The overall movie was a real disappointment. I went to see it with my friends who all love the show as much as I do and there was no comedic relief, no character stories or personalities, nothing. The actors were just another thing to add to the list of failures. I, personally, think they tried to fit too much into one showing. I'm glad to see that others share my feelings. And it's true, the creators did do so much research to make the show what it is.
Jesse Mcartney to play an OBVIOUSLY ASIAN CHARACTER!? HOW CAN PEOPLE SAY THEY WERE NOT BEING RACIST!!!! Dev Patel (indian guy) WOULD HAVE NEVER GOT CAST if Jesse wouldn't of had turned it down later! The original plan was to take Aang (asian) and make him White! Take Indian/ Inuit Sokka & Katara make them white! and take Asian Zuko and make him WHITE! On top off that what proves racism a factor is the pure fact that there were Asian and Indian people who fit the role! #KARMAMOVIESUCKED=D
I will boycot the film, because it sucks. I get what you guys are saying. And one of the things I love about anime is the asian cultural elements. I just don't think everything should be turned into a race issue.
i totally agree with you! i think Sokka and Katara should
have been filipinos since they have pretty tan skin.
Aang should have been asian along with Zuko and Iroh. I could go on and on with what's wrong with the movie but i think he just ruined an amazing show. The fire nation didn't all have to be indians. It could be different ethnicity's. Thank you for pointing everything wrong about the movie ;] you are awesome Chaobunny12 :D
@Mrsgeraldanderson native americans are very unrepresented in hollywood so casting them as filipino wouldn't have solved everything :) I'm filipina so although it would have been cool if filipinos were cast, it would have been cooler if they were cast as native.
screw these people their not real fans. at around 0:50 someone says "she dosent have hair loopies" wtf. people its not an exact copy of the show not everything has to be the same. avatar fans have been waiting for this movie for so long then the haters went and had to make some stupid thing up like this about the race because fans should have just been happy someone is making the movie because who else would make it and make it exactly like you wanted it to be. beggers cant be choosers
I respect the opinion on disliking the race bending thing. I don't get why they couldn't have darkened them up or found actors that suited them better.It's weird that not even Ang was asian..I can understand somehow warping the other two into being white cuz they are from the North or something ?o_O.(*shooting in the dark here*) It's really confusing....because in plays and things they clearly hire you based on whether you look the part, but I guess Nickelodeon doesn't do that.
I don't know how smart many of you commenters are (most of you are not) but the casting of Aang, Sokka, Katara, Gran Gran, Pakku, and the Northern Water Tribe border on and on many levels is Yellowface/Redface. How is that fair?
There are many young teenage Asian American and Native American actors whom were more qualified for this role and instead due to Hollywood's centuary old bias casting (Caucasian Or Other) Caucasian actors that did not even audition were choosen.
In response to "race bending" I agree, it would have been ideal to incorporate a larger amount of actual asians to play the main characters. But you must understand, the pool of young asian american actors is much smaller than that of young actors of caucasian and african american descent. As a fan, I'm sure that you would not have wanted the issue of having to cast within particular races to affect the overall outcome of the film. (Which was bleak, however that is beside the point.)
also i kno its bad but there are probly little kids or pplz yur ages or whoeva who want to see the movie. and its not right for u guys to destroy tht cuz of the casting and other things. tht is ridiculus
ok heres wat i think. the casting obviously suxs big. but i could get used to katara, sokka, and aangs characters because they do look similar.but i will never forgive them for casting zuko as an indian. and wats even worse is tht he has no scar!!! the scar is zukos thing. tht scar is what helpd reveal his complications and hollywood decides to take tht away. im extremely dissapointed :(. but the pplz were thinkin of boycotting. thts just too much plus its a movie if u dont like dont watch
lol at 56 they said " her cloths arent blue, where are the loopies?" and then the racebender lady is like" yeah thats right the cartoon version has darker skin" lol these people are fucking retarded and need to get lives
@stratisfire Oh really- I need a life? I mean, I don't know about you, but I'm ALWAYS going around leaving grammatically incorrect and insulting comments on people's youtube videos. It's how I spend my free time, because I love trolling and I have nothing better to do than criticize the opinions of others. Sound familiar?
I'd love to hear you say that to my face. But you wouldn't, because you're a cowardly troll who hides behind a computer screen. I laugh at people like you.
@Chaobunny12 yeah you do. and by saying that they disregarded all of the culture is stupid. they changed the name pronunciations to be more culturally correct and if you didnt notice in the movie the southern water tribe is made of entirely inuit except for kanna sokka and katara and the northern water tribe has been based of of moscow russia so they are white so it make sense to have katara and sokka be white. and do you expect them to hire someone from tebet?
I'm sure that most of those who said they'd boycott aren't planning on doing so. I don't like the looks of the actors, and how they seem to be neglecting the obviously Asian influences of the show, but I’ll still watch it. It would kill me to know there’s an amazing high budget life action with astonishing CGI effects movie version of the show I’m a huge fan of in the theaters and not being able to see it cause the actors aren't the right race, no matter how much i want to.
LOL okay dont judge by a book by its cover okay then. Ima make a movie which takes place when the Asians were building the railroad BUT WAIT im going to make it all white actors! So i can sell it more to the audience .
"They completely disregarded the culture" Um.... look at the sets and clothes and fighting styles... the only thing that have disregarded is the color of people's skin. Grow up. It's not like they're casting rene zellweger as rosa parks here. This is a fictional universe. Hell, in the original script of star wars, Han Solo was BLACK. Does that make Han Solo a bad choice for the role?
If The Lord of the Rings' cast callsheet had called for "[African-American] or any other ethnicities", if a cast of all black actors had played those parts, except for Saruman (who would be the token white actor), there would have been an uproar.
That so many people not only accept this, but vehemently defend and attack those who think this kind of thing is wrong, really demonstrates how much farther we need to go when it comes to understanding what true diversity means.
If The Lord of the Rings' cast callsheet had called for "[African-American] or any other ethnicities", if a cast of all black actors had played those parts, except for Saruman (who would be the token white actor), there would have been an uproar.
That so many people not only accept this, but vehemently defend and attack those who think this kind of thing is wrong, really demonstrates how much farther we need to go when it comes to understanding what true diversity means.
BTW, notice the person shoulding "[Dev Patel] is UGLY!" at 2:57. Just shows what happens when a bunch of dumb White fanboys come together to vent fanrage under the false banner of "fighting racism."
You say this is "the overall fan reaction to racebending." Sorry, but that's an outright lie. This is the reaction of a room full of racebenders who were already mad about the movie and decided to huddle together. This is not in the least a fair representation of the Avatar fandom as a whole.
@Timstuff Oh really. You think I'm clever enough to coordinate something like that? The panel description had to be really short, so nothing about the live action movie was even in the description when people read the program guide. I think it's fair to say that everyone who came to this panel were ordinary Avatar fans who wanted to go to an Avatar panel. They entered without any preconceived notions about it. So I think it's pretty fair to say that this crowd samples the overall fan reaction.
@Chaobunny12 Pretty much every racebending lecture ends up getting posted at the Racebending website so members in the area know to show up. I find it hard to believe you would have went through all the effort and expense of getting a space at the convention without even telling anyone that you were going to have a racebending conference.
@Timstuff And on top of that, I remember reading a notice about Racebending at Anime Boston on the website and livejournal a while ago, so I think it's safe to say that a lot of Racebending supporters showed up already knowing what the presentation would be.
@Timstuff This video is 7 min out of a 60 min Avatar fanpanel- the whole thing wasn't on racebending. And I only know of 1 person from the LJ group who attended this panel- no one else from RB could come- so this wasn't "set up." And effort and expense? Are you kidding? I did this for fun. It was such a thrilling experience running a panel at a convention. You should try it some time. It requires a bit of effort, yes, but it didn't cost me a cent and I had more fun than I've had in a long while.
My main problem with parts of this video is questions like "how bad is iroh" well initial reviews said that Iroh was the best part of the movie.
Also. Incase some of you don't know a cross is not only used by Christians and has been one of the most ancient human symbols of all time. It was initally widely used in Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece.
now i definitely agree with parts of this video but those were just the parts that irked me.
@JaiMac28 You have to realize that I couldn't control the audience; all I could do was present the panel with my friends. In response to the Iroh question, I simply said I didn't have pictures of him in the slideshow. One thing that irked me about the audience reaction was most people complained that Zuko "wasn't hot;" but I can assure you that's not why I'm protesting.
@Chaobunny12 oh no, i totally get that. That's what irks me too. BEcause when people say "zuko's not hot" it makes racebenders just look like a bunch of crazy fansgirls or fanboys. I think out of all the racebenders you make the most influential points, especially with the other video you posted.
