The Netflix adaptation of “Avatar: The Last Airbender” series faced skepticism and concern among fans due to various developments prior to its release. However, despite initial doubts, the series proved to be a success, earning a renewal for the final two books, mirroring the original series. This renewal was particularly welcomed given the discourse surrounding the show since its reveal in 2018.
Unfortunately, the recent success has been overshadowed by the departure of showrunner Albert Kim shortly after news of the renewal. It was revealed that Kim signed with Disney for work and is now attached to the Percy Jackson series on Disney+, indicating a desire to explore new opportunities. The show had a prolonged development period, announced in 2018 but not premiering until February of this year. Kim will be succeeded by executive producers Christine Boylan and Jabbar Raisani. Boylan brings experience in writing for network television and worked on The Punisher series on Netflix, while Raisani served as executive producer for season one and directed several episodes in addition to overseeing visual effects.
The news of Kim’s departure undoubtedly frustrates fans and provides critics with more ammunition, especially considering he is the third set of showrunners for the adaptation. Kim took on the role after the departure of the animated show’s creators, Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino, due to rumored creative differences. While Kim emphasized his extensive communication with DiMartino and Konietzko to honor the show’s legacy, the turnover in showrunners is likely unsettling for a fanbase known for its passion and discerning eye.
There is currently no information on when production for seasons two and three will begin, but it is expected to commence relatively soon, maintaining the momentum generated by the series’ success.