'Avatar: The Last Airbender' creators depart Netflix live-action adaptation

The creators of Nickelodeon’s animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender announced their departure from the upcoming live-action Netflix adaption.

In a blog post, Michael Dante DiMartino said that he and Bryan Konietzko decided to walk away from the project upon realizing that they couldn’t control the “creative direction” of the series adaptation.

“Many of you have been asking me for updates about the Avatar live-action Netflix series. I can finally tell you that I am no longer involved with the project,” DiMatrino wrote.

DiMatrino said that when they were tapped as executive producers and showrunners in 2018, Netflix vowed to honor their vision for the live-action series. However, DiMatrino said that “things did not go as we had hoped.”

“Look, things happen. Productions are challenging. Unforeseen events arise. Plans have to change. And when those things have happened at other points during my career, I try to be like an Air Nomad and adapt. I do my best to go with the flow, no matter what obstacle is put in my way. But even an Air Nomad knows when it’s time to cut their losses and move on,” DiMatrino wrote.

Although they are no longer helming the project, DiMatrino assured fans that their involvement in the Avatar universe is not over. “These stories and characters are important to me and the renewed interest and excitement in Avatar and Korra has been inspiring to see.”

Avatar: The Last Airbender first debuted on Nickelodeon in 2005 and aired until 2008 for a total of three seasons. The series follows the story of Aang, the last airbender and his quest to master the elements of water, earth fire and air.

All three seasons of Avatar: The Last Airbender are now streaming on Netflix.

(Image courtesy of IMDB)