@JaiMac28 And while the cross is used with many cultures, it's most commonly associated with Christianity. And since they refer to Aang as "the chosen one," I'd guess the tattoo design was intentional. Plus, a little comic relief in the panel on Easter weekend didn't hurt. ^^;
I have seen your video East Asian influences in Avatar my question for you is how would you have a story about a child like me who is from China England Wales and Scotland and i do look more white. You cant just have the racial markers you ahve to show it on someone face
@Pinkstonnaked Say Pinkstone, did you know that it's considered derogatory to refer to Asian people as "oriental"? "Oriental" is an adjective that refers to objects, not people. Be careful because you might offend someone.
If you can't see the East Asian influences in Avatar, I would suggest watching my Asian Culture in the Avatar World video to see some examples.
Oh really? Seeing that you can't spell or use proper grammar also tells me a lot about you.
@Chaobunny12 How is that wrong? calling people Oriental? It gives the person Oh your from China becuase anyone can be asian Anton Yelchin is ASIAN
No becuase I am half Chinese and you dont know anything about me since you think I am this way and its not. the only people who are bothered by it are European white people.
I agree with everything they said and i am totally boycotting this movie i can't believe they would even do this i mean if you want to make Avatar a movie thats fine but i mean come on at least do it right you know? *shakes head in disgust*
@cookiemewmew you can't say the cast sucks yet unless you see them ACT first and not just see them for the races that they are. And first off, I'm not a kid (if I was the one you were calling that).
@Xtrasupershadowgirl Yes, that's exactly what I was saying, actually. Or did you accidentally reply to my message instead of narutocaprirequest2's? x3
Way to ruin this movie for real Avatar:TLA fans M. Night. Shyamalan! Everything will look so out of place that they ruined what could have been a great thing. Oh well, I hate to boycott this but is there really any other choice?
I don't understand how you people can judge a movie so much before you've even seen it. Haven't you ever heard the saying, "don't judge a book by it's cover"? Well don't judge a movie by it's cast either. Especially over something as trivial as the race of the cast members. As long as they do a good job, and do justice to the characters and original show, that's all that should matter. And there's nothing wrong with the races anyway. M.Night said this was BASED on the series, not a perfect copy.
If The Lord of the Rings' cast callsheet had called for "[African-American] or any other ethnicities", if a cast of all black actors had played those parts, except for Saruman (who would be the token white actor), there would have been an uproar.
That so many people not only accept this, but vehemently defend and attack those who think this kind of thing is wrong, really demonstrates how much farther we need to go when it comes to understanding what true diversity means.
@FIGHTFANNERD3 1. There's no need to be so rude. 2. There's nothing racist about this movie. It's the most diverse movie M. Night has ever made. These people shouldn't being getting their panties in a bunch over something as simple as race. If anything, they are the ones being racist for making a big deal about it. If they weren't racist themselves, they wouldn't be bothered by the race of the cast members. They need to stop being so judgmental and just enjoy the movie.
I honestly don't know why these people are making a big deal of the way the characters look, when people and critics watch this move they're not judging it based on character look-alike, they're judging it based on acting, special effects and other things. And for them to automatically judge the movie just by looking at a person skin color is racist , no matter if they're white, black, Asian, Hispanic whatever. I'm black and I haven't seen a black person yet, but that doesn't make the movie bad.
OK, first of all, Racebending isn't just upset over The Last Airbender. How about the new Prince of Persia movie? Or worse still, MICKEY ROURKE PLAYING GENGHIS KHAN! That's right, we're back in the good ole' days when John Wayne played Genghis Khan... we've come SO far since then, haven't we. We're NOT quitting after The Last Airbender's over. Not by a long shot.
dumb ass plp.............i bet all u fuckin lames gonna watch it sooner or later..and all of ur point are stupid yall need to get a fuckin life and worry about more important shit like the economy or somthing
Why, because we see something we don't agree with and are trying to do something about it? In that case, I'll take being crazy as a compliment. And so will a lot of other people, for that matter.
@TheIgDemon And movies can send a message. This movie's message says that only Caucasians can be heroes, even in an Asian world and that POC need to be rescued from other POC by Caucasians. This was a chance to see POC star as lead roles for a change and now that chance is taken away by the Powers that-be at Paramount.
@TheIgDemon And they can say for CERTAIN that Toph will be Asian. If she is, she'll be the token Asian in the group. And putting Black people in the background for no reason other reason than for 'colorful backdrop' is insulting. Look at what you just listed. The Water Tribe-Good Guys. Earth Kingdom- people who need to be protected/saved. Fire Nation -Bad Guys. The Water Tribe is represented by two Caucasians. The Air Nomads with one Caucasian. Everyone else is POC. The other two are POC. THINK.
Now if anyone wants to flame me go ahead but just remember I didn't say anything against your view or your opinions, I'm just making a point myself. I still enjoy ATLA and I will go to see TLA when it comes out to theaters, last food for thought are you boycotting the movie b/c it has white leads? Isn't that racist?
@Beta0186 People are boycotting this film because it was an opportunity to see some genuine Asian talent take center stage as the heroes for once. It's VERY RARE in Hollywood cinema to find stories that were made with Asian leads in mind. To see that opportunity once again be taken away in favor of Caucasian actors is distressing.
3) East Indians and Afganies, and Iranians, aren't the same, they have different cultures and ideals, don't be prejudice just because the live close to each other. I personally think the Fire element suits Indian people and some of their culture.
4) I do know the casting sheets they were looking for Caucasian actors for the leads, but we have no idea why they decided upon that, do you know if they tried to look for Asian actors before the casting sheets went out?
I just want to make a couple of additions to some of your points.
1) Iroh doesn't have dreadlocks but braided hair, also think about it Mako who did Iroh's voice for most of ATLA has passed, maybe it was the director's choice to portray Iroh differently out of respect to Mako, yes it's only a cartoon character, but you never know.
2) Aang isn't Asian in ATLA, and all Buddhist monks aren't all Asian either, they will accept anyone into their temples.
i didnt see the live action dragonball movie in theaters because i knew it was going to be crap and i dont want to see the last air bender but part of me still want o see it in theaters even thow i know the movie going to be shit.
@narutocaprirequest2 you really think so? even after the lasttrailer of it was release a few days ago? Quite frankly it looks AWESOME, cgi-wise. As for the acting I will rather wait until the actual movie comes out first and THEN judge :). Oh and btw, I have the latest trailer uploaded, if you wanna check it out
And there is absolutly no racism going on with the cast. Allowing anyone to audition sounds like the exact opposite of racism to me. Protesting because Katara and Sokka arn't the exact race everyone expected does on the other hand.
@AvaMaster Apparently, Nicola was pre-casted and the studio offered the roles to Rathbone and McCartney, which means that the only role that anyone had a real shot at was Aang. Yeah, really fair...
@AvaMaster The casting call read 'Caucasian or any other ethnicity'. According to Professor Russell K. Robinson, a Professor of Law at UCLA we've spoken to, this is equivalent to putting up a sign saying 'Whites preferred.' A clear and obvious PREFERENCE was shown for Caucasians while those of 'other ethnicities' were lumped in together. If they wanted to be inclusive, it would have read 'All Ethnicities may apply'. The wording itself is crucial.
@AvaMaster Rathbone, Peltz and Ringer have NUMEROUS opportunities to land roles. There is NO shortage of roles for Caucasians in Hollywood, but it's very rare to find a script that's written for Asian leads. Not because there aren't enough of them; there are plenty. It's that Hollywood operates under the belief that people won't pay to see an Asian as the hero, despite evidence to the contrary. Hollywood is very, very slow to change.
Who did you guys choose for the cast? Seriously, who? Because I cannot think of any actors that can perfectly fit what you guys expect out of the movie. o_o Give me a list of actors that'll make you all happy, then I'll admit that I'm wrong, but are there any Tibetian monks on hand that look like Aang? And will play the part? Inuits? I highly doubt that M Night has the time, or a big enough budget to find the perfect roles.
@AvaMaster Look up Brandon Soo Hoo and compare him to Noah in terms of acting experience and martial arts ability. There were also other capable unknowns among those who auditioned; even Shyalaman admits this. It would not have taken that much time for him to make a simple phone call to EWP, MANAA, and other organizations that specialize in finding capable actors of color.
@AvaMaster The East West Players are the premier theater trope in the United States and they specialize in getting Asian and Asian-American actors roles in TV, film and commercials. Mi. Nigh KNEW that Mike and Bryan worked with them and Mako was one of the founders. M. Night could have easily contacted them and they would have sent him a LONG, LONG list of possible choices. No one's asking for someone who's 'perfect'. Just an Asian actor who would have looked and fit the role.
yes, "be thankful" they didn't use brown makeup like Gerard Depardieu in the Alexandre Dumas movie! Or tape the eyes shut like Mickey Rooney in Breakfast at Tiffany's! "Be thankful" that instead of doing actual yellow or blackface, they just erased the characters original designs to the "white default", because they would rather take the ball and go home and close the park than allow the colored kids to play, too. What's next, throwing a fake prom?
