‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’: First Reactions Are Not Pleased With Netflix’s Adaptation
Amid high anticipation, the initial reactions to the live-action adaptation of ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ are causing quite a stir. The show’s journey has been lengthy, initially ordered by Netflix in 2018. However, it hit a snag when the original animated show creators, Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, departed two years later due to creative differences.
The production regained momentum with Albert Kim of Sleepy Hollow fame taking the helm as showrunner from November 2021 to June 2022, all the while promising to honour the essence of the beloved original.
Also Read: Netflix’s ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ Can Change Sokka’s Story, Here’s How
Just a week before its 22nd February debut, the first reviews for Netflix’s ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ are trickling in and critics who had a sneak peek at the live-action remake seem to be divided. Megan Peters of ComicBook.com shared her mixed feelings after watching the show “twice through,” admitting it’s “a solid watch that stands on its own,” but cautioning that “it makes a lot of changes” that might not sit well with long-time fans.
In contrast, Mike Thomas from Collider was largely upbeat about the show, praising the first episode as “fantastic” and deeming the opening scene “far better” than M. Night Shyamalan’s 2010 movie adaptation.
Ryden Scarnato of Comic Book Resources offered a nuanced perspective, finding the first two episodes “satisfactory” and accepting of the changes, though noting that some acting felt stiff and wishing for a more cinematic experience.
However, @luminousdagger of Covered Geekly was rather critical of the show’s debut episode, citing mischaracterization, unfinished VFX, and a shaky start. Rafael Motamayor from IGN echoed similar sentiments, labelling the pilot a “huge letdown” due to excessive exposition, poor writing, and pacing issues.
Nevertheless, he acknowledged Dallas Liu’s standout performance as Zuko and praised the impressive visuals.
On the flip side, @RamasScreen was effusively positive, lauding the live-action adaptation as “spectacular” and a faithful tribute to the source material, particularly praising Gordon Cormier’s portrayal of Aang. Similarly, @POCculture expressed admiration, calling it “truly animation come to life” with stunning sets, costumes and SFX, dubbing it a “visual feast.”
Steve Seigh from Talking Comics added to the optimism, describing it as “fantastic” and celebrating the blend of classic shots from the original alongside new elements to look forward to.
