Netflix Avatar: The Last Airbender Release Date, Trailer, Character Guide
If you are a millennial or even a Gen Z-er, you probably know about a little show called Avatar: T he Last Airbender. Not only is it a favorite of our generation, many consider it to be one of the greatest shows of all time.
And while the show only lasted a few seasons (not because it wasn’t successful but because the story demanded it only run a few seasons), it had a resounding impact felt around the world, spawning additional spin off series down the road, and even coming back to the foreground a few years ago when it debuted on Netflix at number one most popular show.
The show could have even been bigger perhaps made into a live action movie series (such was its popularity) if not for the infamous film that was adapted from its story. Unfortunately, one of the best shows ever made quickly turned into one of the worst films ever made.
Well, Netflix is here attempting to right the wrong. Will they be successful?
Avatar: The Last Airbender Netflix release date
The first season of Avatar: The Last Airbender will be releasing on Netflix on February 22, 2024, almost nineteen years since the shows original air date (which was also in February but of 2005). There will be a total of eight episodes. The exact release time will be at 12am ET on February 22, 2024.
Watch the Avatar: The Last Airbender Trailer
If you’re excited about the show (like we are) then you should check out the trailer (below). From what they’ve shown in the trailer so far, it looks like the show is likely to stay very true to the source material (although a few large changes have already been announced).
Which characters will be included in Avatar: The Last Airbender
Of course, Avatar: The Last Airbender doesn’t just have an excellent plot, cool bending, and killer action. It’s largely a character driven show. But even in the most faithful adaptations, subplots and even entire characters get cut to make time for other focus areas. Will your favorite character be in the show?
Take a look at the list of characters we know to be in this show so far.
Avatar Aang
Of course, Avatar Aang would have to be in the show. He is, after all, the chosen savior of the world. Hardcore fans of the show will be glad to know that he appears in the Netflix adaptation pretty much exactly the same as he does in the cartoon.
After 100 years in deep hibernation, Avatar Aang returns to a world that looks little like the one he remembers. Now he must somehow seek to restore the balance, master the elements, and defend the world from the overwhelming Fire Nation.
Katara of the Southern Water Tribe
Although Aang may be the titular character of the series, Katara is arguably just as important. In the original show, Katara acts as a friend and mentor to the young Avatar. She even acts as his waterbending teacher, and becomes a power to be reckoned with herself as her waterbending skills grow throughout her journey.
To get her character right in the live action adaptation, Netflix will have to strike the ride chord between her fiery spirit, mothering nature, and latent power waiting to ebb through the surface.
Sokka of the Southern Water Tribe
Katara’s character is easier to pin down in many ways, and her role more developed than that of her brother Sokka. From a story perspective, Sokka often plays the role of comedic relief from a plot that is surprisingly intense for a show aimed at children.
At the same time, Sokka caries the same fierce loyalty that is a trademark of his sister and family. He will do anything for his friends and family, and go to great lengths to protect them, although that often involves him using his mind since he is not gifted with awesome element bending powers.
Those are the main characters. But which additional characters will be in the show? See them below per IMDB
Prince Zuko
Prince Zuko is probably one of the more popular characters in the show, and was certainly my favorite back in the day. During the first season, we will see him banished in shame from the Fire Nation with his only hope of redemption finding and capturing the lost Avatar.
Zuko isn’t only a brooding prince in need of an attitude adjustment – he’s also one of the strongest benders in the show.
Uncle Iroh
Quiet, sometimes silly, and always wise, Uncle Iroh is a lot more than he appears to be on the surface. He is one of the most powerful benders in the Fire Nation, and was once an acclaimed general.
Now he is assigned to Prince Zuko to help guide him in personal journey. His plans for the fire prince may differ from Zuko’s domineering father.
Additional characters
Kyoshi
Gran-Gran (Katara and Sokka’s Grandma)
Lieutenant Jee
Gyatso
Commander Zhao
Fire Lord Ozai
Yukari
Suki
Azula
Cabbage Merchant
Ty Lee
Mai
June
Will Netflix’s Avatar be true to the original show?
Just a cursory glance over the trailer makes it look like the first season of Avatar: The Last Airbender will follow its source material closely. Note able character inclusions like the Cabbage Merchant and iconic scenes like Zuko in his blue spirit mask also give me hope that Netflix seems to understand key aspects of the original show that made it really work.
Who has been cast as the main characters in Avatar: The Last Airbender on Netflix?
A group of young actors have been cast to play the iconic trio (plus Zuko) in Netflix’s adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender.
These include:
Gordon Cormier as Aang
Kiawentiio Tarbell as Katara
Ian Ousley as Sokka
Dallas James Liu as Zuko
Changes to the Plot in Netflix Avatar: The Last Airbender
Although not a lot is yet known about the plot for Netflix’s live action remake of The Last Airbender, they have revealed one interesting bit of information and that is in regarding the timeline of the show. No doubt Netflix is motivated to keep their world for the show open ended. However, the original Avatar show is very tight-knit – told over the course of three seasons on a tight deadline. In fact, the three seasons encompass only about a year of time. The reason for the short timeline is that there’s a commet coming that’s going to spell doom for all.
However, Netflix is removing that particular plot device due to the fact that multiple seasons in live action mean an aging cast. So undoubtedly the timing of the show could change.
Will the show’s timeline change affect the plot?
Most likely, it will. While the first season seems to be based pretty closely on the original show, it could be that a change in pacing (given there is no one year deadline before imminent doom) will open up additional plot points to explore, and further world building. This could concievably lead to additional seasons going beyond the original three seasons based around the three elements Aang needed to learn.
While it could be interesting seeing the show span out across multiple seasons, this likely will lead to a looser adaptation of the story than fans may want, and could hurt some of the cohesiveness that the original story is famed for.
Were the original creators involved in the adaptation?
It does not appear that the original Avatar: The Last Airbender creators were involved in the Netflix adaptation. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing, as a new crew could still do a fantastic job with creating a live action version of one of our favorite childhood shows.
