Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The Last Air Bender is widely considered of the best animated shows of all time. The children’s show is beloved by youngsters and adults alike for its ability to balance light-hearted comedy with serious moments, as well as a decent amount of action. It’s a show that teaches kids as much as adults, with many still learning something after countless re-runs of the show. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said from M. Night Shyamalan’s attempt back in 2010. Initially planned as the start of a trilogy based on the animated show, the film received negative reviews from both critics and audiences, forcing Paramount Pictures to drop initial plans for the sequels. Fast forward to over a decade later and Netflix will attempt to subvert expectations with its version. Although not much is known about Netflix’s live-action ATLA adaptation, there are a few confirmed facts. For example, fans are applauding Netflix for its casting choice, giving the role of the series’ antagonist, the Fire Lord Ozai, to Daniel Dae Kim. We also know that filming began last November, so we should start hearing more about the show anytime soon. Speaking of more ATLA news, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, who will be playing the role of Iroh, the retired Fire Nation general, had a couple of words to share. During a guest appearance on the Handsome Genuins Club Radio Show, Lee shared that Netflix’s live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender will consist of eight episodes of one-hour each. He also added that he has “no idea when it’s going to be airing” but he speculates that the earliest the show could premiere would be at the “end of this year”. With the Fire Lord royalty brothers perfectly cast, fans have high hopes for the upcoming Netflix show. Unfortunately, absent any new details let alone a trailer, it’s hard to get hyped for what’s coming. In the meantime, fans can check out the original Avatar: The Last Airbender, as well as its sequel, Avatar: The Legend of Korra, on Netflix.
