Netflix struck gold when they optioned Avatar: The Last Airbender on their platform. The critically-acclaimed Nickelodeon show has a committed fanbase that grows every day. In fact, Avatar: The Last Airbender recently broke the record for the longest-running top 10 streak for a Netflix show. Possibly as a result of its success, Netflix decided to put plans for a live-action remake of the series into motion. Initially, fans were pleased to learn that the show’s original creators, Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, would be working on the remake. However, the two recently announced a departure from the project over creative differences.
@bryankonietzko also wrote a statement concerning our departure. ⛰ . . . . . . #avatar #avatarthelastairbender #michaeldantedimartino #legendofKorra #avataraang #avatarkorra #avatarfandom #fantasytvseries #korra #uncleiroh #iroh #stoicphilosophy #irohquotes
A post shared by Michael Dante DiMartino (@mike_dante_d) on Aug 12, 2020 at 9:00am PDT
In a move that shocked and saddened fans of Avatar: The Last Airbender, both Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko announced their departure from the Netflix live-action project over creative differences with the streaming platform.
Michael DiMartino wrote, in part, “When Bryan and I signed on to the project in 2018, we were hired as executive producers and showrunners. In a joint announcement for the series, Netflix said that it was committed to honoring our vision for this retelling and to supporting us on creating the series. And we expressed how excited we were for this opportunity to be at the helm. Unfortunately, things did not go as we had hoped.”
“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,” he added.
“And who knows? Netflix’s live-action adaptation of Avatar has the potential to be good. It might turn out to be a show many of you end up enjoying. But what I can be certain about is that whatever version ends up on-screen, it will not be what Bryan and I had envisioned or intended to make,” DiMartino explained.
Well, friends… there you have it. Big sigh. ⬇️ I’m sure many of you will understandably want to know more and will ask me questions in the comments, here and on subsequent posts and live-streams and in-person encounters and everywhere else ad infinitum. I wish I could explain things in greater detail, but the above statement is really all I can say about the matter so I won’t be answering any of those. I encourage you to head over to my partner Michael DiMartino’s account to get his take on our departure too: @mike_dante_d Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of the Avatar: The Last Airbender fans, and I’m sorry our involvement in the live-action project did not work out. Time to get on with my life. Onward and upward. Love, Bryan #avatarthelastairbender #cocreators #michaeldimatino #bryankonietzko #bryke #atla #liveactionseries #netflix
Avatar: The Last Airbender co-creator Bryan Konietzko also shared a departure letter on Instagram, explaining why the two felt compelled to leave the project.
“When Netflix brought me on board to run this series alongside Mike two years ago, they made a very public promise to support our vision. Unfortunately, there was no follow-through on that promise. 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,” wrote Konietzko.
Konietzko went on to explain that he was lucky to have a chance to work with “wonderfully talented people” who are remaining on board for the production, and that he’s hoping the show is something fans will appreciate nevertheless.
Avatar: The Last Airbender fans are fiercely protective of the series, and many are shocked and saddened to see the two co-creators depart from the project. Many mentioned feeling as if it’s not worth looking forward to the live-action adaptation anymore.
“If you and Michael aren’t a part they shouldn’t even be doing it. We’ve had enough disappointment,” commented one Instagram user, referencing the M. Night Shyamalan adaptation of the series.
“What a shame, wish they wouldn’t finish the series without you guys. i appreciate your integrity, and I’ll keep supporting whatever new projects you both come up with!” added another user.
“Mike and Bryan we will always support your creative decisions. It’s the least we can do because you both have contributed SO much to our lives and world views through Avatar. Of course it’s so sad but I’m looking forward to the things you two have in store. It’s a shame that Netflix didn’t allow for your full creative direction. And as a creator it’s terrible to have your creation being taken from your own hands like that. Thank you for your integrity with the Avatar universe and it’s characters,” they wrote.
SOURCE: https://www.w24news.com