Download it online, or if you MUST see it in theatres, see it at the Dollar Theatre or something. But in my opinion, such a blatant disregard and disrespect for the material (and racism in my opinion) should not go unpunished. Because if not, it will continue to happen again *cough*Zac Effron as Light Yagami from Death Note*cough*.
Also, for those of you who keep saying that "would you rather have no movie at all?" YES. Yes, I would. Why? Ask all of the Dragon Ball fans if they would rather Dragon Ball Evolution had never been made and see what they say. The simple fact is, I would rather have no movie be made than have such a complete MOCKERY of the franchise that I know and love so well. However, if you simply MUST see this movie, then don't give the studio any of your money.
Oh, my God, YES! Chaobunny, I watched you're first video on Casting Fail, and once again you deliver! I'm surprised you mentioned the backwards Kimono thing, but didn't mention that according to Dee Dee Rickets (the casting director), that "Koreans wear kimonos" (no, I'm not joking, she actually said that). Everything else was spot on. I'm glad that you've got a lot of support, it makes me feel that I'm not the only one outraged here.
Every time someone says "But they were just picking the best actors" I can't help but laugh. Try saying that with a straight face when you realise Zuko was originally going to be played by Jesse Mccartney and the kid they got for Aang had to be given acting lessons because he's so new to it all. Best actors my foot. It also doesn't explain why the two darkest heroes in the show magically become the palest. GG Paramount.
This is fucking awesome! Yes! Though, I must admit, really, wtf is up with those booing and then half of them don't even plan on boycotting. I don't care how rude this is, but fuck them. Seriously, if they're that desperate to see it, they can atleast view it online.
M. Night is just making a cheap movie about a good show. I wish the fans would realize that. Also, I love how this comment section is filled with the typical pro-caster stupidity. Never gets old.
Thank you for hosting this panel. Sadly enough I live all the way in Arizona and couldn't afford to attend. Any tips/ideas for someone who would like to host their own panel in another convention? There's an upcoming Comic Con in Phoenix, AZ and I may be tempted to have a panel over Racebending. Thanks for your time.
-A Mexican/Chinese/Italian/Spaniard girl who is tired of racism in American films.
You guys did a great job, and the fact that at LEAST 80% of the crowd was enthusiastically supportive of you guys is more than enough proof of that.
To people who say "I'm over the race thing," clearly they never understood the effects of Hollywood racism to begin with. You don't just "get over it." You FIGHT it =).
Um . . . you just contradicted yourselves. You say the movie is racist, yet you don't like Dev for being Indian? What the hell is wrong with you Racebenders? I agree with the thing about the Kimmoto (can't spell, sorry), but as far as race goes . . . why does race matter so much?
Katara and Sooka have a lineage in the North Pole, where the people are mostly caucasion. It makes sense dearies. Sorry.
Um . . . you just contradicted yourselves. You say the movie is racist, yet you don't like Dev for being Indian? What the hell is wrong with you Racebenders? I agree with the thing about the Kimmoto (can't spell, sorry), but as far as race goes . . . why does race matter so much?
Katara and Sooka have a lineage in the North Pole, where the people are mostly caucasion. It makes sense dearies. Sorry.
@hydi7 It's not that people have a problem with Dev because he's Indian. It was that he was cast as the villain while the heroes are White. Nearly the entire Fire Nation was cast with people of Middle Eastern decent. We have ENOUGH prejudice towards Middle Easterner's do we REALLY need any more of it?
Gran-Gran was White, but her husband was Inuit. Therefore their child was mixed, who married another Inuit. Therefore, their children's Inuit ethnicity would be most obvious. So no, it DOESN'T.
@SunnasChariot To be fair, it is possible for mixed children to appear only one ethnicity physically. Uncommon, but possible. Still, it's sad that Hollywood would rather have the rare occurrence of Sokka AND Katara seeming completely white than the much more likely Inuit traits, as an excuse to make originally brown heroes white.
Thank you for speaking in the panel, Asian and Inuit culture should be portrayed by Asian or Inuit people. There are plenty of these people in America so they wouldn't have to be imported. As far as capturing the character's goes I have not seen a single shot of Aang smiling in any of the promotional images, how is Aang's personality being captured? I won't see this movie because it's culturally disrespectful but also it just doesn't look fun.
As a fan of the series...I can see why people would argue about the potential casting, since deep down, we all want live action aang to be animated aang. unfortunately that is not usually the case. Besides appearance, the other element that should be brought about in order to bring the series justice is the quirks that the characters had, and being carried from that towards the live action. If they can do that, then it is fine.
@TeaManOfRisembool And you have to give M. Night some credit...he did make an attempt to keep the nations races' consistent, even though they are not spot on with the show.
Overall, I do plan on watching this when it comes out...and hope that M. Night and folk were able to bring the epic-ness of the series to theatre, and clean up the mess that "the live action that shall not be named" created...
I am just happy it is being made into a film. Most cartoons never even reach this stage. We should all be gratful its getting this kind of recognition. Hell if it ends up that bad but makes a buttload of money, THEY CAN REMAKE IT. Take out the butthurts people, I am jsut thrilled it will be live action. yea the casting is shitty, but what are you gonna do, at least they are good actors
@doldolfijntje There ARE PLENTY of Asian-American actors you know. The East West Players for one is the leading theater troupe of the U.S. and Mako, who did the voice of Iroh for the series before his death, was one of the seven founders. How hard would it have been for M. Night/Paramount to give them a call and ask for their help in finding Asian actors for the roles?
Honestly, I don't mind Sokka and Katara being white. Their grandmother is white because she's from the North Pole, which is mostly Caucasian.
The South Pole is most Inuit people, which is why most people have darker skin. Also, M. Night wrote the script with Nicola (Katara's actress) in mind for the role. So she was casted. Then Sokka had to be of the same race.
Hey, why are they hating on Dev because of his race? He's a GREAT actor and great martial artist. Why can't this be enough?
@hydi7 Gran-gran is White. Her husband was Inuit. Their child was mixed. He grew up and married another Inuit. Going by that, the actors should look Inuit, NOT White. Genetics do NOT work that way.
It's not his race. It's that fact that he's cast as the villain while the heroes are Caucasian. Watch it again and LISTEN CAREFULLY. The entire Fire Nation is made up of Middle Eastern actors. We have ENOUGH prejudice towards Middle Eastern people going on now. Do we REALLY NEED more?
Actualy, you're wrong, dear. That's how they are really pronouced in the Middle East. In the show, they were pronounced with an American accent to make it easier on the younger kids watching the show. Check your sources before you go about adding more insult to this movie.
@MikiEsco Even if it's NOT being portrayed in anyway that is respectful to the original source? Even though it totally disregards the real-life cultures that it's built on? Even though it's NOT EVEN CLOSE to the original series? Why should we be grateful for scraps?
I would love to have been in that room :) A room full of people who can see the light <3
I think, if they were gonna choose a white guy anyway, the should have chosen Jack Desena. He already has the character down for heavens sake.
Aang looks so.... soooooo bad :( And I LOVE Aangy. He looks bad.
Oh good, I thought I was the only one to nitice that all colors have been switched. Zuko is not brown, Katara is now white, I am now purple. YOU, are now BLUE. The world is over, goodnight.
Ok I like that you guys are fighting for what you believe is right but truthfully I have to disagree,
1) Mike and Bryan didn't have a problem with the casting and you know that is pretty huge since they you know created the original show, and I know that I could be wrong but i mean they worked on this movie with M. Night Shyamalan and I think if they truly had a problem they would've made a bigger deal about.2) This boycott will not will not work I am sorry but there are just not enough former
@kataangforev121Avatar fans who care about the casting, me for one and a have like a dozen Avatar fan friends and they honestly do not care, But I do know that a lot of ppl do care and also I believe it is wrong to boycott this movie, there are a lot of new actors in it that just want a break into the movie industry and we should support them I believe and besides the casting the movie and the shots have been spot on to the show (except for the arrow). We should support Mike and Bryan that their
@kataangforev121amazing show has been made into a movie. and another thing, i honestly do believe that ppl are making too big a deal about this, they are not saying or doing anything to offend other races and truthfully most ppl, just plain do not care what race anyone is. (movies, shows and real life) So I respect you guys for fighting for what you believe is right but i have to disagree.
