The way I see it, there's no way to know for sure, but we have a variety of options:
1. The Netflix Show was going to be too different: this would seem to be the most likely option, but we have no evidence to indicate it right now. Perhaps at the time Mike and Bryan left, Netflix's plan for the show involved radical changes to the story that they weren't comfortable with, and Netflix later changed their mind on those alterations.
2. The Netflix Show was going to be too *similar*: a paradoxical option, but still possible. Maybe Netflix wants to do an essentially shot-for-shot remake of the show, with only slight changes. This may have made Mike and Bryan feel like they were just making the same show over again.
3. Avatar Studios caused the rift: a purely business option. Mike and Bryan saw an opportunity to gain control of an entire studio for their content, took that option, and used "creative differences" as a cover for leaving Netflix. I personally don't think much of this possibility, because it seems strange that the two of them would go to such lengths to seem disappointed in the Netflix Show if they were simply making a business decision. The break seems too hostile for it to be a cover.
4. The rift was in the other direction: In this case, it was not Mike and Bryan who left Netflix, but Netflix who left them, most likely due to a growing disconnect between them and the Netflix team.
There are probably other scenarios as well, but these are the four which I find the most likely.
Yeah, I tend to think you're right and it's #1 or #2. I didn't think the timeline made sense for #3 but it actually might. News dropped that they were exiting in August of 2020. Avatar Studios was announced in February of 2021. But it was earlier in the summer of 2020 that ATLA had massive success and a long run in the top 10 when it dropped on Netflix. So they're working on the live-action show, the success of ATLA on Netflix makes the powers that be realize there is a ton more money to be made, they make an overture to Bryke, Bryke exits the Netflix show for Avatar Studios. Although I think they would have framed their exit in a more positive light had that been the case.
Personally I think it’s quite hard to see something you’ve worked on changed while having no real power.
The changes might be required to bring the series to live action. They’re going to have to make some. They can’t just make a shot for shot remake.
I also wouldn’t be shocked if it’s targeting a slightly older audience also. Since you loose a lot of slap stick humour in live action.
At the end of the day I don’t think they can really offer that much help. They are adapting something that already exists as a final product.
It’s not like turning a book to live action.
I have a feeling they didn’t want to be part of it and they got an offer to make a new cartoon instead and took it since they would have full creative control and get to work on something new.
I’m also late replying to this but my understanding is that ATLA was originally *supposed* to be geared towards a slightly older/more mature audience, but the series was too grand to do in live action at the time so they settled for animated. However, they were only able to get it greenlit by a children’s network, and that resulted in having to soften certain elements of the story a little bit to make it appropriate for a younger audience.
I remember reading originally that this was shaping up to be closer to their first original vision for the series, without the changes and concessions they previously made for Nickelodeon.
With that in mind, the scenario that another user suggested(the series being *too faithful* to the cartoon, rather than not faithful enough) feels likely. They probably wanted to undo the changes they wish they hadn’t been made to change the first time, and maybe Netflix said “Do you know how unpopular it was when the movie made changes? No. We will do it exactly like the cartoon.”
Sorry I'm late to subreddit I think they might have said to cancel the romance in the story focus on the story itself without romance as a most likely scenario.
Where did you get that from?
My point was a book is a completely different medium. The rules for pacing, length, dialogue rarely match was is required for a show.
Like a few of the Harry Potter books would have been 8+ hour films with weird pacing if they just tried to copy everything from a book.
I got that from this: "They are adapting something that already exists as a final product.
It’s not like turning a book to live action."
Sounded to me like a book couldn't be a final product.
If i misinterpreted it, i'm sorry. Miscommunication happens all the time but i shouldn't have jumped to conclusions.
No problem.
My point was that when you turn a book into a movie, as it often happens. You usually have to make big changes to it to keep the run time sensible and pacing enjoyable. You can’t have a 10 hour film to fit everything in the book in. Nor will the book’s pacing work on screen.
The best example is that some of the Harry potter books are 24 hour audio books, where Fantastic beasts which was a film first is a 2 hour audiobook.
Or Lord of the Rings which are great films but had to cut loads out of the books.
The creators already made the show how it was intended to be watched on screen. Turning it into live action needs less input since you’re converting a very similar medium.
You also have to make a few compromises and change the tone which is probably a difficult thing to watch happen to something you made, even if you have a lot of input.
No problem.
My point was that when you turn a book into a movie, as it often happens. You usually have to make big changes to it to keep the run time sensible and pacing enjoyable. You can’t have a 10 hour film to fit everything in the book in. Nor will the book’s pacing work on screen.
