First Photos from M. Night Shyamalan’s Avatar: The Last Airbender
I’ll be the first to admit that I know next to nothing about Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The Last Airbender. I had assumed that it was just another imported anime series, but as it turns out, it is actually an American show that draws influences from Asian culture… go figure. Either way, I think it can still be counted as part of the massive wave of upcoming live action movies based on anime properties, but the thing that I find most interesting about this project is the fact that it’s being directed by M. Night Shyamalan in his first non-original work.
Two photos from the movie have debuted online this week courtesy of USA Today, one introducing 12-year-old Noah Ringer in the lead role, and the other showing off Dev Patel (Slumdog Millionaire) as the villain Zuko. Based on the pictures I’ve seen, it seems like they’ve nailed it although I think Zuko is supposed to have some sort of scar on his eye that is absent here. Either way, the images have definitely raised my interest level a few notches. Going from animated to live action is a hard transition, but I’m very curious to see what M. Night Shyamalan comes up with. Avatar and Shyamalan fans… what do you have to say about these pictures? The movie (which has been retitled to The Last Airbender in order to avoid confusion with James Cameron’s Avatar) is still over a year away; it doesn’t hit theatres until July 2, 2010.
Comments (8)
I hope this isn’t as bad as “The Shammhammer’s” previous few films.
Posted by Matt K on May 22nd, 2009I am interested, but it’s a kids film. It probably won’t be amazing.
Did you ever read “The Man Who Heard Voices” Sean? I just re-read the paperback, I think it’s a book that anybody remotely interested in directing should read.
Posted by Henrik on May 22nd, 2009I started reading The Man Who Heard Voices a few months back but got sidetracked by some other books (it happens to me a lot). I will probably get back to it sometime this summer.
Posted by Sean on May 22nd, 2009I’m not sure it will be a good movie.. ’cause as long I know, Avatar is a (great) cartoon movie (I saw this cartoon almost everyday in my country).. I think not all of their unique character and view can be transferred successfully into ‘human movie’ –> better in 3D movie may be..
Posted by Joddie on May 23rd, 2009I’m actually thinking this could be really good.
1. The cartoon is probably the best American animated action series for kids in a loooong time.
2. Shyamalan is doing the key thing directors that have entered a funk should do…something they’ve never done before.
3. Shyamalan isn’t solely responsible for the script.
“I am interested, but it’s a kids film. It probably won’t be amazing.”
Dude, Star Wars was also just “a kids film.”
Sean, you should keep reading The Man Who Heard Voices. I may not like Shyamalan that much anymore; but at least I can respect him after giving that a read.
Posted by Ryan M. on May 24th, 2009There are multiple challenges here, not just going from anime to live action. The plot is actually quite complex so slimming it down to a couple of hours while still being recognizable is going to be a real challenge. I’m an adult and father and thought the cartoon was great, so I remain hopeful the movie’s going to be good. Fingers crossed.
Oh, and by the way, Zuko isn’t a villain, he’s an anti-hero, at least in the early stages. Without wanting to give the plot away the villain, if there is one, is his father.
Posted by Chris on June 5th, 2009i enjoy all the movies of shyam hope everyone will enjoy the new one including me………………
all the best &&&&&&&&&&&&&& love ur all films
Posted by its me coolna on November 18th, 2009This movie sounds good but They have all the characters all wrong Sokka and Katara aren’t right and Aang looks to serious They could have done better with his characters If you want to know more about it Go to watch the Trailer on youtube and read THERE comments The cartoon is amazing. Some people een say its raciest
Posted by Lou Lou on June 24th, 2010Leave a Reply