@kataangforev121 There are also many Asian-Americans trying break into Hollywood, but NEVER GET THE CHANCE because of casting like this. Caucasian actors like Peltz and Rathbone have MANY opportunities to play leads in Hollywood. It is VERY RARE to see roles intended for Asians come along and even then, those roles get handed over to Caucasian actors because Hollywood does not view Asians as 'marketable'.
POC currently DO NOT have the same opportunities to play lead roles as Whites do.
@kataangforev121 Who says they don't? They said they had NOTHING TO DO with the casting, that doesn't mean they don't have a problem with it. They aren't going to say anything negative because one, they signed a non-disclosure agreement, which legally forbids them from saying anything negative about the film. If they did, what do you think would happen? They'd be cut off from any future A;TLA projects and never find work in the industry again. That's how it goes in Hollywood.
The director said he hired by the acting ability, trying not to discriminate by appearance, and honestly I'd rather see good actors playing the characters well even if they look nothing like the characters from the show than crappy actors that look exactly like the characters from the show.
Okay, the big problem I have with racebenders is that they expect an exact replica of the show. and that doesn't happen with anything, it didn't happen with harry potter or lord of the rings and its not gonna happen with airbender. I don't mind when people boo the fact that they aren't asian but i hate it when they boo at iroh cause he's not fat. If u looked it up, initial screening reviews of the movie say Iroh was the best part of it.
@JaiMac28 We're not expecting an 'exact replica'. We're asking for the material to be treated with RESPECT. Which M. Night and Paramount have NOT shown.
Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter came out the way they did because for the first, the estate of J. R. R. Tolkien had considerable control over the property. Same with Rowling who was given creative control over the films. Mike and Bryan DO NOT OWN the Avatar series. They were HIRED BY NICKELODEON to make it. They have NO CREATIVE CONTROL.
10) But please, don't boycott the movie! You couldn't honestly expect the movie to shadow the series EXACTLY. You can't honestly expect EVERY little fact to be right. Besides, we've only seen a few trailers. Bryan and Mike are apart of this, they know what's going on. They won't let M.Night screw it up! Please don't boycott
@MikiEsco Mike and Bryan HAVE NO CREATIVE CONTROL over this film. They do NOT get a say in anything; from casting to writing. It is ALL M. Night.
Mike and Bryan created the series for Nick, but they have NO legal holding over it. This is NOT like Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings, where either the author or their estate held control over it. It was work for hire. All the characters, rights and holdings belong to Nick Studios and Paramount Pictures.
6) Iroh = realistic. Yes, he's skinny. I'm a bit disappointed myself, although he sounds like the "Uncle Iroh", at least in the one clip we have of him so far, so I say: Hey he can act, good job! Can't wait.
7) Backwards komono. That's actually pretty interesting! I didn't see that the times I watched the trailers. But, as stated in the round table discussion, I think that may one of the things that M. Night is trying to keep influenced by Asian tradition, but also its own thing.
lol i love how @ 2:42 everyones all like "nooooo!"
i would react the same way
this so called "great" avatar movie is gonna fail and i wil not take part in watching all its failure XP and the worst part is some of my friends want to see it because its so "great" -_- meh
anyway you did a great job with the panel and i wish i couldve been there
lol i love how @ 2:42 everyones all like "nooooo!"
i would react the same way
this so called "great" avatar movie is gonna fail and i wil not take part in watching all its failure XP and the worst part is some of my friends want to see it because its so "great" -_- meh
anyway you did a great job with the panel and i wish i couldve been there
I definitely think Noah will make a great Aang. But I hate Jackson Rathbone as Sokka. I'm not to sure about Nicola Peltz but I'm pretty okay with Zuko.
3) M. Night explained the whole Indian thing in the round table discussion. They found Dev, who can ACT, and because he was Indian the rest of the nation had to be too. I mean, would you rather want Jessie? God, just be THANKFUL!
4) Ok, I admit I'm a bit disappointed at Zuko's scar. But its aged. Have you seen aged scars. It's not gonna look super purple/pink like in the series.
5) Again, the casting call: explained in round table discussion
@MikiEsco Thankful for WHAT? You REALLY THINK they're going to tell the truth? That the only reason Dev was casted was to deflect criticism of the casting? You REALLY THINK there's absolutely NO PROBLEM WHATSOEVER with having the heroes White and all the villains POC? Think about that for FIVE MINUTES. Do a real-life comparison between this film and what's going on now in the Middle East.
I would, but the movie doesn't have anything to do with current real life events. I'm not sure why making such a comparison would be relevant unless you're suggesting the people involved intended to make such a comparison. Did they? It doesn't seem likely considering the cultural background of the director. Do you have any evidence suggesting they did?
@VIABellum The fact is, Hollywood regularly employs institutional racism. They use an outdated model from decades ago to assume that people will only see movies starring Caucasian (male) leads. There is a whole history of this to back us up. Look up 'The Slanted Screen' on this site for more. This casting is just further proof that the status quo remains in place.
And M. Nigh being Indian does NOT exclude him from making discriminatory casting decisions.
We are not talking about Hollywood as a whole. I'm aware of that history. We are talking about TLE. Can you prove the suggestion that casting decisions for TLE were racist? Can you prove (or provide evidence suggesting) that Aang is white because M. Night thinks white people are superior, or anything like that? Why is Noah Aang? Is it because he is white, or because M. Night thought he would be good for the job? Seeing Noah's recent interview, I am optimistic.
@VIABellum the casting call read, 'Caucasian or any other ethnicity'. According to casting agents interviewed, this shows a preference for Caucasian actors. They also said when a casting call reads like this, they don't even BOTHER calling their POC clients, because they won't get the role offered. No one is suggesting that M. Night thinks that way; I'm saying he's toeing the Hollywood line. He will cast a Caucasian actor if he thinks a Caucasians lead will bring in more money.
@VIABellum That is how directors and film makers think; in dollar signs. If they believe that a Caucasian kid they got from Texas, whom M. Night stated in an interview from last year that he sent this same boy 'to be trained up a bit as an actor', can bring them in more money than an Asian kid, whom could have gotten the same training as the White boy-then they WILL cast a Caucasian actor over an Asian actor, even if the Asian actor is more suitable.
That's very logical, but you don't actually have any evidence of that, do you? It could be that M. Night liked Noah's personality, and, feeling he had talent, didn't feel the need to go after an Asian kid. Particularly when he has decided to make the Air Nomads a diverse people and in the show his racial (not cultural) characteristics are pretty ambiguous.
It's fun to be cynical, but we are talking about actual people here. It is unfair to them to make these accusations.
@VIABellum I'm not saying they set out to be deliberately discriminatory, but the casting of three Caucasians as heroes and a POC as the villain certainly raises questions. Asia doesn't view itself as a single ethnicity, in fact they've got their own issues of racism. China recognizes 56 different ethnic groups. In short, the Avatar world is ALREADY diverse as Asia is diverse. Why do Caucasian people need to be included into it?
I'm not really sure I understand your argument. Avatar != Asia. The background culture in the Avatar universe is obviously heavily derived from Asia, but in the foreground a lot of American cultural elements are mixed in. This is an artificial world. Just because China has 56 ethnic groups doesn't mean the Earth Kingdom does. The Earth Kingdom is just a representation of China, it is not China. So why should Caucasian people be excluded? That sounds discriminatory to me.
@VIABellum The Avatar world is based on Asia, therefore the characters should reflect that. So what if there are some American cultural elements? You cannot overlook the OVERWHELMINGLY Asian environment and culture. Lord of the Rings is also an artificial world based in a fictional Europe. Were there any Asian, Black or Hispanic people in it? No and I wouldn't expect there to be. It was a European world. This is an ASIAN world and I'd expect the characters to be Asian.
Hmm, that wasn't really how it was done in the show. Culturally, the Earth Kingdom is explicitly a metaphor for China. However, the character design, barring how they dress, is ambiguous. A few characters are not; Iroh, for instance, but otherwise this ambiguity carry's throughout the series. Again, to suggest that the actors can't be Caucasian is discriminatory in of itself. It's hypocritical. And also it's getting away from the main issue, the accusation of racism.
@VIABellum No, it's not. For starters, the character Song was wearing a traditional Korean hanbok. The characters are based on real ethnic Asian. people. They're NOT ambiguous. There's a website called china-cart. They sell tradition Asian clothing I suggest you check it out to get a look at the MANY variations of traditional Asian wear.
It's not hypocritical nor discriminatory to not expect Caucasians. There are NO circumstances that exist in the source that would allow for them to be present.
