We have our first official look at The Last Airbender courtesy of USA Today. Meet Noah Ringer, the 12-year-old unknown chosen by M. Night Shyamalan to take on the role of Aang in the live action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender. For years he had gone by the nickname “Avatar” given his resemblance to the titular character, and it’s obvious he was destined to play the role. He even kept his head shaved before landing the role in the film.
It keeps me cool when I’m doing tae kwon do.
Starring opposite of Ringer is Dev Patel as the evil Prince Zuko. Patel has no doubt in his mind what the outcome would be in an actual real life brawl between the two.
Noah would knock me flat on my back.
The battle to restore balance to the planet begins July 2, 2010!
Tags: Avatar: The Last Airbender, Dev Patel, m. night, Noah Ringer, shyamalan
May 22, 2009 at 2:34 am |
I love it!!! What do you think???????
May 23, 2009 at 6:54 am |
Aang looks like a ten year old bully in a playground.
May 22, 2009 at 2:41 am |
I like the costumes. I think they did a great job on keeping the feel without the cartoon brightness. Appearance wise I like Noah as Aang, and Dev looks plenty menacing for his role. I’d like to see some better shots of the arrow and scar though. I think the decision to not go with season 1 hair for Zuko was a great one.
June 25, 2009 at 12:11 am |
aang you look cute as in the cartoon
May 22, 2009 at 2:45 am |
OMG! They look a thousand times better than I expected, this is awesome! (squeals)
May 22, 2009 at 3:29 am |
The costumes look like ****. They dont look as if they were ment for a movie but as if a fan created it for comic con. Fail
May 24, 2009 at 3:19 am |
I disagree. I’ve seen considerably better at conventions.
June 6, 2009 at 11:04 pm
Actually, Megan, having been to the far east, Aang’s costume is more like what you will find in the real world. For example, the shoes are pretty much exactly what you would find a monk wearing, as well as the bindings on his legs. So, while it may not be what y’all have in mind, it is very much what you will see in that part of the world.
September 7, 2010 at 12:51 pm |
your not lyin some of the costumes look nothingl like the cartoon,he F***ed
up the names,and did yall see how the people who were white or light sknned in da cartoon like zuko or his uncle or his dad were dark skinned in da movie while kitara an her bro were white in da movie when they arent in da cartoon.he’s a HORRIIBLE DIRECTOR! ther shud fire him
September 7, 2010 at 12:57 pm
o yea but im a fan an i still liked da movie lookin past all of the flaws and i wanna see da next one i just hope they make it more like da cartoon.
May 22, 2009 at 3:40 am |
^ Guy above.. Come on now, they don’t look that bad. You’re coming off as the kind of person that just wants to complain.
That aside, these look great and so far this movie/trilogy is looking great, much better than the other movies it’s already drawing comparisons to, ala Street Fighter and Dragonball. The Avatar universe is quite rich and there’s so much they can draw upon to make this everything true Avatar fans want it to be.
May 22, 2009 at 3:53 am |
but zuko doesn’t look like that at all.
February 8, 2010 at 3:43 am |
Disappointing for his choice for Zuko
Zuko is Eastern Asian
I know M night Shamalan is Indian related but choosing a guy whom looks nothing like is a bit aggravating
Because he’s supposed to be dreamy not like that
But it will be an amazing film I don’t doubt it
I just hope Patel will play up to his role
May 22, 2009 at 4:03 am |
“there’s so much they can draw upon to make this everything true Avatar fans want it to be.”
True avatar fans? Whats that supposed to mean? Im a true avatar fan, I have all the seasons dvd collections, all 4 the lost scrolls books, and stickers and other avatar things and I think this look Im sorry like shyt. The costumes look nothing like avatar at all, they look cheap, and the movie dosent look like the show we love anymore. This is gonna be just like dragon ball, another fail.
July 23, 2010 at 12:51 pm |
I totally agree with you.
May 22, 2009 at 4:14 am |
It’s worse than I expected.
It probably would have helped if Noah Ringer was at least 10% cute.
May 22, 2009 at 4:16 am |
Speak for yourself, champ. It looks fine. That wasn’t even about you. I had already concluded my sentence in regard to you. I’m speaking in general for people that love Avatar, not directed at one person; you made it about you.
People complaining about Dragonball was one thing. It had a terrible cast, awful director, even more awful producer and the worst script imaginable.
Nothing is known of the TLA script; The Director is good as long as he isn’t directing his own material. The movie has two producers whom have produced more than half of Spielberg’s most successful movies; one of those same producers is the highest grossing Producer OF ALL time. The costumes are fine, they’re not going to look exactly like they did in the cartoon, and they probably altered them to make them look better because recreations wouldn’t work.
The only weakness of this movie is the fact people can’t see some of the white actors in what they perceive to be characters of other races, when the only difference was skin ton. No nationalities or races were compared even once in the show to real life ones. Nobody ran up to Zuko and said “Wow! You’re Eastern Asian. :B”
Let it go. You’re basing your assumptions on no information and two pictures which are generally being well received on every other site i’ve been to. It won’t be the next Dragonball, you’re trying to make it into the next one.
May 22, 2009 at 5:34 am |
“It had a terrible cast, awful director, even more awful producer and the worst script imaginable”
Sounds alot like The Last Airbender to me
“Nothing is known of the TLA script”
But that the person writting it has had a reputation for being a bad writter
“The Director is good as long as he isn’t directing his own material.”
Hes an ok director. Not the best, hes just ok. But we dont know how he will do with an action kids movie. Hes only dirrected horror movies and not ones with alot of GCI in them (exept for signs)
“The costumes are fine, they’re not going to look exactly like they did in the cartoon, and they probably altered them to make them look better because recreations wouldn’t work.”
I never expected them to look just like the cartoon, but atleast more detailed and better matterial. More profetional looking and realistic. These look like halloween costumes. It might be the colors or the material, but idk, they just look too costumie. I know I know they are technically costumes but for movies they are supposed to look realistic. Like someone actually would wear one.
“The only weakness of this movie is the fact people can’t see some of the white actors in what they perceive to be characters of other races, when the only difference was skin ton.”
…and bone structure, and eye shape ect ect
“No nationalities or races were compared even once in the show to real life ones.”
Mike and Bryan did talk about Katara’s ethnicity in an dvd commentary, saying she is inuit. And about Zuko, did you not see his eyes? His uncle? They both look clearly asian, but Im not going to get into the ethnicity issue. You’re the one who brung it up not me. im just complaining about the costumes.
“Let it go. You’re basing your assumptions on no information and two pictures which are generally being well received on every other site i’ve been to.”
Go to imdb.com
“It won’t be the next Dragonball, you’re trying to make it into the next one.”
It already is in every way shape and form
May 22, 2009 at 8:10 am |
>>>No nationalities or races were compared even once in the show to real life ones. Nobody ran up to Zuko and said “Wow! You’re Eastern Asian. :B”<<<<
I do have to ask.
How many people apart from South East Asian( THailand, Vietnam, Korea, Japan, China) have that hairstyle in the last thousand years?
Why do you think it was decided that Patel not wear the skull cap?
It would have looked even more ridiculous.
Wonder if they'll get him to practice with the Dao Swords like Zuko or will it be an Indian Talwar?
I do wonder if this film will be shown in India and how will they react to a bunch of Indian or Middle-Eastern people wearing Chinese Armour?
June 2, 2009 at 3:10 am
Dude, relax. At least Zuko’s not being played by Jesse McCartney anymore. And for your information, though the characters in the show are not of Indian race, at least India has something to do with the show, as most of the philosophy and spiritual stuff (with the exception of the yin and yang stuff) is based on Hinduism. So just be glad they changed Zuko’s actor to Dev Patel. I think he will do a good job. And by the way, the people of the Fire Nation struck me as being more Japanese than Chinese.
May 22, 2009 at 4:23 am |
lolol and the token appearances of “Aang Aint White” drones begins. Keep trying to fight the man, YO, FIGHT THE POWER. Aang is set in stone, he’s gonna be that little kid that isn’t even “10% cute” for the next three live action movies.. Does it really burn you people that much that they cast a kid that not only looks dead on as Aang, but apparently has the physical capabilities to play him, aswell?
May 22, 2009 at 5:41 am |
Well, it’s nice to see that you haven’t even taken the time to try and understand what the people over at AAW are really talking about.
I’m just sorry that you apparently think that in order to be ethnically Asian you have to have yellow skin, really slanted dark eyes and speak with broken English.
May 22, 2009 at 7:59 am |
Actually the physical capability part will be played by his stunt double.
An Asian Martial artist named Jade Quon. She will be the stunt double for Noah Ringer.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1203910/
They could have gotten Wushu practitioners instead of Noah who supposedly has either Tae Kwon Do or Karate. (These are wrong martial arts and known as Hard Styles)
Aang practices Baguazhang, which is a Soft style.
Brandon Soo Hoo: Shaolin.
Weapons includes bo, nunchuck, and sword
Or another
Perris Aquino who has trained in Chinese Martial Arts for FIVE years.
Aang Audition (Sides&Martial Arts only)
Not only do the fans know that there were other actors better qualified, but we also know that they were not even considered due to the casting call for:
Caucasians or Other Ethnicity.
May 22, 2009 at 11:09 am
I’m sorry to break it to you but that kid can’t act, thats probably the reason he wasn’t picked. He should stick to martial arts.
The cast is fine and the movie will be great. Despite your “distaste” with the casting decisions, Paramount is investing a great deal of money in producing a movie with all the proper resources and the appropriate time it needs so it can succeed.
With ILM working on the special effects (specifically the many bending techniques and etc.) and Quantum Creation FX to create Appa which won’t just be an all CGI piece of mush but they are applying an intricate mixture of motion capture SFX, with some real models/puppets. It’s recently been used in Warner Brother’s “Where The Wild Things Are”.
The movie will become a success at the BO (Box Office) and hopefully be received well critically if its a good movie.
The protest websites won’t effect this film in the slightest. Just you wait until the promotional campaign begins to advertise the film. The teaser trailer will be released on June 24th so that will kick start the awareness level around this film into gear.
Hope everyone enjoys the film!
- Thomas (Marketing Consultant), Paramount Pictures
May 27, 2009 at 8:30 pm
Thomas,
You sound extremely confident that this movie is going to be a great success to the general public. I’m sure the producers of Eragon and The Golden Compass thought the same, as did the producers of Dragonball. Both books and the anime series had quite a large fanbase, I believe. Yet the movies tanked and were panned by critics.
Personally, I will not even enjoy the film because I’ve already decided that I will not see it. Yes, I am just a measly 10 dollars lost to this potentially “huge franchise”, but I won’t stop fighting for what I believe in, and your efforts to try to discourage protesters will not effect us from still trying everything in our power to fight against this sad continuation of yellowface in Hollywood.
May 22, 2009 at 4:26 am |
Straight to DVD. It will sucks eggs, the kid playing Aang lacks the happy demeanor and innocence Aang should have, and I am not yet playing the whitewashing chord here.
May 22, 2009 at 4:45 am |
@Aang could very possibly be White Says
If the franchis will reach part 2 and 3 to begin with. But IMO it will be an epic fail commercially speaking, and well the end of Night’s career.
May 22, 2009 at 4:48 am |
“I think it is possible that a good many readers never even notice what color the people in the story are. Don’t notice, maybe don’t care. Whites of course have the privilege of not caring, of being ‘colorblind.’ Nobody else does.”
-Ursula K. LeGuin
May 22, 2009 at 4:49 am |
The pictures actually look pretty good. I like how Aang is holding his staff, and the subtlety of the arrow tattoo was a good idea. I was wondering how they were going to pull that off. It’s kind of funny seeing Dev with the “Angry Face” because I’m so use to seeing him so happy. Definitely looks like a better Zuko than Jesse would have ever been.
Why would you few individuals rip on it so much? The pictures look just fine (and who cares about Zuko’s ponytail). Most likely you’re ripping into it this early is because you already have a preconceived assumption that it will suck or that already it doesn’t look EXACTLY like it’s portrayed in the show. You just need to sit back and have an open mind because it’s way too early to determine whether the movie is going to suck or not so there shouldn’t be any complaining.
May 22, 2009 at 5:11 am |
We don’t have a preconceived assumption, we don’t need assumptions since the yellowface practice of Hollywood had been around even before we were born.
This is not an issue of exactness, this is an issue of blatant whitewashing.
This is not an issue of open-mindedness, because we had been charitable enough that the movie might give justice to the work we all loved. But it seems they went with the rationale that white = hero = profit. Which of course is racist.
May 22, 2009 at 5:03 am |
It IS too early to determine whether the movie is going to suck or not.
But, since its official that Noah Ringer is not 10% Asian,
this is the perfect time to decide not to support the Avatar franchise.
Air Nomads = Caucasian
Water Tribe = Caucasian
Earth Kingdom = Asian
Fire Nation = Middle Eastern
The Last Airbender = Fail
May 22, 2009 at 5:12 am |
Fail = Torrent or Rentals = Blog more how it really is a failure.
July 24, 2009 at 8:08 pm |
your upset because hes not asian that sounds a bit racist.
May 22, 2009 at 5:05 am |
You know what would have been nice? If they’d cast someone of Japanese decent for Zuko. Like he should be. Instead of this ridiculous crap.
