“No, Aang can’t fly”: Avatar: The Last Airbender Live Action Producer Was Surprised With Fan Backlash Over Aang’s One Power in Season 1

Even as a young Air Nomad, Aang was a prodigy. He became an Airbending Master faster than anyone before him. His airbending feats, such as creating tornadoes and manipulating air currents, are highly skilled and versatile.

Despite his amazing airbending abilities, fans were surprised to find out that the main character in Avatar: The Last Airbender doesn’t have one power that many expected: the ability to fly. However, this surprised the producer of the series because that was never meant to be.

Showrunner Clarified Aang’s Missing Power in Avatar: The Last Airbender Live-Action

Aang’s incredible airbending skills let him do amazing things. However, a common misconception is that he can fly. While he can expertly manipulate air, true flight isn’t part of his skillset.

In the original animated series, he glides using his glider or rides on his bison, Appa. But, the first episode of the live-action version seemed to depict Gordon Cormier‘s character gracefully flying, causing confusion among fans.

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Thankfully, Avatar: The Last Airbender Seasons 2 and 3 showrunner Jabbar Raisani cleared the air at Paleyfest 2024. He admitted to being surprised by the misconception and explained that Aang is, in fact, “falling with style.” He told The Direct:

“Yes, there is one thing that surprised me. There was this common thread that Aang could fly. And I was like, ‘No, Aang can’t fly. Aang is falling with style.’ I want to do a diagram to show exactly that he’s always falling. It’s the opening sequence mainly.”

It’s understandable why some viewers thought Aang could fly, especially based on the visuals in the first episode. It features the character seemingly flying. Initially positioned atop a tall tower, he then glides down using his airbending skills.

Avatar: The Last Airbender‘s Showrunner Wanted to Stay True to Source Material

Jabbar Raisani was committed to staying true to the source material. He’s actively listening to fan feedback and using it to improve the series for the future. The showrunner even jokingly mentioned creating a YouTube video to clarify this detail. He said to the same source:

“I was like, ‘No, that was, like, very clearly designed,’ obviously, not clearly enough. But to make sure that he’s always falling, and I was like, ‘No!’ I’m gonna do a YouTube video, like he’s not flying, he’s falling.'”

This focus on detail, along with Raisani’s willingness to learn from mistakes, is a positive sign for the future of the live-action adaptation. Season 1 filming began in November 2021, with the series premiering in February 2024, over two years later. Season 2 was renewed in March 2024. So, fans might expect Avatar: The Last Airbender season 2 to air around late 2025.

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Watch Avatar: The Last Airbender on Netflix.