‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ Cast Reunites for Fan Event in 2021
When Avatar: The Last Airbender moved to Netflix in 2020, the streaming platform struck pure gold. Old fans of the show flocked for the chance to rewatch it in its entirety, and new fans were quick converts. The show was such a hit that it broke an impressive Netflix record. What’s more, Netflix decided it would be worth investing in a live-action remake of the series — despite the original attempt’s failure. However, after some creative differences, the creators decided to bow out. Despite that, fans are still committed to the show — and to that end, there’s a digital event in which the cast will be reuniting to discuss what Avatar: The Last Airbender means to them.
The show broke Netflix records
A stunning Netflix record was bested by Avatar: The Last Airbender on July 15, 2020. After a mere two months on Netflix, the beloved cartoon unseated Ozark from its position as the longest-running top 10 show.
Previously, Ozark was sitting pretty on top of the list for 57 days, as of July 14. Avatar: The Last Airbender had been sitting directly underneath it the entire time, on the cusp of catching up. On July 15, the Nickelodeon-made show landed a lofty 58 days.
This is worth noting especially because Avatar isn’t a Netflix original at all, unlike Ozark. The only other non-Netflix produced show sitting on the list prior was Money Heist. Additionally, Avatar is an animated show from 2005 — a pretty surprising combination of details when it comes to top-viewed shows.
Perhaps it just goes to show that cartoons are not just for children — and that Avatar has a lot of healthy lessons to teach viewers of all ages.
‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ creators ditch live-action reboot
Netflix announced its intentions to launch an Avatar: The Last Airbender live-action reboot. Fans had some concerns, especially given the last attempt at a live-action remake — M. Night Shyamalan’s efforts were widely panned.
However, when they discovered creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko were on board, they felt some relief. Unfortunately, it was short-lived. The two announced their departure from the Netflix project over creative differences.
“I realized I couldn’t control the creative direction of the series, but I could control how I responded. So, I chose to leave the project. It was the hardest professional decision I’ve ever had to make, and certainly not one that I took lightly, but it was necessary for my happiness and creative integrity,” wrote DiMartino in part.
“Though I got to work with some great individuals, both on Netflix’s side and on our own small development team, the general handling of the project created what I felt was a negative and unsupportive environment,” Konietzko wrote in his departure letter.
‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ cast reuniting
While fans may be feeling dismayed about the state of the live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender remake, they at least have a January event to look forward to.
Dante Basco, the voice of Zuko on the show, posted to his Instagram to let fans know that the cast would be reuniting for the event.
“As the year winds down… Here’s something to look forward to in 2021! #Avatar Reunion!!! Come hang with the #Gaang!” he wrote on Instagram.
The 30-minute panel will give the voice actors an opportunity to “discuss the Emmy award-winning show and how it still holds a special place in animation history even 15 years later.”
The event will be hosted by StageIt on January 9, at 3 pm EST. Tickets will run $10 per attendee.