7:01 FAIL! white guy not caring :)
iNESADRIenne 6 months ago
this is stupid why does everything have to be about race
if i went to india and said ooohhhhhh theres no white people in this movie
you know how dumb i would sound. ANd aang in the show looks white
and OMG the bad people are dark skinned OMMGGGG lets start a riot its soooooo racist
fuck you
billmaster17 7 months ago
The overall movie was a real disappointment. I went to see it with my friends who all love the show as much as I do and there was no comedic relief, no character stories or personalities, nothing. The actors were just another thing to add to the list of failures. I, personally, think they tried to fit too much into one showing. I'm glad to see that others share my feelings. And it's true, the creators did do so much research to make the show what it is.
zimdainvadur08 8 months ago
Jesse Mcartney to play an OBVIOUSLY ASIAN CHARACTER!? HOW CAN PEOPLE SAY THEY WERE NOT BEING RACIST!!!! Dev Patel (indian guy) WOULD HAVE NEVER GOT CAST if Jesse wouldn't of had turned it down later! The original plan was to take Aang (asian) and make him White! Take Indian/ Inuit Sokka & Katara make them white! and take Asian Zuko and make him WHITE! On top off that what proves racism a factor is the pure fact that there were Asian and Indian people who fit the role! #KARMAMOVIESUCKED=D
drunky1022 11 months ago
I will boycot the film, because it sucks. I get what you guys are saying. And one of the things I love about anime is the asian cultural elements. I just don't think everything should be turned into a race issue.
pienkunicorn 1 year ago
thanks for the komono thing Im being katara for holloween
Kataang102 1 year ago
zukos not hot
Kataang102 1 year ago
i totally agree with you! i think Sokka and Katara should
have been filipinos since they have pretty tan skin.
Aang should have been asian along with Zuko and Iroh. I could go on and on with what's wrong with the movie but i think he just ruined an amazing show. The fire nation didn't all have to be indians. It could be different ethnicity's. Thank you for pointing everything wrong about the movie ;] you are awesome Chaobunny12 :D
Mrsgeraldanderson 1 year ago
@Mrsgeraldanderson native americans are very unrepresented in hollywood so casting them as filipino wouldn't have solved everything :) I'm filipina so although it would have been cool if filipinos were cast, it would have been cooler if they were cast as native.
iNESADRIenne 6 months ago
screw these people their not real fans. at around 0:50 someone says "she dosent have hair loopies" wtf. people its not an exact copy of the show not everything has to be the same. avatar fans have been waiting for this movie for so long then the haters went and had to make some stupid thing up like this about the race because fans should have just been happy someone is making the movie because who else would make it and make it exactly like you wanted it to be. beggers cant be choosers
robinclank2 1 year ago
I respect the opinion on disliking the race bending thing. I don't get why they couldn't have darkened them up or found actors that suited them better.It's weird that not even Ang was asian..I can understand somehow warping the other two into being white cuz they are from the North or something ?o_O.(*shooting in the dark here*) It's really confusing....because in plays and things they clearly hire you based on whether you look the part, but I guess Nickelodeon doesn't do that.
eartianwerewolf 1 year ago
I don't know how smart many of you commenters are (most of you are not) but the casting of Aang, Sokka, Katara, Gran Gran, Pakku, and the Northern Water Tribe border on and on many levels is Yellowface/Redface. How is that fair?
DaTruth2024 1 year ago
Actors like Brandon Hoo Soo and Boo Boo Stewart whom were more experienced in acting and martial arts than Noah tried out and didn't get the role.
Keysha Kapoor was an experienced actor/did great as Katara I have heard was second to Nicola who had little acting experience and was a bad actress
Harry Shuam Jr. looks identical to Zuko and has acting experience tried out for Zuko lost to Jesse M. whom was just picked out.
HOW IS THAT NOT BIASED!!!
DaTruth2024 1 year ago 2
@DaTruth2024
There are many young teenage Asian American and Native American actors whom were more qualified for this role and instead due to Hollywood's centuary old bias casting (Caucasian Or Other) Caucasian actors that did not even audition were choosen.
DaTruth2024 1 year ago
And as far as the film maker being "rascist", Manoj Night Shyamalan is an indian-american. I doubt he is a rascist against his own race.
LucasTheFilmGuy 1 year ago
In response to "race bending" I agree, it would have been ideal to incorporate a larger amount of actual asians to play the main characters. But you must understand, the pool of young asian american actors is much smaller than that of young actors of caucasian and african american descent. As a fan, I'm sure that you would not have wanted the issue of having to cast within particular races to affect the overall outcome of the film. (Which was bleak, however that is beside the point.)
LucasTheFilmGuy 1 year ago
also i kno its bad but there are probly little kids or pplz yur ages or whoeva who want to see the movie. and its not right for u guys to destroy tht cuz of the casting and other things. tht is ridiculus
afrivan03 1 year ago
ok heres wat i think. the casting obviously suxs big. but i could get used to katara, sokka, and aangs characters because they do look similar.but i will never forgive them for casting zuko as an indian. and wats even worse is tht he has no scar!!! the scar is zukos thing. tht scar is what helpd reveal his complications and hollywood decides to take tht away. im extremely dissapointed :(. but the pplz were thinkin of boycotting. thts just too much plus its a movie if u dont like dont watch
afrivan03 1 year ago
lol at 56 they said " her cloths arent blue, where are the loopies?" and then the racebender lady is like" yeah thats right the cartoon version has darker skin" lol these people are fucking retarded and need to get lives
stratisfire 1 year ago
@stratisfire Oh really- I need a life? I mean, I don't know about you, but I'm ALWAYS going around leaving grammatically incorrect and insulting comments on people's youtube videos. It's how I spend my free time, because I love trolling and I have nothing better to do than criticize the opinions of others. Sound familiar?
I'd love to hear you say that to my face. But you wouldn't, because you're a cowardly troll who hides behind a computer screen. I laugh at people like you.
Chaobunny12 1 year ago 6
@Chaobunny12 yeah you do. and by saying that they disregarded all of the culture is stupid. they changed the name pronunciations to be more culturally correct and if you didnt notice in the movie the southern water tribe is made of entirely inuit except for kanna sokka and katara and the northern water tribe has been based of of moscow russia so they are white so it make sense to have katara and sokka be white. and do you expect them to hire someone from tebet?
stratisfire 1 year ago
@stratisfire well said
robinclank2 1 year ago
this is so stupid. racebenders everywhere need to shut up. Get over your problems and have your periods at your own expense.
215Ravenous 1 year ago
I don't have a problem with Noah Ringer as Aang. He looks exactly like him with the costume.
But Katara and Sokka, and Suko... their casting was not right. not right at all. They don't fit.
BenHughesStudios 1 year ago 2
I'm sure that most of those who said they'd boycott aren't planning on doing so. I don't like the looks of the actors, and how they seem to be neglecting the obviously Asian influences of the show, but I’ll still watch it. It would kill me to know there’s an amazing high budget life action with astonishing CGI effects movie version of the show I’m a huge fan of in the theaters and not being able to see it cause the actors aren't the right race, no matter how much i want to.
coccinelsucrer 1 year ago
LOL okay dont judge by a book by its cover okay then. Ima make a movie which takes place when the Asians were building the railroad BUT WAIT im going to make it all white actors! So i can sell it more to the audience .
Sounds ridiculous right ?
Basically what avatar is!
WeeeItzElliot 1 year ago
the "chosen one" idealogy is a human one, not a cultural one. Almost every culture has the idea of a "chosen" person.
stormtroopavk81 1 year ago
"They completely disregarded the culture" Um.... look at the sets and clothes and fighting styles... the only thing that have disregarded is the color of people's skin. Grow up. It's not like they're casting rene zellweger as rosa parks here. This is a fictional universe. Hell, in the original script of star wars, Han Solo was BLACK. Does that make Han Solo a bad choice for the role?
stormtroopavk81 1 year ago
If The Lord of the Rings' cast callsheet had called for "[African-American] or any other ethnicities", if a cast of all black actors had played those parts, except for Saruman (who would be the token white actor), there would have been an uproar.
That so many people not only accept this, but vehemently defend and attack those who think this kind of thing is wrong, really demonstrates how much farther we need to go when it comes to understanding what true diversity means.
DarlingMsM 1 year ago
If The Lord of the Rings' cast callsheet had called for "[African-American] or any other ethnicities", if a cast of all black actors had played those parts, except for Saruman (who would be the token white actor), there would have been an uproar.
That so many people not only accept this, but vehemently defend and attack those who think this kind of thing is wrong, really demonstrates how much farther we need to go when it comes to understanding what true diversity means.
DarlingMsM 1 year ago
BTW, notice the person shoulding "[Dev Patel] is UGLY!" at 2:57. Just shows what happens when a bunch of dumb White fanboys come together to vent fanrage under the false banner of "fighting racism."
Timstuff 1 year ago 2
@Timstuff 2:53, my bad.
