Avatar: The Last Airbender is famously being adapted into a live-action series by Netflix. While this is not the first time that this iconic anime has attempted something like this, it is safe to say that the new series will be a lot different than the 2010 film that left fans deeply disappointed. There are a lot of different aspects that make an adaptation a good one; the cast, the visual effects, and the script. The biggest of these, however, staying true to the source material.
Many different films and shows were doomed the moment that they decided to make too many changes in the form of ‘creative betterment’. This is why it is integral for the new Avatar series to make sure that it is as similar to the anime and the manga as it can be.
Despite this, there are still some parts of the series that cannot be translated into live-action. Not because they would not work, but because they are far too grotesque. The biggest example of this is the most dangerous technique in the entire franchise; Bloodbending.
To What Extent Will The Avatar: The Last Airbender Series Bleed?
There is one technique of waterbenders that has gained a reputation for its dark and gory nature. Being titled the most dangerous in the entire Avatar: The Last Airbender franchise, bloodbending is an extremely rare gift; or curse. Requiring the most extreme of skills, it gives a waterbender the ability to manipulate, redirect, and stop any fluids within an organism’s body. Since all things contain at least some percentage of water, this technique can help a waterbender cause catastrophe.
Considering the demographic of younger audiences that the upcoming Netflix adaptation is going to have, it is safe to assume that the extent of this power will be toned down for their viewing. However, there is one technique that is far more powerful than bloodbending and is so dangerous and graphic that there would be no chance of it being incorporated into the series.
A Technique So Powerful That Bloodbending Bent The Knee
The technique in question was first, and only seen in Avatar: The Last Airbender – The Shadow of Kyoshi. A waterbender with the ability to freeze any organ of their opponent’s, killing them instantly. Kyoshi was taught this terrifying skill by the greatest healer in the world, a waterbender named Atuat. Being seen in the entirety of the franchise once, calling this skill overpowered would be an understatement.
Massacres can be performed in a matter of seconds, armies brought down by one mere waterbender. Considering how easily conflicts could be dealt with if one such person was on the side of our protagonists and how undefeatable they would be if they were to get against them, the limit at which this skill was showcased in the series is understandable.
On top of this, it is safe to assume that showing the ability to stop someone’s heart or burst their lungs within a fraction of a second would not be appreciated by the younger audience of the series.
