The pull of Netflix’s live-action adaptation of the iconic Nickelodeon cartoon series is stronger than the streaming giant’s live-action take on one of the most successful manga and anime series in history.
According to Netflix, Avatar: The Last Airbender is a hit, surpassing expectations with a a staggering 21.2 million views within its first four days of release. This places it ahead of another of Netflix’s ambitious projects, the live-action adaptation of One Piece, which garnered 18.5 million views in the same timeframe.
The streaming success of Avatar: The Last Airbender is especially noteworthy after the mixed reactions it received from fans and critics alike prior to its release.
Despite some fans of the original animated series expressing concerns over changes in the live-action adaptation, the series’ ability to captivate a wide audience is undeniable. Netflix’s latest live-action adaptation reached the top 10 in 92 countries, a particularly impressive performance for a series with mixed reviews, a challenge that has hindered other adaptations. For instance, Netflix’s adaptation of Cowboy Bebop faced similar challenges but failed to post similar numbers.
In contrast, One Piece, while starting with a smaller viewership, benefited from positive word of mouth, contributing to its sustained presence on the charts. However, Avatar: The Last Airbender managed to defy the odds, attracting viewers despite the discourse online focusing on aspects of the series deemed lacking by some, including writing, cinematography, and character portrayals.
Now it remains to be seen if Avatar: The Last Airbender can maintain its viewership or if the negative comments will eventually prevail and take over – just like the Fire Nation.
Looking ahead, the performance of Avatar: The Last Airbender sets a precedent for the potential future seasons, possibly even extending beyond the source material. Netflix’s decision-making on renewals often considers viewership trends and fan sentiment, so the series’ strong debut bodes well for its continuation.
One Piece, following weeks of topping the charts, was confirmed for a second season with a renewed take on the anime series also on the way.
While challenges remain in adapting iconic material like Avatar: The Last Airbender, its ability to engage viewers in significant numbers demonstrates the potential for these projects to resonate with both new and longtime fans.
Of course, it certainly doesn’t hurt that the casting director did an excellent job nailing the actors and their roles, including Suki’s actress.
With this kind of history already established, the hopes are high for Toph’s actress to deliver.