May 22, 2009 at 5:29 am |
Aang Aint White:
Air Nomads = Caucasian
Water Tribe = Caucasian
Earth Kingdom = Asian
Fire Nation = Middle Eastern
The Last Airbender = Fail
Brilliant summation.
May 22, 2009 at 5:29 am |
yeah i so can see how he looks 10% asain oh and hey isn’t there suppose to be a big blue arrow on his head…wait i see it now its so faded and hard to see. hey its dev what is that a flash back pick before the scare and shouldn’t his hair be in a knot… idk i feel bad for all those of Asian decent whose cultures where used in Avatar the last airbender i don’t think they will be to happy
May 22, 2009 at 5:39 am |
10% Asian?!?
10% = monk’s outfit
May 22, 2009 at 5:42 am |
I’m okay with Aang being played by a white actor. It’s rather offensive that they didn’t even try to find a young asian actor to play the role, but if the kid can pull it off I guess it’s not so bad.
But Dev Patel as Zuko? Really? No one else has a problem with this? You’re all complaining about the ponytail. Screw the ponytail! Zuko is clearly a pale, pale asian boy. I don’t think anyone, ever, can watch the cartoon and think “Yeah, this guy could be Indian.” It is just incedibly frustrating to look at these actors and realize that they probably didn’t even try to find people who looked like the characters.
Also, am I the only person who realizes how bad it looks that all the ‘good guys’ are played by white people, while all the ‘bad guys’ are played by arabic/arabic looking people?
May 22, 2009 at 5:51 am |
No, you are not the only one.
There is a facebook group (3000+ and growing),
MANAA,
and the East West Players.
We hope that by 2010,
the boycotters will outnumber
the ignorant parents who will let their kids watch this kind of movie.
May 22, 2009 at 5:58 am |
I have to disagree with the negative comments made here. I think a tremendous amount of racism as been raised on both sides of the argument.
Personally I find the above two images appealing. I see in them, the spirit of what I liked so much about the animated show. I have the ability to acknowledge, that the characters cannot be identical to their animated counterparts, but I’m not going to hold their skin color against them.
Because a white man plays the role of aang, doesn’t mean he won’t be a good actor. None of you can say how this will turn out, until it is done.
The doom and gloom gets very tiring. No one seems to acknowledge some of the great casting done in this film Assif Mandvi is a fantastic actor and I’m excited to see him in the movie.
I like the clothing, it has a sense of realism to it. Just looking at Aang it seems like he’s been locked away for 100 years. Also I would think a bright blue arrow would be distracting on an actual human face. Subtle is good, and perhaps we’ll still see a very good avatar state.
I believe so far, the costume and physical appearance of these two particular characters, will do the show justice. Their ability to act is the real question. And none of us can judge that, without being terribly biased, one way or another.
So I suggest peace over this bitterness. Lets all enjoy this experience as it unfolds. Maybe we’ll be let down, but that’s no reason to be so negative so very early.
May 22, 2009 at 6:28 am |
There is a difference between ‘not being exactly the same’ and ‘not even bothering to try and find someone of the same race’. Like I said, that kids does look a bit like Aang, so as long as he pulls it off I won’t mind. But Dev Patel would have been a much better fit as Sokka. For me it isn’t just about race, what I want are actors who have at least a passing resemblance to the character. I know a balance must be found between looks and acting ability, but by the looks of the actors they didn’t even TRY to find actors who resembled the characters they were playing.
And maybe it is racist to want them to stay true to the race the characters were in the cartoon, but let me ask you two things. One, do you really think that there aren’t enough talented asian actors to fill these roles? That there aren’t enough Inuit or Inuit-looking actors capable of filling those roles? Was it absolutely necessary to cast EVERY ‘good’ character as white? And two, if Avatar had a nation made up entirely of black people, but in the movie all the actors playing those characters were white, how big of an uproar do you think it would make?
April 9, 2010 at 7:04 pm
@Reasoner……..if i had $1000000 and i couldn’t spend it on myself, i would give it to u. I cannot possibly agree more with you. First off, as a side note, does anyone but me notice that the whole water tribe is played by white characters???????? I’m not sure if my eyes need to be checked or if i’m blind, but if i’m not mistaken, in the original series Sokka, Katara, Gran and Gran and everyone else from the water tribe isn’t white. Secondly, Dev Patel would be PERFECT for Sokka-just wanted to throw that out there. Third, as far as Noah Ringer is concerned, I do believe Noah Ringer wouldn’t completely destroy the movie, but I highly doubt they can’t find an asian actor would looks and sounds like Aang. It is true that Noah Ringer is indeed a decent pick to play Aang. However, I think he is not the greatest selection. Last, but not least, fourth, just as Reasoner stated, it would create colossal controversy if a village full of blacks was re-incarnated into a village full of whites. Therefore, this casting of all the “important” people of the series being white is ridiculous in my opinion.
May 22, 2009 at 7:46 am |
It has been pointed out as well in regards to Star TRek.
Hikaru Sulu is an Asian Male character
Nyota Uhura is an African female character.
How would the fans, like myself, have reacted if Paramount Studios decided to cast them with White Caucasian Actors?
Or look at one of the ATLA characters. Iroh.
The elder character guiding the young Prince Zuko.
Accent, Martial Arts, Drinks Jasmine Tea, Eat with chopsticks, Eats duck noodle soup.
Now we will have a Persian Actor portraying the character and who will be wearing outfits reminiscent of Chinese/Japanese mythos.
Unless they also change the outfits, he will look like a Middle-Eastern man who is a Japanophile.
Either way, this movie, will not be Last Airbender.
It will be as convincing as an episode of Xena or Hercules.
May 22, 2009 at 6:51 am |
I am sorry Koh, that our “negative” comments are upsetting you.
But, our comments don’t compare to the “negative” message this movie will put out.
“The Asians stay in the background,
while the Caucasian heroes save the world
from the evil Middle Eastern villains”
Come on people!
The Air Nomads and the Water Tribe have suffered through genocide.
Just like Tibetans and Native Americans.
That message hit me hard while watching the series.
How can you take that away!
“Peace over bitterness” is exactly what Paramount Pictures wants us to do.
This has nothing to do with the actors or their acting skills.
It’s about the casting decision.
If the producers would have put in the same effort as Mike and Bryan did
in the research and character development,
then there wouldn’t be so much negativity.
If they ignore the source material
and change the race of the Air Nomads, Water Tribe, and Fire Nation,
then they might as well, change the Asian names, mythology, folklore, philosophy, religion, ideologies, martial arts, architecture, calligraphy, diet and eating utensils.
Now that we see a picture of a caucasian kid in a monk outfit,
we have every right to be bitter.
I am sorry, I just don’t have the privilege to not care.
May 22, 2009 at 7:13 am |
Amen. Don’t give up hope on the negative comments directed towards you, I’m right behind you on this!
May 22, 2009 at 7:00 am |
Alright, Aang Ain’t White, I just had about enough of this goddamn race SH*T! The people who voiced the characters on the show weren’t Asian and I didn’t notice that they looked like they were of different races. I stand by what Koh says and, do us all a favor, and SHUT THE F*CK UP!
May 22, 2009 at 7:11 am |
nobody who is against the cast will refuse to “shut the f*ck* up” over this. I’m sure people told MLK to “shut the f*ck up” countless times, but he didn’t and thank God for that. Neither will we.
May 22, 2009 at 7:24 am |
Alright, Paramount Pictures, I just had about enough of this goddamn race SH*T! The people who voiced the characters on the show were Mako and Dante Basco and I noticed the East West Players helpes you find these talented Asian voice actors. Why didn’t you tap into EWP’s resource of Asian-American actors/actresses for The Last Airbender to express the beautiful diversity of Asia? I stand by what Mako says, “White people in Asian outfits look ridiculous.”
May 22, 2009 at 7:30 am |
Some of the voices were White Caucasian Americans and some Asian Americans.
In the Simpsons:
Bart (young boy) is voiced by a Female Voice actor.
Apu (Indian character)is voiced by a White American Male.
In a live action film, by your assessment, Bart will be played by a White girl and Apu by a White Caucasian American male.
Is that your point?
May 22, 2009 at 7:36 am |
rider28031,
In Mexico, the voice actors were speaking Spanish and in France the show was in French. I am sorry that the animated series didn’t use Asian voice actors with broken english.
Maybe the characters should have been a different shade of yellow and have more squinty eyes.
And if you really stood by what Koh said, then you would have STFU. Koh’s point was about everyone being so negative and your comment is the most negative. It’s like you are taking this personal.
You are colorblind. You didn’t even notice the the color of the characters. You have the privilege to not care. So you NEED to STFU!
I understand both sides. You understand 1 side. I totally understand where you are coming from. Understand where I am coming from by clicking on my name, then decide whether you should tell me to STFU.
May 22, 2009 at 4:27 pm
Okay, I got a little carried away on the voice cast stuff and I’d like to make a formal apology. It’s just that some people are overreacted by the fact of the (movie) cast’s race. Sure, I was a little worried when Dev was given Zuko, but he is pulling of quite nicely. Also, you have to admit that this Noah kid does look a little Asian and he’s looking good so far. Just wait til the trailer hits, then be the judge.
Also on the voice cast, I am an Avatar fan but I never did bother to check the cast credits. I completly forgot of the great Mako and his work as Iroh.
May 22, 2009 at 7:06 am |
It disappoints me that people are so die-hard about this live-action movie, SO much so where they can’t even see things from the other side.
I cannot be quiet about this, I can’t just sit back and watch a show I love be turned into this. I can’t make peace until I have justice…this is racism to me. Blatant racism, that Hollywood continues to perpetuate.
There has been a huge debate about Aang – “he looks white”, “on the show he was white.” Aang, to me, was always and always will be Asian. He was an Asian monk in an Asian inspired fantasy land. So I’m not sorry to say this – Noah Ringer does not look like Aang. He looks like a white kid playing dress up in a “monk” suit. And yes, he looks ridiculous in my (and several others’) opinion.
On a show that was based entirely on Asian culture, this white-washing of the cast is embarassing, disappointing, and truthfully downright disgusting. Yes, Avatar was a “fantasy world”, but if it’s all fantasy, why is it so hard to accept Asian/Inuit actors in these “fantasy” roles, when the whole Avatar universe was based on Asian/Inuit culture to begin with? Are you that afraid of seeing Asian/Inuit take on roles in a show that was inspired from their own culture? Does it not make sense to you?
And really? Dev as Zuko? Like someone said before, Zuko in “Avatar” was CLEARLY a pale, PALE Asian boy. And to make him of Indian descent is just twisting the story to unrealistic extents. NOBODY watched the show and probably had the SLIGHTEST thought of Zuko being Indian. I think he would have made a wonderful Sokka, but as Zuko, I just can’t accept that.
I won’t make generalizations towards others like “anyone who can’t see this stupidity in these pictures is a moron”, but PLEASE just be honest to yourselves for a moment – doesn’t this look just the LEAST bit off to you?
May 23, 2009 at 3:06 am |
AFAIK, India is part of Asia. Your reference regarding casting Dev as Zuko implies that India is separate.
May 23, 2009 at 7:28 am
Asia is not just one race. It’s a whole continent.
Why are Hollywood Exec lumping them all in one batch?
Dev Patel looks like someone from Mortal Kombat rather than ATLA.
Will he wielding a Chinese Dao sword, like Zuko or an Indian Talwir?
July 24, 2009 at 8:13 pm |
in the show did he ever say “im Asian”? if so please tell me what episode.
April 9, 2010 at 7:17 pm
With all due respect “why?”
in the show did he ever say “i’m White”? if so please tell me what episode
May 22, 2009 at 7:49 am |
What a waste of time and money this movie is.
Firstly Asian Movies should be left for asian people or at least a director/producer with a clue else disaster happens like this happens.
Secondly they should stick with movies adaptations like X-men at least they can’t screw anything up since characters are mutants.
Thirdly, to me this is typically another sad attempt of jack asian things, distorting and corrupting the original enough to piss everyone off and then try to sell it off.
Like all racist attitudes in this world, they like ethnic cultures but not the people.
Lastly, not ONLY does the way this movie is looking to fail, it’s the whole process and way they went about putting it together. It’s shows everything wrong with the entertainment industry.
Whoever is in charge of this movie production should be fired, they are dragging down the movie industry.
Avatar the last air bender, they may as well stick a swastika on all the characters heads and make them skinhead neo nazi’s.
May 22, 2009 at 8:08 am |
Well, the Boulder guesses that if people would rather stuff their fingers in their ears and yell STFU than engage in polite discourse…then you’re probably on slightly higher ground.
May 22, 2009 at 8:16 am |
While personally I concur with Koh’s wish of “Joy-Joy” feelings, we here at lastairbenderfilm.com try to remain as public a forum for discussion as we can.
We do ask that in return for such freedom of expression that all of you remember that this movie and this website stem from a family oriented show.
While we understand the need for healthy debate, we ask that it be done with the understanding that potentially young children may come across your comments.
Basically just tone down on the profanity. It’s not necessary to make your point. I don’t want my child reading it, and I bet other parents feel the same way.
Other than that, thanks for visiting the site and for the great discussion.
We started the site because we love Avatar, we strive to maintain it now for the fans.
Thanks Again.
May 22, 2009 at 9:46 am |
We didn’t start the flame war.
May 23, 2009 at 7:34 am |
Thank you for maintaining this site.
THere are people on both sides of the debate who seem to enjoy insulting people over the internet. Not a sign of a mature character.