Timstuff 1 year ago
You say this is "the overall fan reaction to racebending." Sorry, but that's an outright lie. This is the reaction of a room full of racebenders who were already mad about the movie and decided to huddle together. This is not in the least a fair representation of the Avatar fandom as a whole.
Timstuff 1 year ago
@Timstuff Oh really. You think I'm clever enough to coordinate something like that? The panel description had to be really short, so nothing about the live action movie was even in the description when people read the program guide. I think it's fair to say that everyone who came to this panel were ordinary Avatar fans who wanted to go to an Avatar panel. They entered without any preconceived notions about it. So I think it's pretty fair to say that this crowd samples the overall fan reaction.
Chaobunny12 1 year ago
@Chaobunny12 Pretty much every racebending lecture ends up getting posted at the Racebending website so members in the area know to show up. I find it hard to believe you would have went through all the effort and expense of getting a space at the convention without even telling anyone that you were going to have a racebending conference.
Timstuff 1 year ago
@Timstuff And on top of that, I remember reading a notice about Racebending at Anime Boston on the website and livejournal a while ago, so I think it's safe to say that a lot of Racebending supporters showed up already knowing what the presentation would be.
Timstuff 1 year ago
@Timstuff This video is 7 min out of a 60 min Avatar fanpanel- the whole thing wasn't on racebending. And I only know of 1 person from the LJ group who attended this panel- no one else from RB could come- so this wasn't "set up." And effort and expense? Are you kidding? I did this for fun. It was such a thrilling experience running a panel at a convention. You should try it some time. It requires a bit of effort, yes, but it didn't cost me a cent and I had more fun than I've had in a long while.
Chaobunny12 1 year ago 3
My main problem with parts of this video is questions like "how bad is iroh" well initial reviews said that Iroh was the best part of the movie.
Also. Incase some of you don't know a cross is not only used by Christians and has been one of the most ancient human symbols of all time. It was initally widely used in Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece.
now i definitely agree with parts of this video but those were just the parts that irked me.
JaiMac28 1 year ago
@JaiMac28 You have to realize that I couldn't control the audience; all I could do was present the panel with my friends. In response to the Iroh question, I simply said I didn't have pictures of him in the slideshow. One thing that irked me about the audience reaction was most people complained that Zuko "wasn't hot;" but I can assure you that's not why I'm protesting.
Chaobunny12 1 year ago
@Chaobunny12 oh no, i totally get that. That's what irks me too. BEcause when people say "zuko's not hot" it makes racebenders just look like a bunch of crazy fansgirls or fanboys. I think out of all the racebenders you make the most influential points, especially with the other video you posted.
JaiMac28 1 year ago
@JaiMac28 And while the cross is used with many cultures, it's most commonly associated with Christianity. And since they refer to Aang as "the chosen one," I'd guess the tattoo design was intentional. Plus, a little comic relief in the panel on Easter weekend didn't hurt. ^^;
Chaobunny12 1 year ago
I have seen your video East Asian influences in Avatar my question for you is how would you have a story about a child like me who is from China England Wales and Scotland and i do look more white. You cant just have the racial markers you ahve to show it on someone face
Pinkstonnaked 1 year ago
how does anyone know he is totally white he looks like he could be half oriental
where are all teh orientals! avatar doesnt have orientals in airbender
and hear I thought india was in ASIA
they didnt say that they said any ethincity or white becuase the characters look white
why would EASTERN ASIAN actor be the proiritey?
seeing how your white and you cant even move the thing so we can see the screeen tells me alot about you
Pinkstonnaked 1 year ago
@Pinkstonnaked Say Pinkstone, did you know that it's considered derogatory to refer to Asian people as "oriental"? "Oriental" is an adjective that refers to objects, not people. Be careful because you might offend someone.
If you can't see the East Asian influences in Avatar, I would suggest watching my Asian Culture in the Avatar World video to see some examples.
Oh really? Seeing that you can't spell or use proper grammar also tells me a lot about you.
Chaobunny12 1 year ago
@Chaobunny12 How is that wrong? calling people Oriental? It gives the person Oh your from China becuase anyone can be asian Anton Yelchin is ASIAN
No becuase I am half Chinese and you dont know anything about me since you think I am this way and its not. the only people who are bothered by it are European white people.
Pinkstonnaked 1 year ago
I agree with everything they said and i am totally boycotting this movie i can't believe they would even do this i mean if you want to make Avatar a movie thats fine but i mean come on at least do it right you know? *shakes head in disgust*
ilovemanicures 1 year ago
goddamn fangirls
ZeroBD 1 year ago 2
Wtf, who cares. They hire the people because they're good actors.
cookiemewmew 1 year ago 2
@cookiemewmew you can't say the cast sucks yet unless you see them ACT first and not just see them for the races that they are. And first off, I'm not a kid (if I was the one you were calling that).
Xtrasupershadowgirl 1 year ago 2
@Xtrasupershadowgirl Yes, that's exactly what I was saying, actually. Or did you accidentally reply to my message instead of narutocaprirequest2's? x3
cookiemewmew 1 year ago
@cookiemewmew oops, yea i think I did, my bad XD
Xtrasupershadowgirl 1 year ago
@Xtrasupershadowgirl Oh, no problem. xDD It happens. Just glad you share my viewpoint.
cookiemewmew 1 year ago
Way to ruin this movie for real Avatar:TLA fans M. Night. Shyamalan! Everything will look so out of place that they ruined what could have been a great thing. Oh well, I hate to boycott this but is there really any other choice?
Moneyking63 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I don't understand how you people can judge a movie so much before you've even seen it. Haven't you ever heard the saying, "don't judge a book by it's cover"? Well don't judge a movie by it's cast either. Especially over something as trivial as the race of the cast members. As long as they do a good job, and do justice to the characters and original show, that's all that should matter. And there's nothing wrong with the races anyway. M.Night said this was BASED on the series, not a perfect copy.
TheFudgeberries 1 year ago 4
@TheFudgeberries thank you!!! couldnt have said that better myself :)
Xtrasupershadowgirl 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@TheFudgeberries
If The Lord of the Rings' cast callsheet had called for "[African-American] or any other ethnicities", if a cast of all black actors had played those parts, except for Saruman (who would be the token white actor), there would have been an uproar.
That so many people not only accept this, but vehemently defend and attack those who think this kind of thing is wrong, really demonstrates how much farther we need to go when it comes to understanding what true diversity means.
DarlingMsM 1 year ago
@TheFudgeberries you fucking idiot there saying its racist you moron
FIGHTFANNERD3 1 year ago
@FIGHTFANNERD3 1. There's no need to be so rude. 2. There's nothing racist about this movie. It's the most diverse movie M. Night has ever made. These people shouldn't being getting their panties in a bunch over something as simple as race. If anything, they are the ones being racist for making a big deal about it. If they weren't racist themselves, they wouldn't be bothered by the race of the cast members. They need to stop being so judgmental and just enjoy the movie.
TheFudgeberries 1 year ago
I honestly don't know why these people are making a big deal of the way the characters look, when people and critics watch this move they're not judging it based on character look-alike, they're judging it based on acting, special effects and other things. And for them to automatically judge the movie just by looking at a person skin color is racist , no matter if they're white, black, Asian, Hispanic whatever. I'm black and I haven't seen a black person yet, but that doesn't make the movie bad.
Bajindime 1 year ago
yes the cgi looks good and the location of the scenes and the action looks good but the cast sucks kid.
narutocaprirequest2 1 year ago
@Bajindime Well said.
TheFudgeberries 1 year ago
OK, first of all, Racebending isn't just upset over The Last Airbender. How about the new Prince of Persia movie? Or worse still, MICKEY ROURKE PLAYING GENGHIS KHAN! That's right, we're back in the good ole' days when John Wayne played Genghis Khan... we've come SO far since then, haven't we. We're NOT quitting after The Last Airbender's over. Not by a long shot.
hookahvision 1 year ago
dumb ass plp.............i bet all u fuckin lames gonna watch it sooner or later..and all of ur point are stupid yall need to get a fuckin life and worry about more important shit like the economy or somthing
theblackhulk 1 year ago 2
@theblackhulk Of course we are going to watch. We just not going to spend our money on it. lol
KimKimJun 1 year ago
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taratate09 1 year ago
@taratate09
Why, because we see something we don't agree with and are trying to do something about it? In that case, I'll take being crazy as a compliment. And so will a lot of other people, for that matter.
hookahvision 1 year ago
BOYCOTT! BOYCOTT! AVATARDS UNITE!
kataang3000 1 year ago
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TheIgDemon 1 year ago
@TheIgDemon And movies can send a message. This movie's message says that only Caucasians can be heroes, even in an Asian world and that POC need to be rescued from other POC by Caucasians. This was a chance to see POC star as lead roles for a change and now that chance is taken away by the Powers that-be at Paramount.
