Netflix's 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' Changes Showrunners...Again

TV & Film

Apr 9

Prior to release, the Netflix adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender series was beset by a set of developments and reveals that came across as red flags to fans, causing concern about how well the show would do. By the numbers, the show was a success, earning it the continuation of the series for the final two books, like the original. It was a welcome sign to see the renewal, especially given the discourse surrounding the show from its reveal back in 2018.

Now, that success is marred by the news Albert Kim, the showrunner, has departed the show just after the news of the renewal. This was followed by information stating that he signed with Disney for work, and is now attached to the Percy Jackson series on Disney+. Understandably, he wanted to move on to other things. There was a long development period for the show, being announced in 2018 and not premiering until just this February. He will be succeeded by executive producers Christine Boylan and Jabbar Raisani. Boylan has experience writing for network television, as well as The Punisher series on Netflix. Raisani was executive producer for season one and also directed a couple of episodes in addition to overseeing VFX.

The news surely comes as a frustration by fans of the show, and more fuel for critics, as this is the third set of showrunners for the adaptation. Albert Kim came on to the show after the animated show’s creators, Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino, departed for rumored reasons. Those reasons came to be revealed to be creative differences, which sent the fandom into worry mode. Kim revealed in interviews that he had extensive contact with DiMartino and Konietzko to ensure the show was done justice. Still, a show with such an avid fan base that already has a history of concern over showrunners getting more turnover in that department is likely not something to sit well with people.

No word on when seasons two and three will begin production, but it is likely to be relatively soon.

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