I do get annoyed that the so-called pro-casters accuse the ones who feel insulted by the film makers as not real fans of the show.
I have a nephew and neice who have the series on DVD. I am not looking forward to questions on why all the people have changed colour.
So, they will not be watching this film.
May 22, 2009 at 8:18 am |
Seriously, most people in this world do not have a problem with the roles if they are filled by asian actors since it would actually ‘make sense’.
The only people who have a problem with the casting seems to be the ignorant producers who insist on making this movie the way they want it.
Considering that it’s us who are paying money for movies they might actually boost their sales if ever get a clue.
So I wonder if these companies are listening to customer feedback at all?
They should just do a cast reshuffle it’s not going to affect their merchandise, that is if they haven’t already whitewashed the merchandise too.
May 22, 2009 at 10:54 am |
OMG!!!!!!!! THEY LOOK FANTASTIC!!!!!!!! ALMOST EXACTLY LIKE THEIR ANIMATED COUNTERPARTS!!!!!!!
May 25, 2009 at 9:45 pm |
You’re not serious are you????
May 22, 2009 at 11:30 am |
I do have something I’d like to ask, I’m sure everyone has seen this quote.
“The story follows the adventures of the successor to a long line of Avatars who must put aside his irresponsible ways and stop the Fire Nation from enslaving the Water, Earth and Air nations.”
Now leaving aside the fact that the fire nation committed genocide, not enslavement of the air nations, isn’t it a bit ‘callous’ (best word I can come up with at the moment) to consider being trapped in an iceberg for 100 years and being freed “putting aside his irresponsible ways”?
They make it sound like Aang wouldn’t stop watching reality TV until the eskimos came along and whipped him into shape.
For a 12 year old child I think he handled what was dumped on him pretty well. You show me one adult who could live up to that responsibility.
Just a thought, I’d like opinions
.
May 22, 2009 at 12:41 pm |
um… I realize that the picture had Zuko at an angle…but where is his scar? It was an integral part of his character design and development, but it seems to be missing.
I am upset about the disappointing casting, but it seems like there nothing to be done at this point, so instead of going on about that, there are other questions, not quite as important or offensive, but still interesting. Like, what language is all of the writing on the movie going to be, or why/what changes are going to be done to the character designs and character development.
May 22, 2009 at 12:42 pm |
“I never expected them to look just like the cartoon, but atleast more detailed and better matterial. More profetional looking and realistic. These look like halloween costumes. It might be the colors or the material, but idk, they just look too costumie. I know I know they are technically costumes but for movies they are supposed to look realistic. Like someone actually would wear one.”
With you on that one. As someone very experienced in wardrobe and costumes, I’d agree that these look very low-budget and Halloween-esque, especially Aang’s. Come on, look at those booties! Costumes need detail and more specific cuts that these here. It’s cheap fabric also. Zuko’s might be more forgivable – wish we had a better image!
And come on, people. Stop complaining about the actors and their racial backgrounds. Let’s just wait to see the film already, and judge the by their acting skills instead.
May 22, 2009 at 12:51 pm |
Dunno.
Meh…it looks good…
but…
meh.
May 22, 2009 at 3:53 pm |
Meh. Mwahahaha.
Does anyone else think Zuko looks like a young Jafar (from Aladdin)?
I’m sorry, but if a 15-year-old cosplayer with $50 and no costume experience can do a better job than a multi-million-dollar movie production, somebody is doing something wrong.
May 22, 2009 at 4:15 pm |
Dev looks like a young Jafar.
Noah is all ‘Anakin: The Lame Airbender’
May 22, 2009 at 5:00 pm |
>>>>>>Henderson Says:
May 22, 2009 at 11:09 am
I’m sorry to break it to you but that kid can’t act, thats probably the reason he wasn’t picked. He should stick to martial arts.
The cast is fine and the movie will be great. Despite your “distaste” with the casting decisions, Paramount is investing a great deal of money in producing a movie with all the proper resources and the appropriate time it needs so it can succeed.
With ILM working on the special effects (specifically the many bending techniques and etc.) and Quantum Creation FX to create Appa which won’t just be an all CGI piece of mush but they are applying an intricate mixture of motion capture SFX, with some real models/puppets. It’s recently been used in Warner Brother’s “Where The Wild Things Are”.
The movie will become a success at the BO (Box Office) and hopefully be received well critically if its a good movie.
The protest websites won’t effect this film in the slightest. Just you wait until the promotional campaign begins to advertise the film. The teaser trailer will be released on June 24th so that will kick start the awareness level around this film into gear.
Hope everyone enjoys the film!
- Thomas (Marketing Consultant), Paramount Pictures<<<<
What I find annoying is the lack of a reply button.
Another is that a so-called "Marketing consultant" does not know the difference between the words "effect" and "affect".
Perris Aquino's acting is easily rectified by training and experience. His Martial Arts skills are not so easy to duplicate.
My "distaste" with the casting choice stems from my disgust over Paramount Studio execs' idea of what constitutes a diverse film.
I will have to judge the part about proper resources, in future, but what I hear does not bode well for this film. $250 million for three films, when an effects heavy film like "Golden Compass" supposedly had a $180 million budget? Even "Watchmen" had a $120million budget.
There are almost 6,000 signature on the petition and it's only May. As a "Marketing consultant" I am sure you know about adverse publicity and how people love to complain to all and sundry.
I look forward to watching the trailer on June 24th and handing leaflets out to the ones watching Transformers 2.
May 24, 2009 at 6:34 pm |
Actually, you are the one who doesn’t know the difference between “affect” and “effect.”
You also appear to know little about acting and are relying on out of date scuttlebutt regarding the budget to find a reason to complain.
You are going to be very sad if you miss this movie… you’ll see.
May 25, 2009 at 8:39 am
@ Dead on Says:
You were not reading properly.
I was not talking about “Special Effects”
I was commenting on this sentence
>>The protest websites won’t effect this film in the slightest. <<<
To affect something is to change or influence it,
To effect something is a rather formal way of saying `to make it happen'. Confusingly, either may produce an 'effect' or result.
('An affect' is a technical term in psychology.)
The stability of the wall was affected by passing lorries.
The demolition of the wall was effected by the detonation of a charge of dynamite.
The dynamite did not just 'affect' (influence) the demolition of the wall: it caused it.
May 26, 2009 at 1:12 am
Sorry dude, you are as wrong on the English usage as your are about most everything else. That chip on your shoulder obscures pretty much everything.
Enjoy your bitterness and your boycott.
May 22, 2009 at 6:32 pm |
“Noah is all ‘Anakin: The Lame Airbender’”
Ha! That’s fantastic.
July 24, 2009 at 8:20 pm |
thats not at all.
May 22, 2009 at 7:11 pm |
wow, I’m surprised by all the negativity here! I mean, I really shouldn’t but… I am! At least wait till you see the freakin’ teaser trailer before you bomb it to heck!
May 22, 2009 at 7:13 pm |
My disappointment and resentment, isn’t at the Actors…
it is at Paramount, who went out of their way to discriminate.
Anyway. I would assume that Zuko hair choice…is before he got burned.
Aang’s arrow and clothing… hmm would have preferred it not to look so realistic.
May 22, 2009 at 8:28 pm |
Aang is great, but Zuko, mmm, I think(I hope) that is a picture from the Agni Kai
May 22, 2009 at 11:03 pm |
On Frank Marshall’s twitter it says, “Yes, Aang has an arrow on his head, Zuko has a scar on his face…” so don’t worry guys.
May 23, 2009 at 12:17 pm |
Really?
Perhaps you should ask Mr. Marshall if they’ll have an African male as one of Aang’s Masters?
They could really fill their diversity quota, with the “inevitable black character” as background.
May 23, 2009 at 1:20 am |
Hey Paige, what do you mean “so don’t worry guys”? Are you aware that all the current actors look NOTHING like the characters they’re portraying? Also, are you aware that they’re all the wrong ethnicity? You have to be extremely clueless to not notice these obvious flaws. We should be worried, really worried.
May 23, 2009 at 3:02 am |
that’s cool :]
May 23, 2009 at 3:40 am |
“Avatar is set in an Asian-influenced world of martial arts and elemental manipulation” -Wikipedia
I am sad that the movie caster didn’t cast based on what the show was based on.
I will be boycotting this just like I did Dragonball. Just because you have Caucasian in the lead role doesn’t mean it will be an success.
American audiences are getting tired of beloved shows being twisted into what they think “would sell”.
May 23, 2009 at 7:02 am |
I really really hope your wrong.
I hope they do a good job.
Every time nextairbender tells me we have a new picture to put up I do my own little chant “Please don’t suck, Please don’t suck”.
So far things could have been a lot worse, I understand people are upset about the cast, but filming is past the halfway point, that particular battle is over.
As for Aang , I think the child looks the part enough that if he can act it’ll be great. Also bravo to Patel, he’s menacing. I didn’t think he had it in him.
Now I want to see Sokka and his boomerang.
So as I stated before, I understand the problems people have with the cast, but I think we’re still going to get a great movie. And I’ll be right here with all of you anticipating it!
Thanks again!
May 23, 2009 at 4:21 pm
Even if the movie is a box office success it will still be a failure in the fact that they chose to not represent the live action movie the way it is represented in the animation.
So I hope you do like it because I won’t no matter what, and I hope the Paramount is happy that they are turning off a huge chuck of American audiences “teens” by taking these kinds of casting steps.
May 23, 2009 at 3:02 pm |
to me the waterbenders were native american
air nomads were pale asians
earth kingdom was asian
and firenation asians. and im sorry but i dont think he fits the role of zuko at all.
yes i understand the whole whitewashing thing but just let that go. think about how the movie would be instead of being all negative about the casting. I’m diappointed too, but being negative will make you think the movie sucks as soon as you see the opening credits.
oh and I can’t ask him anything because its twitter.
Just stating my opinion
May 23, 2009 at 4:14 pm |
I respect your opinion, but why should we wish the movie succeeds when it
doesn’t represent the show the way it should be represented?
I am just saying if the animation was based on Asian influences then how can the majority of the cast (the lead roles mainly) be Caucasian actors?
It’s weird to me that they can find Asian actors to fill up the cast as background crowd but can only find one decent Asian actor for the lead roles. Are they saying that Caucasian actors act better than Asian actors in Asian influence roles?
I am sorry even if the movie is an box office success it will still be a failure in the way they went about portraying the very popular “Asian influence” cartoon in the live action.
May 23, 2009 at 5:13 pm |
Unlike Heveanly, I think you’re opinion makes you look like a serious idiot. First off, they discriminated against Asians in the casting process and the current actors we have don’t even properly represent the characters we know and love. If you want to see some crap that seriously doesn’t represent the show we enjoy, then that is your choice. Also, stop implying that everyone who hates the cast will be seeing this movie. None of us will be seeing the opening credits because we won’t be at the theater to see this car accident. We aren’t letting it go because it is racism you idiot! You’re letting racism win you over just because this is an Avatar movie. No, this movie isn’t even Avatar anymore, it’s just some BS from M Night.
May 23, 2009 at 5:35 pm
John I don’t know if your comment was for me or Paige, but I agree with you that the movie is no longer Avatar (as the Avatar we come to love).
I would like to point out something about the Water tribe…. “Ethnically homogeneous, members of the Northern and Southern Water Tribes typically have light or deep brown hair, blue eyes and a “brown skintone”.”-Wikipedia
Yea that sure do have Caucasian written all over it. *sarcasm*
May 23, 2009 at 5:38 pm |
This is a disappointment at best. No offense to the actors or their abilities. But they are simply not true to the show. It is sad that we have now have a white washed, tainted version of a really wonderful show, which is so much more then an entertaining show, it teaches a lot of great morals…sadly, white washing & Hollywood greed will now be the teaching that is given off.
May 23, 2009 at 5:56 pm |
The comment was meant for Paige.
May 23, 2009 at 8:50 pm |
This comment page is pathetic.
May 23, 2009 at 9:02 pm |
Deet, I hope you’re referring to the people who support this movie. If not, you’re just another idiot then.
May 23, 2009 at 9:10 pm
screw you
May 23, 2009 at 10:50 pm |
Why do ppl keep saying Noah looks like Aang?? Yes they are both little boys…& bald….but beyond that, i do not see the likeness.
As for Dev as Zuko, wow…talk about a blatent slap in my Asian face as well. :/
This has nothing to do w/them as ppl or as actors, it has to do w/them in these roles. Paramount, this is a real issue. And I will be making my movie viewing decisions based upon this from now on, not only w/this movie but all that you put out. This move shows your moral compass is too far pointing only in the green (&white) direction & neither I nor my family (& anyobne else who will listen) will any longer contribute to your racism, for that IS what this is actually about. This is not a new issue, for all of movie history whites have been cast as Asian, as well as Native American roles, both of which I proudly have ancestory. Shame on you. And shame on the ppl who can not even be compassionate to those voicing our pain & upset. *tisk tisk*
May 24, 2009 at 12:51 am |
yes i agree its very racist and discriminating but the only reason why im saying forget about it is because you can’t do anything about it. Its not like we can change their choices on the cast, its already done and over with. Our complaining won’t change the movie, and certainly won’t change the cast. That’s why im saying move on because we can’t do anything about it
May 24, 2009 at 2:03 am |
Paige, I say you are wrong. There is something we can still do and that is to voice our argue and boycott the movie.
