Avatar: The Last Airbender, also known as Avatar: The Legend of Aang, is a live-action adaptation of the adventure fantasy anime of the same name that aired from 2005 to 2008.
The series’ show runner, Albert Kim, revealed that the Netflix adaptation has a major connection to Game of Thrones. It means there might be shared elements that could appeal to fans of both series, creating a link between the two shows.
The showrunner also explained that the live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender aims not only to attract kids but also to appeal to Game of Thrones fans while staying true to the original series.
Avatar: The Last Airbender Showrunner Links Netflix Series Closely to Game of Thrones
In an interview with IGN, Albert Kim, the showrunner of Avatar The Last Airbender, was asked if dealing with the goofiness of the original Nickelodeon cartoon while adapting it into a serious live-action series, and also juggling the weighty themes was challenging?
To this, Kim replied, they had to walk a fine line to capture the original’s tone. They aimed to stay true to the humor, action, and darkness. Even as a Nickelodeon show, Avatar: The Last Airbender tackled mature themes and scenes, going beyond typical kids’ content.
He continued to explain that, in addition to kids, the Netflix series needs to attract Game of Thrones fans, too:
“And especially as the series went on, Seasons 2 and 3 are a lot more mature in theme than, say, Season 1 was. So for us, it was about striking that right balance, of making sure you were true to the DNA of the original. But at the same time, we had to make it a serialized Netflix drama, which meant it couldn’t just be for kids. It had to also appeal to the people who are big fans of Game of Thrones. And so, it had to feel grounded and mature and adult in that way too. So that’s, like I said, the tightrope that we have to walk.”
With this, the showrunner subtly suggests that Game of Thrones and Avatar: The Last Airbender have similarities in themes like elements and drama.
Both shows have complex stories, GOT is known for politics, while ATLA deals with serious stuff despite being a Nickelodeon show. Adapting ATLA for adults means keeping these themes while keeping the original’s feel.
What More Do We Know About Avatar: The Last Airbender?
Avatar: The Last Airbender follows the journey of a young protagonist known as the Avatar, who has to learn four elemental powers—earth, water, fire, and air—to save the world. Throughout his quest, he battles an enemy trying to stop him.
Netflix released the full-length trailer for the live-action on January 23, 2023. The trailer introduces Aang, the young Avatar, played by Gordon Cormier.
The new Avatar: The Last Airbender adaptation looks good with great costumes, detailed cast builds, and CGI that fits well. It might do well, maybe as successful as Netflix’s live-action One Piece.
Avatar: The Last Airbender will make its debut on Netflix on February 22, 2024, featuring a total of eight episodes.
