The Most Epic Fantasy and Sci-Fi Website

Mark Hamill Thought Avatar: The Last Airbender Wouldn't Last Beyond Season 1


There is little doubt that Avatar: The Last Airbender has become one of the most successful franchises but there was a time when Mark Hamill thought that the animated series wouldn't even get past its first season. Interestingly, the Star Wars icon had an unexpected reason for believing so.

Mark Hamill Thought Avatar: The Last Airbender Was Doomed From The Start

Mark Hamill might be known for playing Luke Skywalker but he has also portrayed some of the most iconic villains in television. The Return of the Jedi actor famously voiced Fire Lord Ozai in all three seasons of Avatar: The Last Airbender.

While answering internet questions on WIRED, Mark Hamill spoke about his initial reaction when he first read the script for The Last Airbender. Interestingly, Hamill thought the show wouldn't last because of the intelligent writing.

"I remember reading the first script thinking, 'This thing's gonna get canceled in four episodes because it's too smart.' And instead it ran many, many seasons," he said.

"It was really gratifying to hear that parents liked to watch it with their children," Hamill continued. "Because it talked up to children rather than talking down to them."

"It was a very, very smart show," he concluded.

We're glad that Mark Hamill was wrong about the longevity of Avatar: The Last Airbender and that a smart show like the animated series went for as long as it did. With that in mind, we can't wait for the live-action adaptation by Netflix.

Netflix's live-action series will star Daniel Dae Kim as Fire Lord Ozai. The show will also feature an ensemble cast including Gordon Cormier, Dallas Liu, Kiawentiio, Ian Ousley, and Paul Sun-Hyung Lee.

For now, the live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender series has not yet been given an official release date. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

Related: Original Avatar: The Last Airbender VA Not Returning For Upcoming Animated Films

For more articles like this, take a look at our Fantasy & Science Fiction and Geek Culture page.