The best way to get across that what Paramount and M. Night has done wrong is to not go and see the movie.
Try to get the boycott out on the mainstream media about this discriminating and make those movie studios think twice next time before the hire a Caucasian actor to play a non-Caucasian role.
The movie will still be release, but trust me they won’t make the money they wish to make if we get the word out to boycott it in time.
May 24, 2009 at 3:06 am |
Whether you agree with the casting of Aang or not I don’t think people need to be so cruel towards the kid. Saying things like he’s not cute or that he looks like a bully are just mean. As for his martial arts ability I don’t think anyone has seen any footage yet so we don’t know what he is capable of. The same can be said for his acting. You may not like the casting but there’s no reason to be nasty toward the kid personally.
May 24, 2009 at 3:39 am |
People please. Let’s reserve our judgement until the trailer comes out. Then we can pick sides just like Avatar fans love to do.
May 24, 2009 at 4:25 am |
Loving Aang’s costume!
People, stop comparing the designs to the cartoon, as those would be impossible to replicate without looking fake.
May 24, 2009 at 11:22 pm |
If you do a search for those “costumes” on the internet, you will find plenty of examples.
After all, Aang’s costume was based on robes of Shaolin Monks.
Zuko’s is a cross between Chinese Imperial and Japanese Armour.
June 1, 2009 at 5:17 pm
Have you ever seen a Shaolin Monk in person? Noah’s costume is very similar in many ways.
May 24, 2009 at 5:26 am |
to those who are saying that the movie will suck .have you watched the movie yet ?no!have you seen the trailer?no!you people are the problem!you keep judging on pictures and for the people that say that the boy doesnt have the cuteness like he’s a bully or that he does not have the innocence on his face. let me ask you.have you seen him smile or act?no!
May 24, 2009 at 11:17 pm |
The Dragonball fans were saying the same thing about the Dragonball live action film.
They had not seen the film either, but for some reason, after the critics saw the film, they agreed that the fans were correct.
As a fan of Avatar the Last Airbender, I know that they are not being true to the spirit of the show.
As the months pass, we are gaining in people who agree with our assessment.
May 24, 2009 at 7:59 am |
For me personally it doesn’t matter if the trailer is amazing or if the movie is amazing it will still be a failure because of the choice they made to hire white actors for the lead roles.
It’s more important to know that the people who are wearing the costumes and acting on the sets are as authentic as everything else.
May 24, 2009 at 6:49 pm |
Authentic?
As authentic as blue-eyed inuits who sound like they are from Southern California?
Whether you know it or not, there will be some fine young Asian actors who will get a lot of attention from this production. It may even become the watershed from which a generation of Asian leads finally emerge.
Have you considered that possibility?
May 24, 2009 at 11:11 pm
To Dead On:
There are “authentic” Inuits/Yupik Actors available in North America. Since they are Americans, I would presume that they have American accents. Did you expect them to speak Russian??
Apart from the stunt doubles (Like Jade Quon), please name these young Asian actors.
May 25, 2009 at 4:43 am
To nemogbr,
Have you ever wondered why there are so few “lead” actors in all of Hollywood? Have you ever been to an audition for a part, even a small part, and gotten turned down? How about a hundred auditions?
That is the reality of Hollywood and acting generally. Being a “good” actor is just a minimum, but being capable of carrying a featured or principal role, that is something special. I’m a filmmaker and a bit of an actor myself, and this is something I can speak to.
You want me to name actors that have yet to be disclosed by the production, and I am afraid I can’t do that, but I am very sure you will soon see. OTOH, you have boldly suggested that there are Inuit/Yupik actors out there who can carry the lead roles in a $100M+ film, so I’ll ask you what you asked me – name them.
And when I mention “blue-eyed inuits who sound like they are from Southern California,” I am not limiting myself to a discussion of accents. As long as you bring that up, these Inuits and Yupiks do speak English, and they do speak it with their own distinct accent, which is not at all like the accents in the cartoon. Why don’t you find that inauthentic?
But what I was really getting at, is despite the Asian settings and pan-Asian fantasy culture of Avatar, the main characters are most certainly American teenagers, as much or more than they are “authentic” Asians.
Most people who are critical of the film haven’t noticed, or they have chosen to ignore it, but the original series has appropriated the exoticism of Asia, in what can easily described as orintalism, or to borrow the word of choice – “yellowface.”
Yes, there a precedents in film history for the use of ethnic posturing in cartoons – I refer you to “Steamboat Willie,” the 1928 debut of Mickey mouse, modeled after the blackface minstrels who had long been part of American popular entertainment.
May 25, 2009 at 8:31 am
@Dead On Says:
>>>As we all know, Zuko and Iroh are not really bad guys. Fans of the show are certainly aware of that, aren’t they?
And Shaun Toub is actually not dark skinned.<<<<<>>
And wouldn’t the all-Asian world, that many here envision, be racist and exclusionary in itself? Might that not tend to alienate white, black & hispanics young people?
You don’t think Shayamalan’s multi-ethnic world features heroic Asians… because I am very sure it does.<<<<<
I'm not sure what you are suggesting with this point.
People of all races enjoyed these films:
Lord of the Rings.
Chronicles of Narnia.
Golden Compass.
They all had White Caucasian protagonists.
I know that it is how Hollywood studios conceive of White Americans, but are you saying that Caucasian people would not enjoy a film without a Caucasian actor in the cast?
May 24, 2009 at 2:46 pm |
how could you say the movie will suck when you haven’t seen anything? why boycott the movie, what if its actually good. and does Patel look white to you? no, didn’t think so. iroh, ozai, zhoa(sp?) are not white at all. I totally agree with you John Patrick
May 24, 2009 at 11:05 pm |
To Paige:
THat’s one of the complaints. Two of the heroes in the Cartoons were of dark skin colour and now inverted to the opposite.
Good Guys = White Caucasian:
Rathbone
Ringer
Peltz
Bad Guys = non-white Actors
Patel = Zuko
Shaun Toub = Iroh
Aasif Mandvi = Zhao
Cliff Curtis = Ozai.
What would that say to the audience and the young people who were fans of the show?
May 25, 2009 at 4:13 am
Really got to pick things apart? Let me try.
As we all know, Zuko and Iroh are not really bad guys. Fans of the show are certainly aware of that, aren’t they?
And Shaun Toub is actually not dark skinned.
And wouldn’t the all-Asian world, that many here envision, be racist and exclusionary in itself? Might that not tend to alienate white, black & hispanics young people?
You don’t think Shayamalan’s multi-ethnic world features heroic Asians… because I am very sure it does.
May 25, 2009 at 4:35 am
Zuko is a hero and a good guy you just have to wait till the third movie!
May 24, 2009 at 4:27 pm |
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Brilliant!~
you can’t please the fans
it’s like this with every adaptation that comes out.It brings a smile to my face and tears of joy to my eyes to see that the whining will never cease 
I’m a big fan of the series and I think it looks great so far. I’m psyched about the casting and I trust Shyamalan to bring this justice to the big screen
everyone is entitled to their own opinions. I believe if you really want to hate the movie, you’ll find reasons too…and that’s on you
May 24, 2009 at 5:08 pm |
I appreciate your voice of reason.
May 24, 2009 at 5:48 pm |
Thank you Wacka! i’ve been waiting for someone to say that
i love the series too, its my favorite show ever XD
May 24, 2009 at 6:39 pm |
Hey, did anyone hear, they are going to cast Heath Ledger as the Joker in the new Batman film?
He’s much too young, much too slight, blonde not blue-black haired (unlike the famous comic book character), and no kind of serious actor… just a mediocre teen idol.
Epic FAIL!
May 25, 2009 at 12:35 am |
Well…
Zuko’s costume looks like the coat I bought at Hot Topic about a year ago, only with lots of red on it and no silver dress hooks fastening it down the front…
Other than the fact that I can’t really see his scar, I think Dev will be great as Zuko.
May 25, 2009 at 2:33 am |
(face-palm) I think the people being overly critical about Aang’s actor is forgetting that he’s a 12-year old kid. Can you really say it into his face, in person, that he’s racist for playing Aang?
Imagine if the Japanese decided to make a live-action movie of Legend of Zelda and decided to cast one of their own to play Link, who as we know, is a Western fantasy-inspired character. Is that racist?
Cultures -borrow- from one another ALL THE TIME. Some people act as though only Hollywood -borrows-. Have you counted how many Western fantasy inspired anime and manga series there are out there???
If cartoons are excused for copying, then – take a look at the Philippine entertainment media. They have live-action series that borrows from the West and from the Orient.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlantika (Atlantika is a Filipino telefantasya produced by GMA Network about the fictional undersea kingdom of Atlantika.)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rounin_(TV_series) (Each Rounin(s) specializes in a martial arts discipline, and is commanded by the master Rounin, the leader of Lumeria.)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kung_Fu_Kids
Filipinos =/= East Asians or Caucasians – if you’re going to tell me that casting has to strictly follow the origin of whatever cultural idea, influence, setting was borrowed from – I will have to say that you’re very narrow-minded and anti-diversification.
Take superheroes – they are a western invention, right?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krystala (Filipino superhero tv series complete with costumes and capes)
The Indians, the East Asians, the Filipinos, etc. do NOT have to cast white actors whenever they make a show that’s inspired by the West or set in a Western fantasy setting.
The Indians and the Filipinos do NOT have to cast East Asians whenever they use martial arts as an important element in their show.
Considering how intellectual property piracy is rampant these days, I cannot help but think that people who cry about cultural appropriation as inherently naive. Perhaps they’d like to bash the Chinese people for appropriating Buddhism and making it seem more like a Chinese thing than an Indian thing.
Don’cha know, some Avatar fans actually think that East Asians invented the concept of the Avatar.
May 25, 2009 at 4:38 am |
if you are m.night shyamalayan you cant possibly find a single asian boy that fits aang’s role in a matter of weeks or months all over the universe
May 25, 2009 at 7:18 am |
This is BaguaZhang = Airbending Form
As demonstrated by Aang and Jet Li
Tae Kwon Do
Main difference, Bagua is circular whilst TKD is linear approach. Akin to picking a soccer/football player to play a dancer.
Definitely, they’re turning it into an 80′s Ninja Flick.
They had a martial arts advisor in Avatar. Where was he???
May 25, 2009 at 12:00 pm |
You are making several entirely wrong assumptions here, and they say much more about you than the film.
It appears you are suggesting that because Noah Ringer has a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, that somehow “The Last Airbender” will end up using that specific art and turn out like “an 80′s Ninja flick.” There is no reason to make these assumptions.
A person who has studied one martial art to a high level, will certainly be able to master other arts far better than the unstudied. There is no obstacle to learning multiple arts, and it a common practice for advanced martial artists. And if you knew more about the Asian arts, you would realize they are all related, with Tae Kwon Do derived from Chinese arts.
Let me also point out your error in comparing sparring (in the case of your Tae Kwon Do video) with form, as you do with Baguazhang. Tae Kwon Do forms, also called taeguk or pumsae, are in many cases nearly identical to those in various Chinese arts.
BTW, 80’s Ninja flicks did not feature Korean arts like Tae Kwon Do.
You appear to be making the mistake of imagining the people you choose to disagree with are stupid, but they may actually know more than you.
May 25, 2009 at 12:28 pm
I agree. Someone who has studied form, like Shaolin, for five years, would be able to master other styles like Bagua; much more easily.
Jet Li is a master of Northern Long Fist and Taijiquan and I only found out about his knowledge of Baguazhang and Xinyiquan, in the film. Nine years of study gives good skills.
Most of my friends have studied several different forms until they found one that calls to them.
One was into Judo till he discovered Shotokan. Another was into Krav Maga and decided on Capoera.
One was Shotokan and mastered Aikido, ending up being taught by Morihei Ueshiba.
Another studied Southern Mantis and Jeet Kune Do, now into Taiji.
I gather that Perris Aquino and Brandon Soo Hoo have been studying Shaolin for at least five years.
Noah Ringer was picked apparently due to his knowledge of TKD video, what would be the point if that is not used? At least, he has a good stunt double in Jade Quon. I’ve seen her videos and she has good skills.
Instead of 80′s Ninja flick, perhaps I should have used, the other popular term, Power Rangers movie. Then again, the Power Rangers had a more diverse cast.
May 25, 2009 at 12:39 pm
To nemogbr:
Nice to agree on something, at least half-way. But you are still making assumptions that fail in the light of reality or reflect your lack of good information.
I heard that Noah Ringer was chosen not simply for his Tae Kwon Do skills and look, but specifically for his sword and staff skills, and we will certainly see if this is the case soon enough. I am absolutely sure his skills, whatever they turn out to be, will be on display… having a stunt double does not mean the principal actor doesn’t appears in their own fight scenes.
May 29, 2009 at 10:54 am |
hey memogbr..you must be pertaining to SIFU KISU..he should have a word about the filming!..he’s the kung fu advisor of the cartoon series we all loved..
check him out on youtube..type
avatar creating the legend videos
May 25, 2009 at 10:08 am |
If anyone is interested on why fans are complaining about the costumes.
Here’s another link to a youtube video of cosplayers. Please remember these are Anime fans. They do a better job in comparison to the published photos for Aang and Zuko. Noah Ringer’s costumes looks too small for him.
May 25, 2009 at 11:35 am |
Fans aren’t complaining about the costumes, just some fans, like yourself. And those like you, are so dead set against this film, they are wishing failure upon it and plumbing their own fantasies to find negative things to say about it.
