Avatar Actor Claims Nickelodeon Wouldn’t Make The Last Airbender Today

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One actor from the voice cast of “Avatar: The Last Airbender” believes Nickelodeon wouldn’t approve the animated series if it were presented for the first time today, given its mature themes. Although initially marketed towards children, the original “Avatar: The Last Airbender” is often hailed as one of the greatest animated shows ever made. It tackles intricate topics such as colonization, cultural suppression, discrimination, emotional manipulation, spirituality, and others.

One reason why “Avatar” remains cherished, despite concluding in 2008 following three seasons, is its ability to tackle significant themes in a relatable and entertaining manner without minimizing the pain of living in a conflict-ridden society. The series gives due weight and respect to Aang’s role as the Avatar, Zuko’s path to redemption, and the emotional backstories of Sokka, Katara, and Toph within their family histories.

The brand associated with “Avatar” remains strongly recognized – three animated films and a new “Avatar” television series are currently being developed, while the second season of Netflix’s live-action remake is getting ready for release. Despite this, voice actor Greg Baldwin, who assumed the role of Uncle Iroh in ATLA season 3, expresses his belief that the show might not have been produced if it were pitched by creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko in today’s industry.

During the Avatar: The Last Airbender panel at the Denver Fan Expo, as reported by ScreenRant, Baldwin made it clear that if you proposed a TV show concept to Nickelodeon today and said, “My idea starts with genocide,” they would likely turn it down.

Is Greg Baldwin Right About Avatar Not Being Picked Up Today?

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Despite the enduring fame of “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” it’s challenging to conceive a universe where this visually stunning animated series never came into existence. However, Baldwin raises a valid point; “The Last Airbender” deviates from the norm of children’s cartoons by delving into and scrutinizing complex political issues that mirror the world’s long-standing and contemporary global conflicts.

Aang is referred to as the “last airbender” because his people were wiped out by the Fire Nation. Baldwin’s observation that the series begins with genocide isn’t an overstatement, and Netflix’s live-action adaptation of Avatar made sure to depict the battle that annihilated the Air Nomads. The Earth Kingdom and Water Tribes remain in a perpetual state of danger due to Fire Lord Ozai.

In today’s societal environment, marked by an increase in school book bans and frequent discussions about them in mainstream media as political points, Baldwin’s perspective doesn’t seem overly radical. After all, would a prominent network like Nickelodeon dare to air a groundbreaking series such as Avatar, given the lack of an established audience? I must admit, it’s a question that gives me pause.

Our Take On Avatar: The Last Airbender’s Legacy

It’s Encouraging That ATLA’s Story Isn’t Over Yet

Without a doubt, Avatar: The Last Airbender revolutionized the concept of children’s programming. Boasting breathtaking animation, captivating storytelling, and deeply moving character developments, ATLA demonstrated that kids’ stories could be intelligent, layered, and informative while still being humorous, quirky, action-packed, and dramatic. It appears as though Avatar was exactly what the world needed at the time it graced our television screens.

It’s heartening to see that Avatar: The Last Airbender had such a profound impact on viewers that it led to a follow-up series (The Legend of Korra), comic books, novels, live-action adaptations, and numerous forthcoming animated projects based on the original. The messages and insights from Avatar: The Last Airbender remain just as relevant today, if not more so, making it a valuable learning resource for both young and old viewers alike.

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2025-07-06 15:59