SunnasChariot 1 year ago
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TheIgDemon 1 year ago
@TheIgDemon And they can say for CERTAIN that Toph will be Asian. If she is, she'll be the token Asian in the group. And putting Black people in the background for no reason other reason than for 'colorful backdrop' is insulting. Look at what you just listed. The Water Tribe-Good Guys. Earth Kingdom- people who need to be protected/saved. Fire Nation -Bad Guys. The Water Tribe is represented by two Caucasians. The Air Nomads with one Caucasian. Everyone else is POC. The other two are POC. THINK.
SunnasChariot 1 year ago
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amalija11 1 year ago
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amalija11 1 year ago
Last part:
Now if anyone wants to flame me go ahead but just remember I didn't say anything against your view or your opinions, I'm just making a point myself. I still enjoy ATLA and I will go to see TLA when it comes out to theaters, last food for thought are you boycotting the movie b/c it has white leads? Isn't that racist?
Beta0186 1 year ago
@Beta0186 People are boycotting this film because it was an opportunity to see some genuine Asian talent take center stage as the heroes for once. It's VERY RARE in Hollywood cinema to find stories that were made with Asian leads in mind. To see that opportunity once again be taken away in favor of Caucasian actors is distressing.
SunnasChariot 1 year ago
3) East Indians and Afganies, and Iranians, aren't the same, they have different cultures and ideals, don't be prejudice just because the live close to each other. I personally think the Fire element suits Indian people and some of their culture.
4) I do know the casting sheets they were looking for Caucasian actors for the leads, but we have no idea why they decided upon that, do you know if they tried to look for Asian actors before the casting sheets went out?
Continued...
Beta0186 1 year ago
I just want to make a couple of additions to some of your points.
1) Iroh doesn't have dreadlocks but braided hair, also think about it Mako who did Iroh's voice for most of ATLA has passed, maybe it was the director's choice to portray Iroh differently out of respect to Mako, yes it's only a cartoon character, but you never know.
2) Aang isn't Asian in ATLA, and all Buddhist monks aren't all Asian either, they will accept anyone into their temples.
Continued...
Beta0186 1 year ago
i didnt see the live action dragonball movie in theaters because i knew it was going to be crap and i dont want to see the last air bender but part of me still want o see it in theaters even thow i know the movie going to be shit.
narutocaprirequest2 1 year ago
@narutocaprirequest2 Save yourself the cash and the pain. All early reviews for the film range from lukewarm to negative.
SunnasChariot 1 year ago
@narutocaprirequest2 you really think so? even after the lasttrailer of it was release a few days ago? Quite frankly it looks AWESOME, cgi-wise. As for the acting I will rather wait until the actual movie comes out first and THEN judge :). Oh and btw, I have the latest trailer uploaded, if you wanna check it out
Xtrasupershadowgirl 1 year ago
(continued...)
And there is absolutly no racism going on with the cast. Allowing anyone to audition sounds like the exact opposite of racism to me. Protesting because Katara and Sokka arn't the exact race everyone expected does on the other hand.
AvaMaster 1 year ago
@AvaMaster Apparently, Nicola was pre-casted and the studio offered the roles to Rathbone and McCartney, which means that the only role that anyone had a real shot at was Aang. Yeah, really fair...
altrever 1 year ago
@AvaMaster The casting call read 'Caucasian or any other ethnicity'. According to Professor Russell K. Robinson, a Professor of Law at UCLA we've spoken to, this is equivalent to putting up a sign saying 'Whites preferred.' A clear and obvious PREFERENCE was shown for Caucasians while those of 'other ethnicities' were lumped in together. If they wanted to be inclusive, it would have read 'All Ethnicities may apply'. The wording itself is crucial.
SunnasChariot 1 year ago
@AvaMaster Rathbone, Peltz and Ringer have NUMEROUS opportunities to land roles. There is NO shortage of roles for Caucasians in Hollywood, but it's very rare to find a script that's written for Asian leads. Not because there aren't enough of them; there are plenty. It's that Hollywood operates under the belief that people won't pay to see an Asian as the hero, despite evidence to the contrary. Hollywood is very, very slow to change.
SunnasChariot 1 year ago
Who did you guys choose for the cast? Seriously, who? Because I cannot think of any actors that can perfectly fit what you guys expect out of the movie. o_o Give me a list of actors that'll make you all happy, then I'll admit that I'm wrong, but are there any Tibetian monks on hand that look like Aang? And will play the part? Inuits? I highly doubt that M Night has the time, or a big enough budget to find the perfect roles.
AvaMaster 1 year ago
@AvaMaster right on AVA -hugs and highfives-
Evilsquirrelie 1 year ago
@AvaMaster -builds brick wall-
Evilsquirrelie 1 year ago
@AvaMaster Look up Brandon Soo Hoo and compare him to Noah in terms of acting experience and martial arts ability. There were also other capable unknowns among those who auditioned; even Shyalaman admits this. It would not have taken that much time for him to make a simple phone call to EWP, MANAA, and other organizations that specialize in finding capable actors of color.
altrever 1 year ago 2
@AvaMaster The East West Players are the premier theater trope in the United States and they specialize in getting Asian and Asian-American actors roles in TV, film and commercials. Mi. Nigh KNEW that Mike and Bryan worked with them and Mako was one of the founders. M. Night could have easily contacted them and they would have sent him a LONG, LONG list of possible choices. No one's asking for someone who's 'perfect'. Just an Asian actor who would have looked and fit the role.
SunnasChariot 1 year ago
yes, "be thankful" they didn't use brown makeup like Gerard Depardieu in the Alexandre Dumas movie! Or tape the eyes shut like Mickey Rooney in Breakfast at Tiffany's! "Be thankful" that instead of doing actual yellow or blackface, they just erased the characters original designs to the "white default", because they would rather take the ball and go home and close the park than allow the colored kids to play, too. What's next, throwing a fake prom?
arlnee 1 year ago
Download it online, or if you MUST see it in theatres, see it at the Dollar Theatre or something. But in my opinion, such a blatant disregard and disrespect for the material (and racism in my opinion) should not go unpunished. Because if not, it will continue to happen again *cough*Zac Effron as Light Yagami from Death Note*cough*.
hookahvision 1 year ago
Also, for those of you who keep saying that "would you rather have no movie at all?" YES. Yes, I would. Why? Ask all of the Dragon Ball fans if they would rather Dragon Ball Evolution had never been made and see what they say. The simple fact is, I would rather have no movie be made than have such a complete MOCKERY of the franchise that I know and love so well. However, if you simply MUST see this movie, then don't give the studio any of your money.
hookahvision 1 year ago
Oh, my God, YES! Chaobunny, I watched you're first video on Casting Fail, and once again you deliver! I'm surprised you mentioned the backwards Kimono thing, but didn't mention that according to Dee Dee Rickets (the casting director), that "Koreans wear kimonos" (no, I'm not joking, she actually said that). Everything else was spot on. I'm glad that you've got a lot of support, it makes me feel that I'm not the only one outraged here.
hookahvision 1 year ago
Every time someone says "But they were just picking the best actors" I can't help but laugh. Try saying that with a straight face when you realise Zuko was originally going to be played by Jesse Mccartney and the kid they got for Aang had to be given acting lessons because he's so new to it all. Best actors my foot. It also doesn't explain why the two darkest heroes in the show magically become the palest. GG Paramount.
DrunkenRhyin 1 year ago
This is fucking awesome! Yes! Though, I must admit, really, wtf is up with those booing and then half of them don't even plan on boycotting. I don't care how rude this is, but fuck them. Seriously, if they're that desperate to see it, they can atleast view it online.
M. Night is just making a cheap movie about a good show. I wish the fans would realize that. Also, I love how this comment section is filled with the typical pro-caster stupidity. Never gets old.
commandershadebetter 1 year ago
Great job! :)
purpleduck84 1 year ago
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what is so funny is you complain asians need lead roles when sokka and katara in the show are not asian
if they cast 2 hispanic actors to play sokka and katara no one would complain
even tho they are not Spanish
Project862006 1 year ago
what is so funny is you complain asians need lead roles when sokka and katara in the show are not asian
if they cast 2 hispanic actors to play sokka and katara no one would complain
even tho they are not Spanish
Project862006 1 year ago
@Project862006 We've mentioned Inuit many, many times here and it's also emphasized in the video if you watched it.
No, people would most likely still complain.
SunnasChariot 1 year ago
Thank you for hosting this panel. Sadly enough I live all the way in Arizona and couldn't afford to attend. Any tips/ideas for someone who would like to host their own panel in another convention? There's an upcoming Comic Con in Phoenix, AZ and I may be tempted to have a panel over Racebending. Thanks for your time.