Aang’s costume looks great. Whether you are tickled by it or not is really no more than a matter of personal taste or more likely, a personal grudge.
I would also point out something else you have failed to consider, unlike a cosplayer’s costume, Aang’s (and the other costumes used in the film) must be capable of standing up while executing rigorous martial arts moves.
BTW, I replied to your May 24, 2009 at 11:11 pm comment above… check it out.
May 25, 2009 at 12:34 pm |
It’s funny. That when I tried to advertise Avatar:The Last Airbender on Asian sites/Forums back in 2006; I got shut down so fast. Apparently they don’t like American shit. It made me think, being an amateur director, this movie would not succeed in box office. The fault in this case, are those who are protesting judging on pictures/little background information on the acting abilities of the cast members chosen. It could have gone two ways. Choose a complete Asian cast and market it world wide, which I can assure you, would not have turned out well in box office; Or choose a cast based on acting abilities. I’m guessing they chose the latter. Dev, without over exaggerating is amazing. Friends of mine also claim without being overly bias, that Noah is equally amazing.
It has come to the point people. That I am officially embarrassed of my Asian heritage when I see the likes of people (Sorry for generalizing, but truth all this negativity are from Asians) threatening to boycott this project that my family support based on evidence I label as Stupidity. These people have no Idea at all on how films become successful. Which The Last Airbender won’t because of the people who refuse to give in and face reality.
Don’t get me wrong, I would have loved to see more Asians get parts but I didn’t expect many. The percentage of Asians that auditioned was nothing compared to the diversity of others.
In conclusion the outcome of this movie varies on whether these ignorant people decide to give up and wait to say “I told you so” which i guarantee won’t happen because of the Legendary Crew.
May 25, 2009 at 9:53 pm |
As an amateur director and making a film about a world based on Asian myths and legends.
How would you go about auditioning for a main cast?
Would you advertise like Paramount Studios?
Which one of these phrases would you use to specify this in the casting call?
1. Wanted: All ethnicities.
2. Wanted: Caucasian or any other ethnicity. (Paramount Studios)
Critical thinking time: Do these phrases mean the same thing? Do these phrases imply the same thing? How is one different from the other? What impression does each one give you about the role being cast? What impression does each one give you about the intended, or resultant, applicants?
As an “amateur Director” perhaps you should learn more. follow the link
http://vejiicakes.livejournal.com/255699.html
May 25, 2009 at 6:14 pm |
…but Slumdog Millionaire had an all asian cast.
if not wanting to see a movie that was blatantly racist in casting makes me ignorant, then i guess that’s what i am.
May 25, 2009 at 9:47 pm |
Slumdog Millionaire was based in India.
In the slums of India.
How believable would it have been to find some White Caucasian kids in the Slums of India?
I suppose, if you would believe a White Texan kid was a monk in a legendary Asian myth, you would believe anything.
Still, I don’t think most viewers would believe that white caucasian children would grow up in Indian slums.
May 25, 2009 at 9:20 pm |
Lol I like how people are under the impression that when a CARTOON is made into a movie, the actors have to look like their cartoon counterparts.
That almost never happens when cartoons are made into movies, because the directors are more focused on acting and marital arts talent.
May 25, 2009 at 9:58 pm |
To Hatter:
I would agree about the acting and martial arts talent.
I know of Patel and now Ringer being knowledgeable about Tae Kwon Do.
Totally wrong martial arts.
Zuko is Northern Shaolin and Dao Sword.
Aang is Baguazhang, Bo Staff.
Katara is Taijiquan.
Sokka has Taiji Sword.
What talents do Peltz and Rathbone have? Are they unknown great martial artists? Or are the audience supposed to suspend disbelief as well?
All I know is that both do not look like the characters and they have no kung fu.
May 25, 2009 at 10:52 pm
I personally think Peltz looks a lot like Katara, she has that teardrop face, and very strong eyes. As for Rathbone, well I don’t think he looks A LOT like Sokka, but he doesn’t look totally UNlike Sokka either… Maybe they chose him, because he actually is a good fit acting wise. I’m hoping that maybe he really is a good actor, and I’m kinda excited to see what he can do.
May 25, 2009 at 10:23 pm |
What many of you who keep saying that the casting dosen’t matter also fail to realize is that it’s about more than just a cartoon. It’s about more than just some retarted casting choices. Mind you, I say this as African American actress and a huge fan of the show … It boils down, for a lot of us, both POC (people of color) and not, to acceptance. In The Last Airbender you have a show that showcases various Asain cultures and people that in and of itself are diverse. To white-wash a cast in the name of diversity, first off is just an excuse to cover their own misguided casting choices and secondly, completely ignorant.
I have read posts where people who know little to nothing about the show have called people like myself rascist simply because we want to see a film that does justice to the original material (Put a quarter of the effort that went into making the cartoon into the making of this film). Regardless of the fact that their ethnicities are not verbally mentioned, the characters are Asain and should have remained that way, or at the very least some ball park likeness (Plus, that is an idiotic argument – I’m black whether I say it or not). When my sister and I heard about the film, she too is an actress, we were weary but excited. We thought, based on the show, that this film would be, could be an epic on the sacle of Harry Potter, our Harry Potter our Lord of the Rings – but the hero’s were going to be kids of Asain or various ethnic backgrounds. We both thought that Aang would be Asain or White. Sokka and Katara, some type of dark-skinned Asain, Polynesian, Hawaiian, mixed, maybe even Latin, toph definitley Asain, Zuko – Dante Basco (although that wasn’t going to happen). I can’t speak for everyone, only myself, but as a minority we sometimes feel that in the attempt to celebrate our cultures, we have to be somehow removed from it. It feels like this show, our show has been hi-jacked.
May 25, 2009 at 10:39 pm |
To Jay:
Very good post.
Wonder how many people would jump at your words and accuse you of being racist towards White Actors?
It does get boring when time and again the same arguments come to the fore.
1. They’re not Asian, it’s only an Asian based culture. Why are you being racist towards White people?
2. They found the best actors available. Inverted: Asian can’t act.
(pick White actors and non-martial artists instead, they only need to get a tan and shave their hair) why are you being so racist?
3. Lots of Non-white Actors get parts meant for White actors.
Patel after all gets to be the villain and we now have lots of non-white actors in the Fire Nation.
Finally, after all the previous points are shot down. We have number 4.
4. America is demographically a majority White Caucasian populace.
May 25, 2009 at 10:43 pm |
You two a very special little guys.
May 25, 2009 at 11:00 pm |
To Hatter:
Anymore information about the martial arts Peltz and Rathbone practice?
I keep searching on the net and nothing comes up.
At least, with Mortal Kombat, the cast had the kung fu.
I was thinking that you were going to come up with the part about the actors having blue eyes, but I guess they’ll be wearing contacts, as well as, getting tans.
There were rumours that they cast a bunch of Russians to play the Inuit/Water Villagers.
Ahh yes…Hollywood were dreams are made…UP.
May 26, 2009 at 1:07 am |
You are an Avatar fan, right? Then you know that Kitara is a beginning bender, with few skills at the start of her journey, and Socca similarly a beginning warrior. There are no martial arts skills that the right actors for these roles cannot be taught.
The case of Socca is an interesting one, as this character requires something more difficult to teach than martial arts, and that is comedic talent. In this regard, Mr. Rathbone is very well suited – he’s a natural wise guy. And Socca is also quite appealing to the ladies, if I remember, and here again, Rathbone fits the bill.
May 26, 2009 at 1:15 am
No offense meant Dead On, but people might be your arguments might be more … susceptible to your arguments if you were to at least know how to spell the characters names correctly.
May 26, 2009 at 3:31 am
I doubt it. It appears that some folks are impervious to logic, facts and experience… spelling is hardly likely to change that. I’ll try to do better, though.
And no offense taken. When people start criticizing spelling and grammar, it’s a sign that they have no other response.
May 25, 2009 at 11:36 pm |
To quote myself
“I personally think Peltz looks a lot like Katara, she has that teardrop face, and very strong eyes. As for Rathbone, well I don’t think he looks A LOT like Sokka, but he doesn’t look totally UNlike Sokka either… Maybe they chose him, because he actually is a good fit acting wise. I’m hoping that maybe he really is a good actor, and I’m kinda excited to see what he can do.”
I don’t think they had any martial arts training, but they might not be hald bad actors.
May 26, 2009 at 2:40 am |
but there weren’t any better actors who more resembled the characters? that’s really, really hard to believe.
May 26, 2009 at 7:01 am |
First you say that it’s acting ability and martial arts.
Now you say it’s only the acting.
You give Hollywood studios too much credit.
See any martial arts movie and even though that character may not have “the kung fu” as they say, the actor would.
GODFATHER MOVIES:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Godfather
Paramount studios wanted these actors:
Don Vito Corleone = Laurence Olivier
Ryan O’Neal or Robert Redford = Michael Corleone. (Blond Italian Gangsters)
Coppola stuck to his guns and got
Marlon Brando
an unknown Italian-American, named Al Pacino.
>>>Pacino was not well known at the time, having appeared in only two minor films, and the studio did not consider him right for the part.<<<
Like Harry Potter, looking like the character, is of paramount importance.
Daniel Radcliffe and the others kids were chosen out of the lot and their acting still had rough edges. Even then Daniel had to wear contact lenses to ensure his eyes were the correct colour.
You might get the best actors available, but if they do not fit with the character, it is of no use.
Godfather could, at least, claim that they wanted good known actors. ATLA movie can't even make the same claim.
Can hardly wait for when the other two photos come out. Should be fun and racebending.com will get more support.
June 1, 2009 at 5:11 pm
You act as if Martial arts talent and acting talent are mutually contained. They chose the actors based on both of the two seperatly. Plus you mentioned two characters (Sokka and Katara) who don’t do very many martial arts in the first season and a half. Whereas Zuko and Aang are always amazing martial artists
May 26, 2009 at 3:35 am |
Why can’t people just not play the racist card and just make the movie to be like the show… It’s as simple as that…whether the person black white yellow pink orange whatever, if he looks like the character, pick him! and in my opinion, having slumdog boy as zuko sux…he looks nothing like him….zuko is my favorite character because hes dark and mysterious and cute….everything this guy isn’t…shame…
May 26, 2009 at 6:46 am |
>>>It’s as simple as that…whether the person black white yellow pink orange whatever, if he looks like the character, pick him! and in my opinion, having slumdog boy as zuko sux…he looks nothing like him<<<<<<
Patel looks more like Sokka, rather than Zuko. Most everyone I know agrees with that.
None of the Actors picked look like the characters.
May 26, 2009 at 6:38 am |
You don’t know that, he could be a fantastic actor, which is more important than looking like a cartoon character. If they got someone who looks just like Zuko, but couldn’t act it’d ruin the movie. As for Bosslady, who would you have picked? This cast is *relatively* unknown, so they could surprise us with some talent.
May 26, 2009 at 7:04 am |
For the character of Aang:
We have two candidates:
Brandon Soo Hoo and Perris Aquino.
Picked by the fans and we know their martial arts ability.
That’s just by looking via youtube.
The studio could not even be bothered to do any research.
May 26, 2009 at 8:45 pm |
i would have picked people people who resembled the characters. i can’t give you specific names (although there is a latino actor i would have loved to see as Zuko, but that’s just me being a fangirl) because i would have wanted them to be unknowns. Peltz and Rathborne could have talent, i’m sure– and we all know for a fact that Patel does– but Zuko isn’t Indian. Sokka and Katara aren’t white. i refuse to believe that there were no talented asian, inuit, hell, even black or hispanic actors that auditioned for these roles. i would have done so myself if i knew when/where they took place.
i do not, however, have any problem with Noah Ringer as Aang.
May 26, 2009 at 9:24 pm
I am curious, you want the live actors to resemble the cartoon characters, but at the same time wish the producers had found blacks or hispanics to fill the principal cast. What’s up?
If you are an actor with an agent or manager, and they were on the ball and felt you were suitable, they would have gotten you an audition, at least for certain of the parts. The whole “send in your video” thing for casting Aang was quite unusual, and the public open call auditions were for extras (I think).
BTW, no one to my knowledge has said, “…there were no talented asian, inuit, hell, even black or hispanic actors that auditioned for these roles.”
February 8, 2010 at 4:30 am
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0496932/
He acts really well
Does martial arts
And looks LIKE HIM!!
Still best for Zuko
I’m disappointed too
I mean Patel is a great actor
but doesn’t seem scary at angry at all
He’s just not zuko
May 26, 2009 at 1:04 pm |
Perris Aquino is amazing and does indeed resemble Aang but I’m sorry to say, he does not have a future in the acting department. It would be harder work, working on his acting abilities, than training a martial artist a particular style of martial arts. Nem, judging that these are your choices of the perfect Aang, I would be terrified to see someone with similar mind status as you apart of this trilogy. It’s funny isn’t it?
Everything I see you write is crap. You are absolutely clueless.
I’ve been In tune with both Dev and Jackson since their careers started, before they were famous and I find it hilarious that you would choose Dev over Jackson as Sokka based on his skin colour. Dev is hilarious and would be able to pull it off as he is a great actor but Jackson would be able to pull off the funny sarcastic side that we know as Sokka.
I agree with you, Paramount could have reworded their casting advertisements. But in all seriousness, with the auditions happening in America, I find it funny that you expected otherwise.