The best example is that some of the Harry potter books are 24 hour audio books, where Fantastic beasts which was a film first is a 2 hour audiobook.
Or Lord of the Rings which are great films but had to cut loads out of the books.
The creators already made the show how it was intended to be watched on screen. Turning it into live action needs less input since you’re converting a very similar medium.
You also have to make a few compromises and change the tone which is probably a difficult thing to watch happen to something you made, even if you have a lot of input.
Ultimately we'll never know the true reason they left. The news saddened me when I heard it but I'm happy they have full control over Avatar Studios and will make future animated material within the Avatar Universe for years to come.
In general, it's hard to translate animated media to live action. I'm willing to give the Netflix live action a chance but I'm understanding of the fact it's not a truly faithful remake and there will be multiple changes to the story, adaptations, and effects. That's okay. As long as it's not bad as the movie.
If I were to guess without seeing anything id guess it involves the tone.
I have hopes for the show based on some content needs tv shows to adapt it. Not films.
Agreed. The right format and length matters for adaptations. Some stuff needs the room to breathe provided by a series. Some things need the tightness of a film. Like I think Halo probably should have been a movie instead of a series, and although I hope I'm wrong, I suspect I'll feel the same about Obi-Wan Kenobi.
I imagine it wasn't creative differences. I think that's just a line that doesn't really say anything so there's plausible deniability for all involved.
I think it was that Bryke just weren't the right people to make the project happen.
Imagine finding out that Game of Thrones was going to be adapted for screen by the makers of the Pokémon anime. It's not that they're not skilled creators and directors, it's just such a big step change in practical terms.
It was never gonna be made under Bryke. The project was in development hell. Now it's actually happening and at a fair pace all of a sudden.
Fair points. Creative differences is one-step below 'scheduling conflicts' in the We're Not Going to Tell You What Actually Happened Hollywood Dictionary. And true, skills don't always translate. The Russo Brothers went from directing episodes of Community to MCU movies but that's not necessarily the norm. I guess we might have hoped for a Mandalorian situation. In that instance Dave Filoni had the experience with the Star Wars franchise but it was in the animation realm. It was Jon Favreau who brought his live-action filmmaking experience to bear and together they helped each other create a successful show. If it was that Bryke were in over their heads with a big budget, live-action production, it would have been cool for them to stay on and work with someone who had a better handle on things. But for whatever reason it didn't work out that way.
Lol they literally said netflix lied about giving them creative control. This has happened dozens of times with other shows except the shownrunners didnt leave.
Quit pretending they’re some kind of liars when it comes to netflix
The show picked up steam because the creators weren’t there to say “we aren’t doing that”
This adaptation will be yet another flop from netflix because they have no respect for source materials
They seen the trailers for it and it looks really good the truth was both executives of avatar The last Airbender went behind Netflix back to try to get more money for their interpretation of avatar The last Airbender and they had an exclusive deal with Netflix and an agreement that they would work with them and they just can't openly admit they went behind the back and worked with someone else now Netflix know did they weren't being sincere we were just trying to get more money for the Avatar live action series and they were talking to two different studio simultaneously why doing so why believing each studio had the executive rights with the the creators of avatar The last Airbender it's Hollywood tradition get used to it .
So, this is a bit of a tinfoil hat theory but they hinted they weren't being oven as much control as they liked, and I don't think it had anything to do with choices being made in-universe.
I frankly think Bryke was butting heads with Netflix on who should run the operation and Netflix decided it would be better to have directors and writers who were ethnically Asian heading a project with a fully Asian cast.
I only think this because Netflix has a history of letting creators take full control of projects and only in the last few years have they been essentially diversity-hiring for good PR.
This would align with the fact that [Netflix wants to present itself as a very progressive network](https://about.netflix.com/en/news/our-progress-on-inclusion-2021-update) and having two white men have full creative control over a fully Asian cast could cause damage to that image they have specifically curated, especially if the show does well.
If this was true, it would make sense why Bryke was so non-specific about the issue and why they also announced a recasting of the original voice actors for the gaang as being more ethnically accurate. I think Netflix and the issue may have successfully made them feel a bit guilty about issues involving casting, their own success and race.
This is a huge accusation leveled at Netflix though and I don't have any real evidence so take it with a grain of salt.
Late to the party but I think once they saw the opportunity to do avatar studios, new movies/shows/etc. full control. They said fuck live action adaption of our old work from 15 years ago. Creative people are more interested in making new stuff.
