Netflix’s live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender has made one major change, but it’s great for the remake. After the inferior M. Night Shyamalan movie, there’s pressure for the remake to do a good job of adapting the original. Despite this, show creators have been open about some of the changes already confirmed. This includes remixing the original show’s lore, like reserving Aang’s Avatar State for crucial moments. However, there’s still a commitment to accuracy when it comes to the original series’ strong suits, such as Aang’s more playful personality and visually striking bending.
Showrunner Albert Kim confirmed The Last Airbender season 1 will set up a time jump for a potential season 2. Kim says, “We couldn’t know exactly how old our actors would be for the subsequent seasons,” explaining that there was no way to mirror the animated show’s three seasons elapsing over one year. While waiting for the green light for any subsequent seasons, Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender season 1 lays the groundwork by removing the original time-sensitivity of the animated show, accounting for their actors aging, which isn’t a concern for animation.
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How A Time Jump Affects The Original Avatar: The Last Airbender Story
One of the biggest changes that Kim has also addressed is the lead-up to Sozin’s Comet, which the animated series’ three seasons worked toward. The comet’s known date from the start added a sense of urgency for Team Avatar. Removing this aspect takes away some of the pressure for Aang to master the four elements against a set timeline. Without Aang’s need to rush, events could be more split up with supplementary story arcs that deepen character development, such as the whereabouts of Zuko’s mother Ursa.
Additionally, having a big timeline change also suggests other major events in the series could be altered substantially. This would also fit in with the live-action show creators’ confirmation that story events will be “remixed.” The Avatar: The Last Airbender trailer also confirms some major events that will be altered, such as the Fire Nation destroying the Northern Air Temple. Tweaks like this indicate the live-action remake could have a much more character-driven approach with more intricate story beats.
Why The Time Jump Is Good For The Live-Action Avatar: The Last Airbender
The time jump erases the need for any potential recasting or having actors that are not age-appropriate for potential future seasons. This is even more vital considering the current ages of the Avatar: The Last Airbender cast members, such as Aang’s Gordon Cormier being 14 at the time of season 1’s release. Thus, season 1 and future seasons can also take time to explore vital story moments without worrying about real-world factors as much, like actors’ aging out of their characters. This extends to more untold stories that can be addressed.
For instance, Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender can fix the original show’s Azula problem by fleshing out her character more from season 1, making her eventual manic descent more emotionally impactful. It could also expand on Aang’s journey in learning the elements by deepening his interactions with various benders, like Master Pakku. Plus, stories from The Legend of Korra or the graphic novels can strengthen and better inform Aang’s journey, such as how Avatars connect to their past lives. Ultimately, eliminating the time pressures could make Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender a revitalized but effective adaptation.
Avatar: The Last Airbender (Live-Action)
- Release Date
- February 22, 2024
- Cast
- Gordon Cormier , Dallas Liu , Kiawentiio , Ian Ousley , Daniel Dae Kim , Paul Sun-Hyung Lee
- Seasons
- 1
- Writers
- Albert Kim , michael dante dimartino , bryan konietzko
- Streaming Service(s)
- Netflix
- Franchise(s)
- Avatar: The Last Airbender
- Showrunner
- Albert Kim
