. Kim (“Sleepy Hollow,” “Nikita”) executive produces alongside Rideback’s Dan Lin (“The Lego Movie,” “Aladdin”), Lindsey Liberatore (“Walker”) and Michael Goi (“Swamp Thing,” “American Horror Story”). Goi, Jabbar Raisani and Jet Wilkinson will direct with Roseanne Lang, who also co-executive produces.

    “Avatar: The Last Airbender” is currently shooting in Vancouver.

    (Pictured above: Elizabeth Yu, Maria Zhang and Yvonne Chapman; pictured below: Casey Camp-Horinek and Tamlyn Tomita)


    Courtesy of Netflix
    Kumiko!!!!!
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    Avatar: The Last Airbender | Official Teaser | Netflix

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    Very excited about this show!
    "God gave you a brain, and it annoys Him greatly when you choose not to use it."

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    Avatar: The Last Airbender | Official Trailer | Netflix

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    Avatar: The Last Airbender | Final Trailer | Netflix

    Gene Ching
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    First forum review

    After watching the premiere, my first thought was ‘well, it’s better the M. Night Shamalamadingdong’s version.’ That’s not saying much. I hated that film and that was before I fell in love with the original anime. The Netflix series is making some of the same mistakes, losing the chemistry and the humor, racing to compress a whole season into one movie.

    There’s some chemistry in the Netflix cast. The actors are well suited for their roles. The settings and costumes look good.

    There are some nice Easter eggs for us fans, like the cabbage man. In the original, the cabbage man was a reoccurring side character that kept getting his cabbage cart tilted during chase scenes. In the Netflix series, he’s teased twice, always getting cut off before he says ‘cabbages’ and the third time, when his cart is incinerated by fire nation, he finally utters his signature ‘my cabbages!’ line. He is also played by the original voice actor.

    The Netflix series is darker. There are many live immolations. It has some humor, mostly with Sokka, who was always the comic relief. But it can’t get at that singular cartoonish humor that only anime can achieve, a sort of caricature absurdity that fully exploits animation exaggerated dynamics. The manifestation of Avatar Kyoshi in e2 is dark and terrible, which wasn’t something I remember from the original but I liked how it came out.

    I miss the Kung Fu. The fight choreo is basic superhero magic fights. As we all know, the original was mo-capped off Sifu Kisu, who based each elements fighting method on traditional Kung Fu styles. He’s a Bak Sil Lum guy like me and some of the forms of the fire nation are lifted directly from forms in our style. If you know Kung Fu, the original anime works on a completely different level. There’s even some full on opportunities to bring in KF - like with Jet and his Tiger Hooks - but only one unique move of linking the two hooks together for more reach is seen. I’m particularly sensitive here because I luv tiger hooks - I still practice them but haven’t been able to do so lately due to rain and illness.

    At the same time, some stuff like the cabbage man and the way that Azula (one of my fav characters) was introduced was great. Some of the twists on the original are well played.

    It’s also preachy. There are a lot of gems of wisdom within the original, but here, the dialog is so forced that it sounds like mansplaining. Here, the morals are too heavy handed in their delivery. It’s lost all its sense of humor, instead going for this heavy handed life lesson vibe. The journey into the Spirit World had one shining moment in how Koh, thr face stealer was actualized. Zuko’s Blue Spirit opened the opportunity for a prolonged fight scene but the lack of Kung Fu was glaring as it was reduced to a middling sword fight.

    The original series is hard to live up to. It’s unmatched in what it achieves for so many reasons. I need to let go of that to enjoy this fully. I can’t help but compare.

    I’m seeing some divisiveness in the fandom about reviews. Most of the published reviews are negative but there are some social media posts defending it. My beef is the lack of Kung Fu and there’s more issues for me. But Kung Fu absense is enough.

    The finale was weak. I wasn’t fond the finale in the original either. I went back to watch the original, just to remember it and it was fascinating to hear how they kept some lines exactly but changed a lot of details randomly. Netflix’s 2nd worst fail is that this series takes itself too seriously. There’s not enough humor, and without that, it loses so much charm. Ultimately the original was made for kids so it has an innocence while this Netflix version is over dramatic and likes to burn the crap out of victims.

    I’d be super curious how this plays out for someone who never saw the anime.

    Two people (martial arts friends) have messaged me telling me that I look like Avatar Roku in this live action and that I should've had that role. I am bemused and slightly flattered - Roku was a cool Avatar.

    Gene Ching
    Publisher www.KungFuMagazine.com
    Author of Shaolin Trips
    Support our forum by getting your gear at MartialArtSmart

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