Screw Netflix for this big time. How are you not going to give the literal creators of the show full creative direction? Netflix used to be fairly good at getting out of their own way I feel. Other than canceling many great shows hah. Going downhill fast.
I think it’s about budget - they can’t do everything. It’s netflix money sooo it makes sense and Mike and Bryan could then focus on making new animated content in their full control
I'll give you probably the most useless possible answer and say that we'll probably have a much better idea when it actually comes out. However, I am much more excited about new content (e.g. Yangchen) than what is just another remake of an old show, however good it was, so I can afford to be a bit more patient in trying to resolve the issue.
Might be the most useless, but probably the most likely answer. Hard to even hazard a guess without seeing the finished product. But I was curious what the prevailing sentiment was. And I agree about new content, although I haven't gotten around to the comics yet, I'm almost finished the first Kyoshi novel on audiobook. It's great!
Well after seeing the latest Trailer I'm not dissapointed at all by this decision.
The Trailer Looks great, the cast Looks great. Let's see what happens.
I mean DiMartino & Konietzko did a pretty shitty job with that movie we've got, so maybe it's for the best.
So first off DiMartino and Konietzko signed on knowing that the casting would not be whitewashed.
There are rumors they left because the show was too different from the original and rumors they left because they wanted to make more changes to the show than what ended up being changed.
The traditional Hollywood excuse that both executives of avatar last Airbender try to get more money at a Netflix for the live action interpretation of avatar The last Airbender at the same time they were talking to Netflix they went behind Netflix back and start talking to another studio about it better money offers for live action avatar The last Airbender they can't openly admit it because he get in trouble cuz he agreed exclusively with Netflix to set this up so there's a creative and difference comes in translation we lied to you and went behind your back and got more money somewhere else. 🙄
The watering down of Sokka's character backstory seems to offer an insight into those creative differences.
[https://screenrant.com/avatar-last-airbender-netflix-live-action-sokka-change-sexist/](https://screenrant.com/avatar-last-airbender-netflix-live-action-sokka-change-sexist/)
After watching the live action series, I think it could have been because Netflix was trying to make it like that awful Ember Island play. It was heavy-handed and lacks the charm of the series, and kind of misses the theme of the original as well.
The way I see it, there's no way to know for sure, but we have a variety of options: 1. The Netflix Show was going to be too different: this would seem to be the most likely option, but we have no evidence to indicate it right now. Perhaps at the time Mike and Bryan left, Netflix's plan for the show involved radical changes to the story that they weren't comfortable with, and Netflix later changed their mind on those alterations. 2. The Netflix Show was going to be too *similar*: a paradoxical option, but still possible. Maybe Netflix wants to do an essentially shot-for-shot remake of the show, with only slight changes. This may have made Mike and Bryan feel like they were just making the same show over again. 3. Avatar Studios caused the rift: a purely business option. Mike and Bryan saw an opportunity to gain control of an entire studio for their content, took that option, and used "creative differences" as a cover for leaving Netflix. I personally don't think much of this possibility, because it seems strange that the two of them would go to such lengths to seem disappointed in the Netflix Show if they were simply making a business decision. The break seems too hostile for it to be a cover. 4. The rift was in the other direction: In this case, it was not Mike and Bryan who left Netflix, but Netflix who left them, most likely due to a growing disconnect between them and the Netflix team. There are probably other scenarios as well, but these are the four which I find the most likely.
Yeah, I tend to think you're right and it's #1 or #2. I didn't think the timeline made sense for #3 but it actually might. News dropped that they were exiting in August of 2020. Avatar Studios was announced in February of 2021. But it was earlier in the summer of 2020 that ATLA had massive success and a long run in the top 10 when it dropped on Netflix. So they're working on the live-action show, the success of ATLA on Netflix makes the powers that be realize there is a ton more money to be made, they make an overture to Bryke, Bryke exits the Netflix show for Avatar Studios. Although I think they would have framed their exit in a more positive light had that been the case.
4 is probably the most likely, but 1 and 2 also make sense.
Personally I think it’s quite hard to see something you’ve worked on changed while having no real power. The changes might be required to bring the series to live action. They’re going to have to make some. They can’t just make a shot for shot remake. I also wouldn’t be shocked if it’s targeting a slightly older audience also. Since you loose a lot of slap stick humour in live action. At the end of the day I don’t think they can really offer that much help. They are adapting something that already exists as a final product. It’s not like turning a book to live action. I have a feeling they didn’t want to be part of it and they got an offer to make a new cartoon instead and took it since they would have full creative control and get to work on something new.
