In a brand new interview, the solid of Netflix’s upcoming adaptation of Avatar: The Final Airbender revealed a crucial change from the animated show, one which is sensible on the floor, however possibly not in context.
Netflix’s highly anticipated live-action version of the present shall be out February 22 and—as has been the case with earlier variations like Cowboy Bebop and One Piece—followers are more likely to be extremely crucial of each resolution made. In spite of everything, Netflix has tailored these properties resulting from their recognition, so there’s a fragile steadiness between preserving what makes the unique, beloved animated present work, but in addition justifying its live-action existence.
So, for instance, within the unique Avatar present one of many most important characters, Sokka, begins with a really problematic, but in addition very purposeful, character flaw. He’s sexist. “‘Women are higher at fixing pants than guys, and guys are higher at searching and preventing,” is one usually cited instance. Nonetheless, for the brand new present, this can apparently be eliminated.
“I really feel like we additionally took out the ingredient of how sexist [Sokka] was,” Kiawentiio, who performs Sokka’s sister Katara on the present, revealed to Entertainment Weekly. “I really feel like there have been lots of moments within the unique present that have been iffy.” “Yeah, completely,” Ian Ousley, who performs Sokka, replied. “There are issues that have been redirected simply because it would play a little bit otherwise [in live action].”
Earlier than we dig into this a bit extra, there are necessary issues to say right here. First, that is simply the actors giving their interpretations. There’s an entire massive present round them with different characters and intentions so we’re probably lacking lots of essential context. Additionally, they’re youngsters doing an interview. We are able to’t take their phrases because the tried and true gospel and have to provide them a little bit of leeway. However, additionally, that is clearly one thing that was mentioned on set and the feedback appear greater than a tad unaware of the context of the sexism within the unique present.
Within the unique animated present, Sokka’s sexism is a vital ingredient in early episodes and a vital ingredient of what catalyzes Katara to problem the traditions and hierarchy of the Water tribe on the finish of season one. There’s even a whole episode about it—simply 4 episodes into the present—by which Sokka learns and grows past his sexist biases when he meets Suki and the all-female Kyoshi warriors and has his notions of masculinity challenged. If this was dealt with in a mature method in an animated present aimed toward kids, why can’t the remake—aimed toward new youngsters and the individuals who grew up watching the unique—additionally deal with it maturely, as an alternative of eradicating chunks of it solely?
Is it unhealthy that Sokka is sexist? Sure. Is it additionally within the present for a purpose, making him a flawed character who grows and we study to like despite that? Additionally sure. It’s not some sort of dated reference that will get eliminated to make a contemporary adaptation extra inclusive or PC. It’s a part of the textual content. A part of the character’s DNA. Which, once more, would possibly play out otherwise as soon as the present airs. But when the Netflix present fumbles one thing like this, which is simply so baseline apparent, followers is likely to be in bother.
We’ll discover out on February 22 when Avatar: The Final Airbender involves Netflix.
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