Netflix’s live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender series just might be the most anticipated release on the streaming giant since Stranger Things. Of course, the fact that it’s based on one of the best animated shows ever, and that a previous live-action remake effort was hugely disappointing, means that the series has a lot of pressure to please a very passionate and somewhat wary fanbase.
Everything we’ve seen thus far has given fans reason to be optimistic. The glimpses of the costumes, sets and overall aesthetics have been spot on. Of course, it’s one thing to look good in stills, and another to see it in…well, live-action.
Today, Netflix released the first full trailer of Avatar: The Last Airbender in all its glory, and it did not disappoint. Simply put, it looks spectacular. From Aang riding his air scooter around, to the Earth Kingdom’s King Bumi, the visuals are absolutely gorgeous.
The fact that this series is led by an Asian creative team is another unique and welcome element of this project. The Avatar: The Last Airbender universe has always been a world deeply inspired by Asian and indigenous cultures, and with Albert Kim (Sleepy Hollow, Nikita) serving as showrunner, executive producer, and writer, I’m excited to see and feel that extra level of authenticity in the story. In addition to Kim, Jabbar Raisani (Lost in Space, Stranger Things) and Michael Goi are executive producers and directors, Roseanne Liang (also a co-executive producer) and Jet Wilkinson also direct, and Dan Lin (The Lego Movie, Aladdin) and Lindsey Liberatore (Walker) serve as executive producers from Rideback.
Check out the trailer and additional images from the series below. Avatar: The Last Airbender premieres February 22nd exclusively on Netflix!
For more, visit: www.netflix.com/avatarthelastairbender
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About AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER
Water. Earth. Fire. Air. The four nations once lived in harmony, with the Avatar, master of all four elements, keeping peace between them. But everything changed when the Fire Nation attacked and wiped out the Air Nomads, the first step taken by the firebenders towards conquering the world. With the current incarnation of the Avatar yet to emerge, the world has lost hope. But like a light in the darkness, hope springs forth when Aang (Gordon Cormier), a young Air Nomad — and the last of his kind — reawakens to take his rightful place as the next Avatar. Alongside his newfound friends Sokka (Ian Ousley) and Katara (Kiawentiio), siblings and members of the Southern Water Tribe, Aang embarks on a fantastical, action-packed quest to save the world and fight back against the fearsome onslaught of Fire Lord Ozai (Daniel Dae Kim). But with a driven Crown Prince Zuko (Dallas Liu) determined to capture them, it won’t be an easy task. They’ll need the help of the many allies and colorful characters they meet along the way.
AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER is a live-action reimagining of the award-winning and beloved Nickelodeon animated series. Albert Kim (Sleepy Hollow, Nikita) serves as showrunner, executive producer, and writer. Jabbar Raisani (Lost in Space, Stranger Things) and Michael Goi are executive producers and directors alongside directors Roseanne Liang (also a co-executive producer) and Jet Wilkinson. Dan Lin (The Lego Movie, Aladdin) and Lindsey Liberatore (Walker) serve as executive producers from Rideback.
Ron is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of POC Culture. Â He is a big believer in the power and impact of pop culture and the importance of representation in media.