Netflix began work on a live action adaptation of hit animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender back in 2018. At the time, original creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko joined the adaptation as showrunners and executive producers.
However, yesterday (August 12th), news broke that both DiMartino and Konietzko have departed the series due to creative differences.
Konietzko wrote on Instagram: ‘When Netflix brought me on board to run this series alongside [DiMartino] two years ago, they made a very public promise to support our vision. Unfortunately, there was no follow-through on that promise. Though I got to work with some great individuals, both on Netflix’s side and on our own small development team, the general handling of the project created what I felt was a negative and unsupportive environment’.
DiMartino also commented, writing on his website that: ‘Netflix’s live-action adaptation of Avatar has the potential to be good. 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’.
A spokesperson for Netflix issued a statement in response: ‘We have complete respect and admiration for Michael and Bryan and the story that they created in the Avatar animated series. Although they have chosen to depart the live action project, we are confident in the creative team and their adaptation’.
Whether this live action adaptation will turn out to be a hit with fans or a disappointment (as the 2010 M. Night Shyamalan film is widely regarded) remains to be seen. For now, you can stream the original animated series on Netflix with a 30 day free trial.
You can also check out a 30 day free trial with Amazon Prime Video for even more top content. With everything from original TV series like The Boys to popular films like Knives Out, as well as the ability to stream to three devices, there’s something for everyone on Amazon Prime Video.
