Avatar: The Last Airbender gets a musical adaptation thanks to some talented fans. The hit animated series originally ran on Nickelodeon from 2005 to 2008. Netflix released all three seasons of the show for its subscribers this past May, which led to an increase in Avatar: The Last Airbender inspired fan works. Although there has already been a universally panned movie adaptation, as well as an upcoming Netflix live-action series, an Avatar: The Last Airbender musical has never been considered until now.
Many characters in the show's universe have the ability to bend an element to their will, and the world is divided into the Earth, Fire, Water, and Air nations. Most of the characters in the series are only able to bend one element. The only person who can bend all four elements is called the Avatar. The very first episode of Avatar: The Last Airbender introduced fans to brother and sister pair Sokka and Katara from the Southern Water Tribe. Although Sokka didn't having water bending abilities, Katara did. Together, the two discovered a boy in an iceberg who turned out to be Aang, the current Avatar and the last Airbender. The unlikely trio became Team Avatar and aimed to help Aang master all four elements so he could defeat Firelord Sozin, the evil overlord who had conquered the other nations and committed genocide against Aang's people.
Two things that fans of Avatar: The Last Airbender love about the series is its complex characters and incredible world building. Talented teen Katherine Lynn-Rose accomplished what no fan has done previously and started writing a whole Avatar: The Last Airbender inspired musical. With songs like "Welcome to Ba Sing Se" and collaborations with other talented fans on pieces like "Zuko's Song," Lynn-Rose's musical in progress is a must watch. Check out a few highlights below in this great Twitter thread from user Klaudia Amenábar:
If there's one thing Avatar: The Last Airbender teaches fans it's that a group of kids like Team Avatar can save the world. Lynn-Rose and the rest of her talented collaborators did a great job of honoring the beloved series in a new and unique way. They even managed to do so while social distancing during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Broadway may be closed until January 2021, but an official Avatar: The Last Airbender musical would definitely be a huge draw for fans if such a show is ever developed.
Avatar: The Last Airbender demonstrates how there is hope even when everything seems lost, which is an inspiring message the world could use right now. Lynn-Rose proved there is infinite musical potential for the series, which would definitely be another new way for fans to enjoy Avatar: The Last Airbender, in addition to the Netflix live-action version in progress. While it's unknown if Avatar the Musical will ever happen for real, this current version definitely deserves a standing ovation.
Source: Katherine Lynn-Rose, Klaudia Amenábar