Once again, you make me laugh when you suggest that you would prefer a kung fu prodigy playing katara. I’m not sure about you, but Kataras character traits in the first season, is that she is a strong-hearted young girl, and not a master waterbender. Are you with us so far, Nem? You seem to be struggling with understanding whats going on.
As long as Peltz provides the same strong hearted character that we saw in Katara, I have no problem at all with the colour of her skin.
Please, just stop.
May 26, 2009 at 2:06 pm |
You get a “dead on” from me.
May 27, 2009 at 8:37 pm |
“But in all seriousness, with the auditions happening in America, I find it funny that you expected otherwise.”
Why do you assume that people who are American are only white Americans? It’s sad, that in even in the 21st century people still continue to refuse to open their eyes to how diverse this nation is becoming.
May 26, 2009 at 1:24 pm |
>>>I agree with you, Paramount could have reworded their casting advertisements. But in all seriousness, with the auditions happening in America, I find it funny that you expected otherwise.<<>>Once again, you make me laugh when you suggest that you would prefer a kung fu prodigy playing katara. I’m not sure about you, but Kataras character traits in the first season, is that she is a strong-hearted young girl, and not a master waterbender. Are you with us so far, Nem? You seem to be struggling with understanding whats going on.<<<<
Strong hearted young girl and the character becomes a master waterbender within …how many seasons?
I guess you will have to suspend disbelief.
As for the colour of skin.
Many people know that Paramount Studios had a problem with her skin colour and that's why they remade the character and cast a White Caucasian actor.
Does she even have blue eyes, or is this the case of a "tan" and contact lenses?
May 26, 2009 at 7:25 pm |
I think you’re confusing things intentionally here.
People who are less concerned about the race issue than you mention Katara’s blue cartoon eyes, NOT because they are intent on a blue-eyed live action character, but to demonstrate that the cartoon character is of a race that doesn’t really exist, as Hatter observes below. The same may be said for complexions generally.
The cheap sarcasm about contact lenses does nothing to further the discussion.
May 26, 2009 at 10:03 pm
To Dead On:
>>>BTW, no one to my knowledge has said, “…there were no talented asian, inuit, hell, even black or hispanic actors that auditioned for these roles.<<<
Casting call:
Main cast:
[ AANG ] 12-15 years-old, Male, ''Caucasian or any other ethnicity''.
[ KATARA ] 14-17 years-old, Female, ''Caucasian or any other ethnicity.'
[ SOKKA ] 16-20 years-old, Male, ''Caucasian or any other ethnicity''.
[ ZUKO ] 16-20 years-old, Male, ''Caucasian or any other ethnicity'
Extras:
''NEAR EASTERN, MIDDLE EASTERN, FAR EASTERN,ASIAN, MEDITERRANEAN & LATINO Ethnic groups.''
Below is the casting call from February 25th
specifically asks for Mongolian, Cambodian or Laotian.
This link would show you the screen captures:
http://racebending.com/raceinavatar.php
Language of casting:
http://vejiicakes.livejournal.com/255699.html
Two Things:
First, Why is White Caucasian become the standard, if the race does not exist? The clothing would say Inuit/Yupik.
Second, If they had done their homework. They would have known that there are Blue eyed inuit/Yupik, known as blond Eskimos.
May 26, 2009 at 6:06 pm |
I find it humorous that so many people are making a fuss over fictional characters of races that don’t exist.
It is more important that they find someone who can play Katara’s deep character than it is to find a master of Tai Chi.
Especially since,as far as martial arts go, Tai CHi stances are simple and relaxing, and can be easily remade in film. Wit her, it’s not like Aang and Zuko, where fanciful moves are vital, she just needs to portray fluid, realistic stances.
May 26, 2009 at 10:15 pm |
Don’t exist so that means they must be White Caucasians?
Here’s a link to the race that do not exist.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blond_Eskimos
http://www.cbc.ca/news/story/2003/10/28/inuit_blond031028.html
They live in Western Nunavut.
Even if the race do not exist as you say, there are agencies for the Inuit/Yupik you are more familiar with.
May 27, 2009 at 12:25 am
You had better learn how to read your sources a little better, or do more research. The are no “blonde Eskimos,” and the only ones ever reported are to be found in a single “explorer’s” diary from 1910.
May 27, 2009 at 2:46 am
Comment for Dead On…This is a little girl whose from the Unanax (Eskimo) tribe they are closely related to Inuit….”A native people of northwestern North America, the Aleut are closely related to the Inuit (Eskimo) in language, race, and culture.”
http://student.britannica.com/eb/art/print?id=87048&articleTypeId=0
You can clearly see that she has naturally light brown and highlighted blonde hair.
May 26, 2009 at 8:28 pm |
I just hope they choose to at least confer with the Track Team when it comes to the score.
I’m all for Howard doing what he wants, but I think keeping the theme would be great, along with the agni kai songs.
May 26, 2009 at 11:01 pm |
You know what I find funny from movie studios is that when a movie is being made based on an ethnic culture(or non white culture) it for some reason has be ethnically diverse in the live-action. But if it’s a movie based on an European or topically white based materical they must stay “true to the material” in the live-action. Example Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, etc. All these are basically Eurpean influence material and when they went to live-action they stayed exactly they were represented in books and cartoon. So I am saying why can’t Avatar be represented by it’s “Asian influence” in the live-action as it is in the animation character appearance and all?
Also for people who said that “well if the voices in the cartoon are done by White people so they should be played by White people”…well I will say this…. in Star Wars Dark Vater was voiced by a Black man (James Earl Jones) but was played by a White man. Huh how funny is that. lol
May 27, 2009 at 1:01 am |
I think people should watch this very interesting video I found on Youtube and understand where we (the ones that disagree with casting of Avatar)are coming from….. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBda7b9tRdk
May 27, 2009 at 1:49 am |
This video shows the sources for Avatar’s Orientalism… do you know what that means?
It is the appropriation of an oriental culture for its superficial or imagined exoticism, which is exactly what the white creators of the series did. They took all-American teenagers, dressed them up Asian style and put an Asian touch on their coming of age stories.
Let’s face it, Avatar’s hippies. pro-wrestlers and surfer dudes fit perfectly into this so-called Asian world, because it is really just America in Yellowface.
Something you may not realize is embodied in an important book called “Love and Theft.” It is about the history and culture of America’s minstrelsy, the original blackface. As much as “corking up” is looked down upon today, it represented not just racism, but a strong attraction for the Black American culture it was stealing. It also became a point of meeting between the white and black cultures that we still benefit from today.
I truly enjoyed Avatar, despite it theft and homogenizing of Asian culture. In a strange way, “The Last Airbender” is less guilty than its source in the exercise of “yellowface.”
I watched your video, now think about what I’ve said.
May 27, 2009 at 3:32 am
First of all dude tone down on your tone. You are being way to hostel. And second I am not going to get into the “Blackface” debate because that is a whole different argument in itself. Let’s stay on topic, okay?
About “Orientalism” aspect of your argument….The creators of the show are not just trying to use their interpretations of Eastern cultures and peoples they were advised every step of the way about the customs, clothing, cultures, and martial arts styles of the many different Asian cultures they used in the series to make it an Asian fantasy world.
If they were only making a world that was “Orientalism” they would have not cared enough to depict the many different Asian cultures from reigns of the world.
Many of the creators inspirations are based on art work done by Shinichiro Watanabe.
May 27, 2009 at 3:55 am
I say the live-action movie is one doing the “Orientalism” than the cartoon.
In Japan when they create their Anime series and they introduce an Non-Asian character you they don’t have a person speaking in English(or what ever country that character is from) the character’s voice is voiced by a Japanese person most likely.
So I am not understanding people when they say “Oh the characters are mostly voiced by White Americans so why shouldn’t there be White actors in the live-action?”. Well for starters Avatar the last airbender is not based on American culture. Every thing is based on way the other on Asian cultures from the look of the people to style of their writing and architecture. And also who said that White people are the only ones that are Americans…..there are Asian Americans, Black Americans, Latino Americans, Indian Americans, etc.
May 27, 2009 at 3:53 am |
Too hostile? You may not like my arguments, and I can understand why, but if you find my tone offensive, I would appreciate you pointing out exactly where & how. I am certainly not so hostile as to wish failure on anyone.
And I’m afraid you won’t like anything much else I have to say, either. It doesn’t really matter how well advised, or accurate in the depiction of superficialities, the pan-Asian fantasy of Avatar is still a fantasy, as authentic as cheeseburger-maki… which is not to say it isn’t delicious.
May 27, 2009 at 4:06 am |
Okay when you say things like this to people “do you know what that means? ” or “Something you may not realize” or “now think about what I’ve said”…. people can take that as hostel like I did.
They sound demanding or your imply that I don’t know something. You’re judging me even though you don’t know me.
Saying that I feel that the movie will be a failure in my eyes is that didn’t take the time out like the series did in depicting the Asian cultures.
Please tell me how can you have a Caucasian person portraying a Chinese monk or a Tibetan Buddhist?
May 27, 2009 at 4:52 am
Sadly, it is clear from your comments, you do not understand the concept of “orientalism,” a notion first introduced to the world by the late Edward Said of Columbia University, and it is a key concept in any discussion of how Eastern cultures are depicted by Westerners… but I will try to be gentler.
However, I am sorry if I thought that you wanted the movie, in its current form, to fail, but that is how I understand the call for a boycott. Can you imagine yourself accepting its weaknesses eventually, and getting behind it?
FInally, Aang is neither a Chinese monk nor Tibetan buddhist, but I can tell you about the time I spent in the jungles of Thailand in Wat Pah Nanachat, a Theravada Buddhist monastery. An amazing place, where almost all the monks are Westerners, and the mosquitos were as big as sparrows. Here, take a look:
http://www.watpahnanachat.org/
May 27, 2009 at 5:47 am
My understanding of “Orientalism” is when Westerners try to imitate what they believe Eastern cultures are in either writings, design, or some kind of artwork. What I am saying is that the creators did not do that because they relied on Eastern cultures experts and took great detail in the characters cultural ideologies.
Can you tell me why you think Aang is not an Chinese monk or a Tibetan buddist when the Air Nomads are based on them? In the description of Aang he is describe as “In the show, Aang is the last surviving Airbender and a monk of the Air Nomads…..Aang’s character has a well developed cultural ideology. According to the show’s creators, “Buddhism and Taoism have been huge inspirations behind the idea for Avatar.” A notable aspect of the character is his vegetarian diet, consistent with Buddhism or Taoism. In the Brahmajala Sutra, a Buddhist code of ethics, vegetarianism is encouraged.” Wiki http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aang#Creation_and_conception
May 27, 2009 at 11:30 am
That words or religions or whatever are close or derived from or “understood” to be something, does not make them that thing.
“Orientalism,” as a formulation about race is something different and more pointed than your notion. The mere fact of a mash-up of cultures (no matter how real many of it parts may be) superimposed over a largely standard adventure/coming-of-age story line, renders the original Avatar an inauthentic, essentialist appropriations. But as far as I’m concerned, none of this bothers me one drop, and I think the series was great fun.
The main point of my bringing up orientalism to begin with, is to point out how easily racism can be found, how we can choose the racism we prefer, and provide some points of difference in understanding the concept of “yellowface.”
Similarly, Aang cannot be a Taoist and a Buddhist at the same time, and though perhaps derived from both, he is neither – he is a unique creation of two Americans. Let me put it another way, K-pop is similar to and derived from American dance music, but it is not American dance music.
May 27, 2009 at 4:51 am |
@ Dead On
‘I am curious, you want the live actors to resemble the cartoon characters, but at the same time wish the producers had found blacks or hispanics to fill the principal cast. What’s up?’
what’s up with what? i would prefer a black girl as Katara than a white one. i would have preferred an inuit girl as Katara over a black one. i’m sure Nicola Peltz could scoop up a role in the next Mean Girls or whatever, while a minority actress could not.
‘BTW, no one to my knowledge has said, “…there were no talented asian, inuit, hell, even black or hispanic actors that auditioned for these roles.”’
i know. i was the only one who said that.
May 27, 2009 at 5:03 am |
Oops, reply below. Sorry.
May 27, 2009 at 5:02 am |
A minority actress certainly could find a role in the next “Mean Girls.” Consider a similar movie, “Clueless,” which co-starred Stacey Dash, and that was way back in 1995.
May 27, 2009 at 6:01 am |
a minority actress could find a role, i’m sure, but certainly not a lead role. in my experience, i’ve never seen a movie where an asian girl got the guy or a latina played anything other than the main white girl’s bff, if even that.
Consider Juno, Fired Up, Superbad, and dozens of other teen movies in which there are little to no minority actors, and if they are, they are in the background.
May 27, 2009 at 11:00 am
Darn, did it again. Haven’t had my coffee.
May 27, 2009 at 10:57 am |
Oh c’mon. There are presently plenty of Latina leading ladies, Black one’s too, and though Asian women are lagging behind, all of this is moving forward as America ‘s demography shifts. We elected a black President last year, and he nominated a Latina to the Supreme Court just yesterday. Have hope.
May 27, 2009 at 12:16 pm |
>>>The main point of my bringing up orientalism to begin with, is to point out how easily racism can be found, how we can choose the racism we prefer, and provide some points of difference in understanding the concept of “yellowface.”<<<
What are you attempting to justify?
