Netflix to making new Avatar: The Last Airbender show

From Digital Spy

Netflix has announced plans to adapt Nickelodeon classic Avatar: The Last Airbender into a live-action series.

Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, who created the animated show will serve as showrunners for the Netflix series, which will begin production in 2019.

Speaking to Variety, Konietzko and DiMartino said: "We're thrilled for the opportunity to helm this live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender.

"We can't wait to realize Aang's world as cinematically as we always imagined it to be, and with a culturally appropriate, non-whitewashed cast.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime chance to build upon everyone's great work on the original animated series and go even deeper into the characters, story, action, and world-building. Netflix is wholly dedicated to manifesting our vision for this retelling, and we're incredibly grateful to be partnering with them."

News of the series was first announced by Netflix-affiliated Twitter account See What's Next‏, which wrote: "A reimagined, live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender series is coming to Netflix." The tweet included artwork by film designer John Staub.

The Last Airbender aired on Nickelodeon from 2005 to July 2008, for three seasons. During its run, it earned critical acclaim and picked up multiple awards, including a Primetime Emmy and a Peabody Award.

The Last Airbender was previously adapted into a live-action film by M. Night Shyamalan in 2010. The film was universally panned, receiving a 6% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and 'winning' five Golden Raspberry Awards.

The franchise is not at all connected to James Cameron's Avatar film series.

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