If you're looking for a new fantasy series to binge-watch on Netflix, then get ready because the highly-anticipated live-action version of Avatar: The Last Airbender just dropped. But, what is the controversy surrounding the series?
Nearly 20 years after the original anime first aired on Nickelodeon, we meet a young Airbender named Aang again who must harness the powers of the Avatar and defeat the Fire Nation. One Piece fans, we think you'll love this!
Netflix had originally invited back the original series creators for the live-action version, so why did they leave the adaptation? Here is the controversy surrounding Netflix's Avatar: The Last Airbender explained.
Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender controversy explained
So, original series creators, Michael DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, joined the project when it was first announced in 2018. But, in 2020, they left due to creative differences with the studio.
Ethan Miller//Getty ImagesAvatar: The Last Airbender creators Michael DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko
They shared simultaneous statements about their departure from the show, with Bryan writing on Instagram, "When Netflix brought me on board to run this series alongside Mike 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 our own small development team, the general handling of the project created what I felt was a negative and unsupportive environment." Oh, Bryan!
In Micheal's post on his website, he shared similar thoughts, writing, "When Bryan and I signed on to the project in 2018, we were hired as executive producers and show runners.
"In a joint announcement for the series, Netflix said that it was committed to honouring our vision for this retelling and to supporting us on creating the series. And we expressed how excited we were for the opportunity to be at the helm. Unfortunately, things did not go as we had hoped."
After Michael and Bryan left the series, a Netflix spokesperson said, "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."
So, that's that then!
Avatar: The Last Airbender is streaming on Netflix now.
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Furvah Shah is Cosmopolitan UK’s junior entertainment and lifestyle writer. She covers everything from TV and films to music and books, plus lots of celebrity news. Furvah has previously written for , BBC, and and she is super passionate about highlighting diverse talent and projects, having interviewed the likes of Halle Bailey, India Amarteifio, Iman Vellani and more. She's been interviewed for Times Radio and BBC Asian Network, graduated with a First in BA Media and Communications from Goldsmiths University and is an NCTJ-qualified journalist. In her free time, you can find her at an arts or culture event, eating Middle Eastern or Asian food, searching for modest fashion inspiration on Pinterest, binge-watching a Netflix series or cuddling with her cat. You can follow Furvah on , , and .
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