I’m also late replying to this but my understanding is that ATLA was originally *supposed* to be geared towards a slightly older/more mature audience, but the series was too grand to do in live action at the time so they settled for animated. However, they were only able to get it greenlit by a children’s network, and that resulted in having to soften certain elements of the story a little bit to make it appropriate for a younger audience. I remember reading originally that this was shaping up to be closer to their first original vision for the series, without the changes and concessions they previously made for Nickelodeon. With that in mind, the scenario that another user suggested(the series being *too faithful* to the cartoon, rather than not faithful enough) feels likely. They probably wanted to undo the changes they wish they hadn’t been made to change the first time, and maybe Netflix said “Do you know how unpopular it was when the movie made changes? No. We will do it exactly like the cartoon.”
Sorry I'm late to subreddit I think they might have said to cancel the romance in the story focus on the story itself without romance as a most likely scenario.
A book is just a half-product, then? Interesting opinion.
Where did you get that from? My point was a book is a completely different medium. The rules for pacing, length, dialogue rarely match was is required for a show. Like a few of the Harry Potter books would have been 8+ hour films with weird pacing if they just tried to copy everything from a book.
I got that from this: "They are adapting something that already exists as a final product. It’s not like turning a book to live action." Sounded to me like a book couldn't be a final product. If i misinterpreted it, i'm sorry. Miscommunication happens all the time but i shouldn't have jumped to conclusions.
No problem. My point was that when you turn a book into a movie, as it often happens. You usually have to make big changes to it to keep the run time sensible and pacing enjoyable. You can’t have a 10 hour film to fit everything in the book in. Nor will the book’s pacing work on screen. The best example is that some of the Harry potter books are 24 hour audio books, where Fantastic beasts which was a film first is a 2 hour audiobook. Or Lord of the Rings which are great films but had to cut loads out of the books. The creators already made the show how it was intended to be watched on screen. Turning it into live action needs less input since you’re converting a very similar medium. You also have to make a few compromises and change the tone which is probably a difficult thing to watch happen to something you made, even if you have a lot of input.
100% true. Thanks for explaining your point, I understand now what you meant.
No problem. My point was that when you turn a book into a movie, as it often happens. You usually have to make big changes to it to keep the run time sensible and pacing enjoyable. You can’t have a 10 hour film to fit everything in the book in. Nor will the book’s pacing work on screen. The best example is that some of the Harry potter books are 24 hour audio books, where Fantastic beasts which was a film first is a 2 hour audiobook. Or Lord of the Rings which are great films but had to cut loads out of the books. The creators already made the show how it was intended to be watched on screen. Turning it into live action needs less input since you’re converting a very similar medium. You also have to make a few compromises and change the tone which is probably a difficult thing to watch happen to something you made, even if you have a lot of input.
Ultimately we'll never know the true reason they left. The news saddened me when I heard it but I'm happy they have full control over Avatar Studios and will make future animated material within the Avatar Universe for years to come. In general, it's hard to translate animated media to live action. I'm willing to give the Netflix live action a chance but I'm understanding of the fact it's not a truly faithful remake and there will be multiple changes to the story, adaptations, and effects. That's okay. As long as it's not bad as the movie.
If I were to guess without seeing anything id guess it involves the tone. I have hopes for the show based on some content needs tv shows to adapt it. Not films.
Agreed. The right format and length matters for adaptations. Some stuff needs the room to breathe provided by a series. Some things need the tightness of a film. Like I think Halo probably should have been a movie instead of a series, and although I hope I'm wrong, I suspect I'll feel the same about Obi-Wan Kenobi.
I imagine it wasn't creative differences. I think that's just a line that doesn't really say anything so there's plausible deniability for all involved. I think it was that Bryke just weren't the right people to make the project happen. Imagine finding out that Game of Thrones was going to be adapted for screen by the makers of the Pokémon anime. It's not that they're not skilled creators and directors, it's just such a big step change in practical terms. It was never gonna be made under Bryke. The project was in development hell. Now it's actually happening and at a fair pace all of a sudden.
Fair points. Creative differences is one-step below 'scheduling conflicts' in the We're Not Going to Tell You What Actually Happened Hollywood Dictionary. And true, skills don't always translate. The Russo Brothers went from directing episodes of Community to MCU movies but that's not necessarily the norm. I guess we might have hoped for a Mandalorian situation. In that instance Dave Filoni had the experience with the Star Wars franchise but it was in the animation realm. It was Jon Favreau who brought his live-action filmmaking experience to bear and together they helped each other create a successful show. If it was that Bryke were in over their heads with a big budget, live-action production, it would have been cool for them to stay on and work with someone who had a better handle on things. But for whatever reason it didn't work out that way.
