The animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender, which aired on Nickelodeon from 2005 to 2008, is returning as a new Netflix original series. The original animation of the same name was a global hit during its run, and even after 16 years since its completion, it still has a large number of fans. It has garnered particular attention for its thorough grounding in Eastern culture despite airing on Nickelodeon in the US.

Avatar: The Last Airbender is a fantasy action animation that tells the story of the “Avatar,” a being who can manipulate the four elements of water, fire, earth, and air. In this world, people can only manipulate one of the four elements, but the “Avatar,” who can manipulate all four, has been constantly reincarnated to maintain balance in the world. The Avatar was not only a person with mystical powers but also a religious leader.

The protagonist, Aang, is a boy from the Air Nomads. 100 years ago, the Fire Nation was determined to find and eliminate the reincarnated Avatar. The Fire Nation knew that the Avatar was about to be reborn among the Air Nomads and massacred Aang’s people. Aang survived by entering a 100-year hibernation in an iceberg, but the Fire Nation took control of most of the world during the 100 years in which there was no Avatar.

Aang, awakened after 100 years, is faced with the task of defeating the Fire Nation and restoring peace and balance to the world. He hadn’t received any training as an Avatar since he was put into hibernation at a very young age. He sets out on an adventure with his main companions Katara, Sokka, and Toph to gain enlightenment about the remaining three elements.

The original animation series was widely loved for its spectacular action, charming characters, and in-depth story. It dealt with various themes such as war and peace, racial and cultural differences, making it a work that resonated not only with children but also with adults. Although it was a Nickelodeon animation, it showed a deep understanding of Eastern culture and religion, and thus Asian viewers could enjoy it without any discomfort.

Expectations and Concerns Regarding the Netflix Live-Action Series

This is actually not the first time the “Avatar” series has been adapted into live-action. In 2010, director M. Night Shyamalan made a live-action movie “The Last Airbender” based on the animation. The film was a critical and box office flop. In particular, the main cast members were mostly white, despite the animation series being based on Eastern culture. Furthermore, it drew even greater criticism for casting only villains as people of color.** The film was criticized for its awkward directing as well as for undermining the cultural diversity of the original work.

Fortunately, this adaptation, produced as a Netflix original series, casts all characters with Asian actors. It is expected that the series will be able to capture the charm of the original work in a live-action TV series, as Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, the creators of the original animation series, are serving as executive producers.

Personally, I really enjoyed Avatar: The Last Airbender and its sequel, The Legend of Korra, when I was younger. (On the other hand, I haven’t watched Japanese animation like Naruto.) I am both worried and excited about the live-action adaptation of this series. I hope that the first season will be a huge success so that we can see “The Legend of Korra” as well.

Avatar: The Last Airbender will be released on Netflix on February 22nd.