Two White American creators.
Asian/Inuit myths and legends.
Asian culture
Asian alphabet
Asian clothing
Asian martial arts
Asian Illustrators (Korean company in Korea)
Translation = White Caucasian lead characters?
May 27, 2009 at 1:24 pm
I have quite carefully explained all of this, and need to justify not a thing. OTOH, you have shown yourself incapable of understanding even a simple article from Wikipedia, blinded as you are by your own bitterness.
When you have a coherent question that hasn’t already been answered, I will happily reply to it. Until then, I will discuss what I care to and if that includes pointing out the flaws in your thinking, so be it.
May 27, 2009 at 12:06 pm |
Man I’m excited now. I can’t wait for this movie to come out next year.
May 27, 2009 at 2:04 pm |
What I want is an answer from you as to why an Asian based story, constituting everything Asian, translates to white caucasians in your mind?
Yes, I agree that the creators were White Caucasian Americans. so was the creator of Black Panther and Blade the Vampire Slayer. I do not think those would translate to white caucasian actors (with a tan).
If they had changed the Water Tribe from an Inuit/Yupik mythos into a Viking Culture, we would have no argument to casting Peltz and Rathbone. It’s still two white actors wearing clothing from Inuit/Yupik cultures.
If they had changed the Shaolin/Tibetan base of Air benders to a European monastery, no argument.
It’s still a Shaolin/Tibetan mix.
Your arguments for Orientalism and Yellowface is blinkered.
May 27, 2009 at 2:28 pm |
You misstate my position, and I have explained all the rest above.
All I can add, is responsible business people and responsible artists must make choices that minimize risk, and there is an immense amount of risk in bringing this film to the screen as a live action vehicle. This is a big screen action/fantasy, not an ethnography.
One more thing, Avatar’s original creators are the executive producers of this film, so it is quite clear that they approve of the artistic direction of the project.
May 27, 2009 at 6:52 pm
“responsible business people and responsible artists must make choices that minimize risk”
I.e Caucasian people will not go and watch Asian people in a movie if they(Asian people) are in the lead roles.
Thanks for clearing that up for us…..that is why we are up set. It’s good enough to have Asian based characters in an animation, but not okay in an live-action. Just to unrealistic to some people. *roll-eyes*
Dead On I find you very funny because on one hand you are coming done on us just cause we disagree with the choices of having Caucasian actors in Asian based roles, but you on the other hand say the creators of the show used “Orientalism” and “yellow face” (but you’re okay with it) in an Asian based animation. The part you are okay with, but also have a problem with is exactly what Paramount is doing by having Caucasian actors in an Asian based role.
May 27, 2009 at 7:57 pm
Of course, none of this is what I said.
Caucasian people will certainly watch Asian people in lead roles, but at the moment, not quite in every role, nor just any Asian actor. But this will change as minds open and demographics change; unfortunately, you can’t pry a mind open by beating it with an imaginary Inuit boomerang.
And, truth be told, I have small problems with both the animation and the live action film, but enjoyed the former and look forward to the latter. You are confusing my personal opinions with argumentation intended to point out the flaws and excesses of your and others’ thinking.
May 27, 2009 at 8:22 pm
“You are confusing my personal opinions with argumentation intended to point out the flaws and excesses of your and others’ thinking.”
And I am point out to you that what you are arguing that we are doing is exactly what Paramount is doing….. The are “Orientalism” characters by having Indian actors play Chinese/Japanese based characters and doing “yellow face” by having Caucasian actors play Asian based roles. That is why I will be boycotting the live-action movie. Not only are they(studio heads) are doing that they are also taking the Asian based animation and making it ethnically diverse to make it more real life.
As I asked this question before why do movie studios need to make ethnically based material diverse when it goes to the big screen, but when European/White based material is bought to the big screen it stays the way it is in it’s original form (i.e Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, etc)?
May 27, 2009 at 8:33 pm
Again you keep proving out points….”Caucasian people will certainly watch Asian people in lead roles, but at the moment, not quite in every role, nor just any Asian actor.”
Like I said before it’s okay for them to be all Asian in an animation but not okay for the big screen.
But wouldn’t this have been the perfect movie to try to change people’s minds, especially with a director like M.Night (who also had to overcome challenges he faced being a Indian American and director). Things won’t change unless someone is willing to step up and change it.
Bruce Lee was an Asian American that stepped up and helped changed the way American audiences saw martial arts and the way they can be done in films.
Really it only takes one to plant the seed of change.
And I feel that this movie could of done that.
May 27, 2009 at 8:35 pm
Oops typo. I meant to say, “Again you keep proving our points”.
May 27, 2009 at 3:16 pm |
>>>You misstate my position, and I have explained all the rest above.
All I can add, is responsible business people and responsible artists must make choices that minimize risk, and there is an immense amount of risk in bringing this film to the screen as a live action vehicle. This is a big screen action/fantasy, not an ethnography.<<>>One more thing, Avatar’s original creators are the executive producers of this film, so it is quite clear that they approve of the artistic direction of the project.<<<
The rights have been bought by Paramount Studios and they are making the film.
They cannot critise the film, as they are under contract. They can certainly praise it to high heaven.
We have not heard a thing from them.
I leave you to this statement from Akira Toriyama of Dragonball Fame:
Akira Toriyama stated
"As the original creator, I had a feeling of “Huh?” upon seeing the screenplay and the character designs, but the director, all the actors, the staff, and the rest are nothing but “ultra” high-caliber people. Maybe the right way for me and all the fans to appreciate it is as a new Dragonball of a different dimension. Perhaps, this might become a great masterpiece of power! Hey, I look forward to it!!"
Even though he "supported" the movie, probably due to contracts. He obviously didn't like it.
May 27, 2009 at 9:04 pm |
As I have pointed our repeatedly, the characters in the original Avatar are not real nor racially specific, only culturally Asian, and a non-existent Asian “fusion” at that.
I have discussed how these characters are in many ways typical Americans, sorta’ white, sorta’ not quite, with the concerns of typical Americans rather than those of, let us say, a Chinese youth brought up in a Confucian society where running away from a teacher would be practically unheard of.
I would go as far as to suggest that the creators and producers at Nickelodeon made conscious choices to give blue eyes, and arguably caucasian features to Sokka & Katara, as well as the ambiguous ethnicity to Aang. To me, only Zuko actually appears Asian, but all of them sound like the kids down the street from me. I have no doubt they were as concerned with the demographics of their audience, and knew full well they could hide behind the animation for what is called “plausible deniability.”
If understood in this way, all your criticisms fall out.
May 27, 2009 at 9:29 pm |
The features of Sokka and Katara go with features of the Eskimo people(black or light brown hair, and dark skin) besides the blue and gold eyes which comes from typical Anime inspired character (a lot of Anime have characters with blue, green, silver, gray, purple, gold, etc eye colors….that’s the fantasy part).
Of course the language will sound familiar to us because it’s an American created cartoon just like Anime is more about Japan’s society impacts on it’s characters daily lives.
In the Avatar that is where the Western inspiration is in play.
May 27, 2009 at 9:10 pm |
To Heavenly,
I am running off for about a week, so that will have to be our last bit of discussion for awhile.
Thanks for your time and good luck, no matter what.
-Dead On
May 27, 2009 at 9:30 pm |
Well it was very nice chatting with you. Good luck to you also.
May 29, 2009 at 10:49 am |
excuse me!..this place isnt a chat box where one just pops up his or her opinion on this and on that!..
well..i say that about the costume of the soldiers..its pretty gladiator-inspired!..because of the helmet!
its way different on the cartoon series!..are they nuts??
this is asian inspired not greek, roman or greco roman-rooted!
PERHAPS THEY COULD GET SOME INPUT ABOUT WHAT AN AVID FAN’S IDEA ABOUT THE WORLD OF AVATAR..
im not being boastful..just sharing for the betterment of the film..in which im hoping it would!
the 4 nations are obviously asian-oriented!..
fire nation is like japan..very powerful when it comes on technology, civilization advancement, and war..
earth kingdom is like china..massive in terms of land area..and the ba sing se palace and city is typically derived from the forbidden city of china, great wall..
air nomads are tibetan, or himalayan inspired..because the philosophy. culture, idealism, etc are from tibetan buddhism..
water tribe, well..more likely to be north american inspired..eskimos, the totem poles, attires, life, warrior in instincts, the houses,..but some asian culture could be seen
well, northern water tribe is like venice in italy..
i think this is where the part westernization takes place!..
May 29, 2009 at 9:21 pm |
No this is a chatter box I was just saying that it was nice talking to a person like Dead On who I respectfully disagree with.
Anyways I don’t think they(Paramount or M.Night) care about the input of avid fans because avid fans had voice their input and Paramount didn’t care and went on with what they are doing now.
May 29, 2009 at 9:22 pm
I meant to say “this isn’t a chatter box”.
May 31, 2009 at 11:17 pm |
OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Zuko has hair!XD
June 1, 2009 at 10:45 am |
i think that they should have someone asian play toph..if they have the next series of movies..
its easy to find someone who has no experience in acting
then finding someone who has martial art experience
its just acting..you can teach a five year old to sing..
for martial art thats more harder to find..
to find someone who can do their own stunts or some of their stunts..
especially to look like an asian culture..
you must know about the asian culture so you can get into the character.
it is based on the asian background and for once asians are finally coming up slowly.
while the cacuasions are getting bigger and african americans also..
i am laotion myself and i would love to see more asian actors
even if they cant act they can also learn.if you see potential in someone.
you always got to make it work..
even if i have no experience i am a strong woman,fast learner and i wouldnt be afraid to do my own stunts..i would love to be cast as toph.
of course paramount is going to casting someone who doesnt fit tophs personality..to find someone who is gifted in acting only.
there are some asians who has the potential but they are looked upon that cause they cant act..
June 1, 2009 at 5:31 pm |
Agreed on one point, if, in the sequel, they don’t have an Oriental Asain playing Toph, I will be very peeved. There is no way to cover the tracks of that one, especially since she has one of few ACTUALL Chinese names (北方 托芙). And it’s actually a name. That and they said the Earth Kingdom’d be Asian.
June 1, 2009 at 5:46 pm
Don’t be so sure.
They haven’t filled their diversity quota.
Like every American Teen movie. A party of White Caucasian Americans must always have one Black person to represent the African Americans.
Then again, one of Aang’s Sifus might be the inevitable Black cast member.
I wonder, will they have a Prom??
June 1, 2009 at 10:49 am |
just my opinion … lets see if paramount would be wrong but it was just a theory..there is always more trilogys..
June 2, 2009 at 8:55 pm |
i disagree with the people that say dragonball evolution is bad the movie was great and i loved it and the avatar movie is looking impressive.
June 4, 2009 at 12:45 pm |
da best. Keep it going! Thank you
June 14, 2009 at 2:24 pm |
Aag had better sport blue arrow tatoos covering his body and that symbol on his head
June 16, 2009 at 5:28 am |
Intresting.
Let me make some things clear:
1. The movies are not the anime.
They are not under the direct direction of the original directors (though they have a (small) part in it.) M Night is going to do with the series WHAT HE WANTS. I can assure you that even if he did cast more East Asians in prominent roles, it would STILL have been very different. Stop assuming that the movies are steming from or growing out of the anime. They are not! They are completely separate stories loosely based on ideas from the anime. Thats it. But that small connection will have a large affect. It will reach a much wider audience who will then go and watch the anime and be exposed to the REAL series. So the movies will serve a purpose.
2. Paramount was wrong in their actions.
There is no denying this. It’s saddening that Paramount would be so culturally insensative, but even that is done with and cannot be undone. Children will beg their parents to go see the films, no matter the ethnicity of Team Avater may be. Fans who don’t agree with the casting will go see it too, our of curiosity. The boycott will have an affect on the overall sale, purhaps, but it will not be able to make a large enough dent to cause Paramount to think twice about the remainder of the trilogy. There are simply too many people who WILL go see it. However, that does not mean that Paramount made a right decision. This was their chance to let East Asian actors shine in promonent roles. Its a pity the did not see it that way.
3.The movies are set in stone.
.
Why? Because the studio have already given them a budget, with which they have already made sets and hired actors (admitedly non East Asian actors are getting paid much more than the couple of background actors that are…) and already started filming and already made a teaser and already attached the teaser to an upcoming film and already gotten marketing started. As you may have notticed, the films are not in the idea stage where things can suddenly be changed. They are long past teh point of no return. Actors have contracts now that Paramount HAVE to respect. Costumes have been made that will HAVE to be used. We can only hope the first movie makes enough money that they can hire more East Asian actors and get a new costume designer
4. You are all giving Avatar fans a bad name.
Just fyi. Here we have a series which is all about forgiveness, understanding, healing, and learning to respect each other as human beings. Obvisouly, if you’ve been taking part in the above name calling, cursing, slandering, and in general immature dialogue, you are not really a fan of the series because you have learned nothing from it. Everyone will see these films differently. Some will love them, others will hate them, and many more will watch them and forget about them by dinner time. But they are happening. Paramount was insensative and inconsiderate when they made the casting but that isn’t going to change. We need to remember that both sides of these arguements are judgeing an entire movie’s success or failure based off of two images, which is usually a rather rash and foolish thing to do. You see, both sides of this arguement share a lot in common. They also share the fact that they have degraded Avatar fans in the eyes of the world, as nit picking, overzealous, insensative, angry, and generally intolarant of other’s opinions. You should all be ashamed of your conduct if you were one of them. While healthy, opinionated dialogue is a good thing, hard hearted argueing for argueing’s sake is a disgrace to everything Avatar is about.
