Avatar: The Legend of Aang | Creators abandon production of live-action series

“Many of you have been asking me for updates on Netflix's live-action Avatar series. I can finally say that I am no longer involved with the project. In June of this year, after two years of development work, Bryan Konietzko and I made the difficult decision to leave production. ”

When Bryan and I signed the project in 2018, we were hired as executive producers and showrunners. In a joint announcement for the series, Netflix said it was committed to honoring our vision for this new version and supporting us in creating it. We expressed how excited we were about the opportunity to be in charge. Unfortunately, things did not go as we expected.

Look, things happen. The productions are challenging. Unforeseen events arise. Plans need to change. And when these things happen at other times in my career, I try to adapt. I do my best to follow the flow, no matter what obstacle gets in my way. But even an Air Master knows when it's time to cut ties and move on.

I started to reevaluate what is really important in my life and what I wanted to do with what was left of it. I took some advice from Uncle Iroh. I looked inside and started asking myself the big question: "Who are you and what do you want?"

I also sought the wisdom of Stoic philosophers who were great at differentiating between what is under our control and what is not. I realized that I couldn't control the creative direction of the series, but I managed to control how I responded. So, I chose to leave the project. It was the most difficult professional decision I ever had to make, and certainly not one I took lightly, but it was necessary for my happiness and creative integrity.

And who knows? The live-action adaptation of Netflix's Avatar has the potential to be good. It could end up being a show that many of you will enjoy. But what I can be sure of is that, whatever version appears on the screen, it will not be what Bryan and I had imagined or intended to do.

I also want to make it clear that this does not mean the end of my involvement in the Avatar universe. These stories and characters are important to me and the renewed interest and enthusiasm in Avatar and Korra has been inspiring to see.

Writing this letter left me with a very heavy heart. I know that many of you will be disappointed and frustrated by this news. I understand. I share your disappointment and frustration. I also recognize that this creative setback is small compared to the problems we all face as a society now.

Fortunately, Iroh offered some wisdom about this as well: “Sometimes life is like a dark tunnel. You can't always see the light at the end of the tunnel, but if you just keep moving, you’ll get to a better place. ”

May we all move on and get to a better place. Thank you for reading and for your continued enthusiasm for the Avatar universe. With gratitude, Michael Dante DiMartino. ”