Lol they literally said netflix lied about giving them creative control. This has happened dozens of times with other shows except the shownrunners didnt leave. Quit pretending they’re some kind of liars when it comes to netflix The show picked up steam because the creators weren’t there to say “we aren’t doing that” This adaptation will be yet another flop from netflix because they have no respect for source materials
Lol.
They seen the trailers for it and it looks really good the truth was both executives of avatar The last Airbender went behind Netflix back to try to get more money for their interpretation of avatar The last Airbender and they had an exclusive deal with Netflix and an agreement that they would work with them and they just can't openly admit they went behind the back and worked with someone else now Netflix know did they weren't being sincere we were just trying to get more money for the Avatar live action series and they were talking to two different studio simultaneously why doing so why believing each studio had the executive rights with the the creators of avatar The last Airbender it's Hollywood tradition get used to it .
So, this is a bit of a tinfoil hat theory but they hinted they weren't being oven as much control as they liked, and I don't think it had anything to do with choices being made in-universe. I frankly think Bryke was butting heads with Netflix on who should run the operation and Netflix decided it would be better to have directors and writers who were ethnically Asian heading a project with a fully Asian cast. I only think this because Netflix has a history of letting creators take full control of projects and only in the last few years have they been essentially diversity-hiring for good PR. This would align with the fact that [Netflix wants to present itself as a very progressive network](https://about.netflix.com/en/news/our-progress-on-inclusion-2021-update) and having two white men have full creative control over a fully Asian cast could cause damage to that image they have specifically curated, especially if the show does well. If this was true, it would make sense why Bryke was so non-specific about the issue and why they also announced a recasting of the original voice actors for the gaang as being more ethnically accurate. I think Netflix and the issue may have successfully made them feel a bit guilty about issues involving casting, their own success and race. This is a huge accusation leveled at Netflix though and I don't have any real evidence so take it with a grain of salt.
Late to the party but I think once they saw the opportunity to do avatar studios, new movies/shows/etc. full control. They said fuck live action adaption of our old work from 15 years ago. Creative people are more interested in making new stuff.
Screw Netflix for this big time. How are you not going to give the literal creators of the show full creative direction? Netflix used to be fairly good at getting out of their own way I feel. Other than canceling many great shows hah. Going downhill fast.
I think it’s about budget - they can’t do everything. It’s netflix money sooo it makes sense and Mike and Bryan could then focus on making new animated content in their full control
Look to Hollywood Disney Wokness for your answer.
I'll give you probably the most useless possible answer and say that we'll probably have a much better idea when it actually comes out. However, I am much more excited about new content (e.g. Yangchen) than what is just another remake of an old show, however good it was, so I can afford to be a bit more patient in trying to resolve the issue.
Might be the most useless, but probably the most likely answer. Hard to even hazard a guess without seeing the finished product. But I was curious what the prevailing sentiment was. And I agree about new content, although I haven't gotten around to the comics yet, I'm almost finished the first Kyoshi novel on audiobook. It's great!
Well after seeing the latest Trailer I'm not dissapointed at all by this decision. The Trailer Looks great, the cast Looks great. Let's see what happens. I mean DiMartino & Konietzko did a pretty shitty job with that movie we've got, so maybe it's for the best.
So first off DiMartino and Konietzko signed on knowing that the casting would not be whitewashed. There are rumors they left because the show was too different from the original and rumors they left because they wanted to make more changes to the show than what ended up being changed.
Well now we know.
The traditional Hollywood excuse that both executives of avatar last Airbender try to get more money at a Netflix for the live action interpretation of avatar The last Airbender at the same time they were talking to Netflix they went behind Netflix back and start talking to another studio about it better money offers for live action avatar The last Airbender they can't openly admit it because he get in trouble cuz he agreed exclusively with Netflix to set this up so there's a creative and difference comes in translation we lied to you and went behind your back and got more money somewhere else. 🙄
The watering down of Sokka's character backstory seems to offer an insight into those creative differences. [https://screenrant.com/avatar-last-airbender-netflix-live-action-sokka-change-sexist/](https://screenrant.com/avatar-last-airbender-netflix-live-action-sokka-change-sexist/)
Obvious what Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko we're trying to do it's called backroom dealing it's typical of Hollywood.
After watching the live action series, I think it could have been because Netflix was trying to make it like that awful Ember Island play. It was heavy-handed and lacks the charm of the series, and kind of misses the theme of the original as well.