Leave commenst to defend yourselves if you want, but I won’t be returning to the site so I won’t see them anyway. Your conduct is between you and yourself. Justify your actions to yourself if you want. Or face where you failed, and be more gracious in the future. Or just sit in your room and sulk, whatever makes you happy.
June 24, 2009 at 3:31 am |
Nonzom, U ROCK!!!!! I agree w/everything u said!!!!
June 24, 2009 at 10:46 pm |
First of all Noah Ringer looks like he’s six and second Dev Patel is way too tan to play Zuko. patel looks very fierce and destructive, and angry like Zuko, but don’t think he looks enough like Zuko and he didn’t shave the sides of his head,or grow it into a ponytail i’m very diappointed with that.I’m sure that they will both do well with the acting part and i look forward to see Noah Ringer’s karate moves. Overall I’m very excited to see the movie.
June 24, 2009 at 11:28 pm |
Sokka: “I think a speak on behalf of all of Team Avatar or The BommerAANG Gang that M. Night Shalayman is wrong. I am not gonna be portrayed by a bloodsucking vampire from Twilght known as Jackson Rathbone. I am proud to be Asian and i will not have Jackson Rathbone’s white ass play me.”
Katara: “Wow! For once I have to agree with you, Sokka. I will not have this Nicola Peltz chick portray me in this movie. Who does she think she is? I am a mighty waterbender. Can she bloodbend? No. Does she have special healing abilities? No.”
Suki: ” I am an elite warrior and I will not have this old hag Jessica Andres, or whatever her names is play me. She is not worthy of being a Kyoshi Warrior. Wait until my village hears about this.”
Zuko: ” I am truly furious with you, M. Night Shalayman, and I will get my revenge on you, because it has become my new destiny to hunt you down. I will get my honor back” (P.S. No actual threat,or offense intended)
Iroh: “Ahhhhhhhh, Zuko my dearest nephew I think you are being to hard on the man. I’m sure all he needs is a nice cup of hot tea to set him straight.”
Ozai: ” I can”t wait to see the day when this idea for this Last Airbender movie burns up in flames just like how I wish all the other nations that are not Fire Nation would do, because the Phoenix King is back, and although I don”t have my bending the Fire Nation will reign its age of terror all over the 3 nations(that arent fire nation of course).”
Zhao: “I am to high and mighty, and to good of a Firebender to post a comment.”
Princess Yue: ” I am not here to judge others for I am going to stay loyal to my people, and stay out of this, and be the best Moon Spirit I can be.P.S. there will always be a place in my heart for you Sokka.”
Suki: “hey he’s mine your hinessness.”
Sokka: *chants* Cat fight, Cat fight.!”
September 23, 2009 at 1:55 am |
Lol! This is gud…my sentiments exactly! Listen up M. Night…n u other movie production pipol…if these pics are anything to go by….no scrap that…please let this movie be good…review it…get the fans to critique a private screening…and if it gets panned…you’ve still got time…do the right thing!
July 29, 2009 at 4:59 pm |
Nothing is good enough for you people.
1. You got three seasons of Avatar.
That’s not good enough.
2. The series came to an incredible, and appropriate, end.
That’s not good enough.
3. Avatar is being made into a movie.
That’s not good enough.
4. Avatar is being made into THREE movies.
That’s not good enough.
5. The movie is cast with very talented and capable actors.
That’s not good enough. Actually, you complain about it. You don’t act grateful and appreciative that this happened to a series you love, but instead act rudely, inappropriately, and just plain disgusting. You better get your attitudes back into line, and look at the big picture here. Avatar is being made into a movie. You know, maybe it would be better if this movie thing never happened.
Come to think of it, that wouldn’t be good either. Because then that would bring us right back to number 2. And that just wouldn’t be good enough for you brats, would it?
February 8, 2010 at 3:56 am |
I appreciate it it looks amazing
I just can’t imagine Patel as the angry type
September 23, 2009 at 1:46 am |
I’m a 38yr old kid-at-heart, and a huge fan of ATLA the Nickelodeon series and i agree with all the insightful criticisms here. I hope the producers will heed these as constructive criticism and act accordingly to ensure this movie does justice to the wide fan base of ATLA.
July 9, 2010 at 11:03 am |
indeed what made me sad was that aang didnt say at the start “will you go penguin sledding with me” and many other things
October 17, 2009 at 8:55 pm |
THEY COULD HAVE DONE BETTER ON COSTUMES AND ACTORS SERIOUSLY!
ZUKO LOOKS WEIRD AND THE ARROW ON AANGS HEAD IS MADE UP BY A BUNCH OF DOTS!
.
February 8, 2010 at 3:53 am |
Yeah the costumes look terrible
D:
Actors so many actually similar talented looking choices
October 17, 2009 at 9:00 pm |
LOL THEY SHOULD HAVE JACKIE CHAN BE UNCLE IROH
October 24, 2009 at 11:17 pm |
i dont understand zuko is supposedto be white as a ghost why is patel playng him. im not racist i just dont under stand why he is being played by an indian
February 8, 2010 at 3:55 am |
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0496932/ Better choice for Zuko
He can act
He’s older but looks like my imagination of Zuko
Does martial arts
October 24, 2009 at 11:20 pm |
i just noticed where the heck is zukos horrific scar, that helped define him as who he is i just dont understand what they were thinking
December 13, 2009 at 2:11 am |
OMG ZUKO DOESN’T EVEN HAVE A SCAR! And what about Aang’s tattoo? I mean, sure it’s there, but it’s not even blue. And he looks like a five-year-old playing a twelve-year-old’s part.
December 16, 2009 at 12:33 am |
totally agree
December 16, 2009 at 12:32 am |
i dont like the people they choose to pplay this movie or the custumes. I mean seriously no ponytail. that was zuko’s trademark in season 1 pus his scar. this dude barely one. also this guy is too dark too play zuko. aang is white???? plus patel is ugly no offense. ive seen sokka hes ok. and katara ehh idk. she should be darker. they could have done a whole lot better casting. me and my brother came up with better people for this. I know im complaining a lot. but i dont want it to end up like dragonball and ruin it for me.
January 22, 2010 at 4:53 pm |
i would prefer to have the season four of avatar produce.
The season should be the last season of all avatar aang season.
Till date people long to have it, look at it, see it but what can one say.
since the producers of the cartoon are not ready to produce the last season of all fans of avatar even in Africa Nigeria we long to have a look at it.please do some thing.the wont lose the money you invest in producing it.many people are waiting on you to give them season four just as i am .
the young,old,single, married grand pa/ma.all are waiting.
GIVE US AVATAR AANG SEASON FOUR.It cant just end like that.
July 9, 2010 at 11:00 am |
yea i know i want to see it to i have been watching it when i was 9 and still watching replays
February 8, 2010 at 4:33 am |
I have Indian Bengali and Pakistani friends i’m not prejudice at all
I know what casting is like
I was in theatre and discussed it with my teacher
but still if this fails as much as “Twilight” even though the book sucked
I’ll be sad D:
But I know night has done amazing films so I trust him
February 21, 2010 at 12:45 am |
Am I the only one thinking this is not true to the Cartoon at all.
February 22, 2010 at 3:59 pm |
They doesn’t look like Zuko and Aag at ALL!!!!! Aang is supposed to look nice and friendly, and Zuko has a scar! They could at least try to make it look authentic.
March 24, 2010 at 5:04 pm |
zuko is not evil you know he was juuuust ……….confused just like starscream . zuko was always gentle and kind like me as always i protect zuko for my life thats my job too and i dont care he`s evil just he dosnt know that he`s being got mixed up with oazi
June 3, 2010 at 6:33 am |
I would like to point out something to all of you.
For those who think the cast choice is racist, GET OVER IT! Yes I always thought that the Avatar World was of Asian heriatge, but this is the movie ADAPTION, not a reanactment of historical events. And how can you tell that the characters are Asian? IT’S A CARTOON! Maybe they are in an Asian influenced world with white people. I could say that you were being rascist to white people, and rascism is one of the things that Avatar is against.
To those who don’t like the actors due to their limited knowledge of martial arts. The WHOLE Lord of the Rings Cast had to be taught swordplay, and look at those brilliant movies. You couldn’t tell that they had no idea about swordplay.
And yes, Zuko’s scar isn’t as noticeable, but it is realistic! And his pony tail works well in the series, but what would it look like if Patel was walking around almost bald with a pony tail sticking out of the back of his head. THINK ABOUT IT! You are all to dog-minded to sit down and think, ‘what if the movies came first?’ Then you would be arguing that Zuko looks stupid with a pony tail.
I am completely on Sam’s side here. I am a huge fan of Avatar: The Last Airbender, to an extent I own all three seasons. When I first heard about it I thought ‘this could be Dragonball all over again’ but I was open to being convinced otherwise, your not!
And as for the costumes.
So they are not exactly the same as the show, but that is a cartoon, they didn’t have to make them, and the voice actors didn’t have to fight in them. The costumes are made for appearance, comofrtability, flexability and manuverability.
So I hope you all take this in. Maybe Shyamalan should change the cast halfway through the trilogy, cause that would make you all so happy wouldn’t it. And you are basing these critisisms off two pictures and a couple of trailers. That’s pretty poor. Be grateful that they are making a movie trilogy. And I hope you are all pleased with yourself for giving Avatar fans such a bad name.
By the way. Google ‘Avatar: The Legend of Korra’. Lets see if you trash this too.
June 14, 2010 at 11:03 pm |
I love aang and he is soooo cute!!!!!! I want to go out with him!!!! We would make a realy good couple cuse i am 12 2!!!!!! I love aang!!! ANNG IF U R OUT THERE PLEZ REPLY BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE U!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE U SOOOO FREKIN BAD!!!!!
June 21, 2010 at 10:19 pm |
The only complaint I have is the guy who plays Zuko. Not that Dev’s not attractive, because he is. But I was expecting something different. I have an uber-crush on the cartoon Zuko and I was thinking of someone more . . . dreamy, I guess. Classically beautiful, I guess. Aside from that, I could not be more excited about this movie!
July 5, 2010 at 9:46 pm |
just saw the movie. all the issues about how the characters are not reflecting the races in the animation (i.e. whitewash) is not the only problem. i wished it was the only problem. M.Night screw the fans big time. All the names were pronounce wrong (i don’t care if he make it phonetically correct Aang should be Aang and not Ung). HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE acting. he also left out so many importants characters, places, and events which make the movie feel so disjointed. If you are not a fan of the series, good luck trying to understand the movie. did i mention HORRIBLE acting? NO character development, and uncle Iroh (NOT EEHro), and Zuko, the two most complex characters in the series was the two most one-dimensioned, actors i’ve ever seen. the martial arts were also horrible, and the bendings were a joke, so many unnecessary movements just to throw a rock? Oh, Fire Lord Ozai was the most non-threatening monotonous/lame guy i have ever seen. and general Zhao was THE most annoying little piss-ant EVER. Also, with name like ZHAO, and ZUKO, and OZAI…how the hell were they all INDIANs? There were so many indian people in the movie that i though this was made in Bollywood. I have nothing against Hindu people, but the ONLY Indian guy in the whole series was a monk from southern air temple. Oh, did I metion BAD, HORRENDOUS acting? and that is only half of the problems in the movie. If you all are fan of the series, go see the movie, get really angry, and start up a petition to fired M.Night from making the 2 sequels.
July 23, 2010 at 12:53 pm |
Well said!!
July 9, 2010 at 10:55 am |
i watched the movie and me i am a big fan of the series and the director destroyed the book one ending.(spoilers)When aang combines with the ocean spirit and lets him get hiss revenge and then destroys all the ships with a powerful wave it was heart touching and beautiful and in the movie all he did was make a big wave and then let them get away. Seems to me like the director has no taste in dramatic movie endings or for that matter good ones at all
July 9, 2010 at 11:23 am |
ok only one more thing to add what are you guys saying theres nothing rasist about wanted asian actors over white there is no point only reason we want them is to fit pofile i dont mind that aang is white i want him to look like aang
July 19, 2010 at 11:27 am |
Where can I find the Aang child costume and the teen zuko costume??? Thanks so much for any and all help!!!
July 23, 2010 at 12:48 pm |
Aang looks too fat in my opinion, Zuko’s scar needs to show up more, and the costumes need to be brighter.
July 23, 2010 at 1:04 pm |
The Ember Island Players episode was predicting the future, hahaha. All the acting was horrible eccept for Zuko (it is hard for me to hate on Zuko). And the character development could’ve been a LOT better.
September 15, 2010 at 2:42 pm |
I was so excited when I saw that the movie was coming out but when I went to see it, it sucked big time!! Now I don’t care if the actors are Caucasians or Asians, I know some people say the American public will not relate with Asian actors and therefore they should be Caucasians I disagree. My problem is that the cast didn’t do a good job in representing the characters in the cartoon in other words they sucked at acting. When I go see a movie I want to be entertained I don’t care what the ethnicity of the actors are as long as they entertained me, shoot if I have to choose between this film and another avatar film with an Asian cast that CAN act I will be the first in line to purchase a ticket!!
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June 30, 2011 at 1:25 pm |
He looks hot in cartoon version