-A Mexican/Chinese/Italian/Spaniard girl who is tired of racism in American films.
Darkbutterfly137 1 year ago
Thank you so much for making this presentation!
You guys did a great job, and the fact that at LEAST 80% of the crowd was enthusiastically supportive of you guys is more than enough proof of that.
To people who say "I'm over the race thing," clearly they never understood the effects of Hollywood racism to begin with. You don't just "get over it." You FIGHT it =).
syonant0 1 year ago 12
Im over the race thing if they are good actors. If not then race will make me angry again
hinatahyuuga10000 1 year ago
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Um . . . you just contradicted yourselves. You say the movie is racist, yet you don't like Dev for being Indian? What the hell is wrong with you Racebenders? I agree with the thing about the Kimmoto (can't spell, sorry), but as far as race goes . . . why does race matter so much?
Katara and Sooka have a lineage in the North Pole, where the people are mostly caucasion. It makes sense dearies. Sorry.
Toph WILL be Asian if it helps.
hydi7 1 year ago
Um . . . you just contradicted yourselves. You say the movie is racist, yet you don't like Dev for being Indian? What the hell is wrong with you Racebenders? I agree with the thing about the Kimmoto (can't spell, sorry), but as far as race goes . . . why does race matter so much?
Katara and Sooka have a lineage in the North Pole, where the people are mostly caucasion. It makes sense dearies. Sorry.
Toph WILL be Asian if it helps.
hydi7 1 year ago
@hydi7 It's not that people have a problem with Dev because he's Indian. It was that he was cast as the villain while the heroes are White. Nearly the entire Fire Nation was cast with people of Middle Eastern decent. We have ENOUGH prejudice towards Middle Easterner's do we REALLY need any more of it?
Gran-Gran was White, but her husband was Inuit. Therefore their child was mixed, who married another Inuit. Therefore, their children's Inuit ethnicity would be most obvious. So no, it DOESN'T.
SunnasChariot 1 year ago 2
@SunnasChariot To be fair, it is possible for mixed children to appear only one ethnicity physically. Uncommon, but possible. Still, it's sad that Hollywood would rather have the rare occurrence of Sokka AND Katara seeming completely white than the much more likely Inuit traits, as an excuse to make originally brown heroes white.
altrever 1 year ago
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UngottensAngel 1 year ago
Thank you for speaking in the panel, Asian and Inuit culture should be portrayed by Asian or Inuit people. There are plenty of these people in America so they wouldn't have to be imported. As far as capturing the character's goes I have not seen a single shot of Aang smiling in any of the promotional images, how is Aang's personality being captured? I won't see this movie because it's culturally disrespectful but also it just doesn't look fun.
UngottensAngel 1 year ago
As a fan of the series...I can see why people would argue about the potential casting, since deep down, we all want live action aang to be animated aang. unfortunately that is not usually the case. Besides appearance, the other element that should be brought about in order to bring the series justice is the quirks that the characters had, and being carried from that towards the live action. If they can do that, then it is fine.
TeaManOfRisembool 1 year ago
@TeaManOfRisembool And you have to give M. Night some credit...he did make an attempt to keep the nations races' consistent, even though they are not spot on with the show.
Overall, I do plan on watching this when it comes out...and hope that M. Night and folk were able to bring the epic-ness of the series to theatre, and clean up the mess that "the live action that shall not be named" created...
TeaManOfRisembool 1 year ago 2
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starsan 1 year ago
I am just happy it is being made into a film. Most cartoons never even reach this stage. We should all be gratful its getting this kind of recognition. Hell if it ends up that bad but makes a buttload of money, THEY CAN REMAKE IT. Take out the butthurts people, I am jsut thrilled it will be live action. yea the casting is shitty, but what are you gonna do, at least they are good actors
starsan 1 year ago
You're right about all these things, but I think it would cost a million dollars for the company if they imported asian people.
doldolfijntje 1 year ago
@doldolfijntje There ARE PLENTY of Asian-American actors you know. The East West Players for one is the leading theater troupe of the U.S. and Mako, who did the voice of Iroh for the series before his death, was one of the seven founders. How hard would it have been for M. Night/Paramount to give them a call and ask for their help in finding Asian actors for the roles?
SunnasChariot 1 year ago
Honestly, I don't mind Sokka and Katara being white. Their grandmother is white because she's from the North Pole, which is mostly Caucasian.
The South Pole is most Inuit people, which is why most people have darker skin. Also, M. Night wrote the script with Nicola (Katara's actress) in mind for the role. So she was casted. Then Sokka had to be of the same race.
Hey, why are they hating on Dev because of his race? He's a GREAT actor and great martial artist. Why can't this be enough?
hydi7 1 year ago
@hydi7 Again, thank you.
I agree wholeheartily on everything you've said.
MikiEsco 1 year ago
@hydi7 Exactly! Thank you for the point about Dev
kataangforev121 1 year ago
@hydi7 Gran-gran is White. Her husband was Inuit. Their child was mixed. He grew up and married another Inuit. Going by that, the actors should look Inuit, NOT White. Genetics do NOT work that way.
It's not his race. It's that fact that he's cast as the villain while the heroes are Caucasian. Watch it again and LISTEN CAREFULLY. The entire Fire Nation is made up of Middle Eastern actors. We have ENOUGH prejudice towards Middle Eastern people going on now. Do we REALLY NEED more?
SunnasChariot 1 year ago 4
Linnzee4112:
Actualy, you're wrong, dear. That's how they are really pronouced in the Middle East. In the show, they were pronounced with an American accent to make it easier on the younger kids watching the show. Check your sources before you go about adding more insult to this movie.
hydi7 1 year ago
@hydi7 Thank you so much for being so levelheaded!!!
Can everyone just be happy that the series is being made into a live action movie?
How many other shows do you see being made into a movie?
Be grateful for pete's sake.
MikiEsco 1 year ago
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SunnasChariot 1 year ago
@MikiEsco Even if it's NOT being portrayed in anyway that is respectful to the original source? Even though it totally disregards the real-life cultures that it's built on? Even though it's NOT EVEN CLOSE to the original series? Why should we be grateful for scraps?
SunnasChariot 1 year ago
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SunnasChariot 1 year ago
yeah i read that they also pronounced their names wrong too :( like soh-ka, ah-ng, eero- for iroh how sad :(
Linnzee4112 1 year ago
Man, I really hope the movie won't be a fail, the show was great, I hope the movie would be too.
AngelOfFreedom96 1 year ago
I would love to have been in that room :) A room full of people who can see the light <3
I think, if they were gonna choose a white guy anyway, the should have chosen Jack Desena. He already has the character down for heavens sake.
Aang looks so.... soooooo bad :( And I LOVE Aangy. He looks bad.
Oh good, I thought I was the only one to nitice that all colors have been switched. Zuko is not brown, Katara is now white, I am now purple. YOU, are now BLUE. The world is over, goodnight.
ZOmenOfDLeoavteh 1 year ago
Ok I like that you guys are fighting for what you believe is right but truthfully I have to disagree,
1) Mike and Bryan didn't have a problem with the casting and you know that is pretty huge since they you know created the original show, and I know that I could be wrong but i mean they worked on this movie with M. Night Shyamalan and I think if they truly had a problem they would've made a bigger deal about.2) This boycott will not will not work I am sorry but there are just not enough former
kataangforev121 1 year ago
@kataangforev121Avatar fans who care about the casting, me for one and a have like a dozen Avatar fan friends and they honestly do not care, But I do know that a lot of ppl do care and also I believe it is wrong to boycott this movie, there are a lot of new actors in it that just want a break into the movie industry and we should support them I believe and besides the casting the movie and the shots have been spot on to the show (except for the arrow). We should support Mike and Bryan that their
kataangforev121 1 year ago
@kataangforev121amazing show has been made into a movie. and another thing, i honestly do believe that ppl are making too big a deal about this, they are not saying or doing anything to offend other races and truthfully most ppl, just plain do not care what race anyone is. (movies, shows and real life) So I respect you guys for fighting for what you believe is right but i have to disagree.
kataangforev121 1 year ago 2
@kataangforev121 There are also many Asian-Americans trying break into Hollywood, but NEVER GET THE CHANCE because of casting like this. Caucasian actors like Peltz and Rathbone have MANY opportunities to play leads in Hollywood. It is VERY RARE to see roles intended for Asians come along and even then, those roles get handed over to Caucasian actors because Hollywood does not view Asians as 'marketable'.
POC currently DO NOT have the same opportunities to play lead roles as Whites do.
SunnasChariot 1 year ago
@kataangforev121 Yea, Mike and Bryan are apart of this.
They are aware of everything that's taking place.
As stated in the round table discussion, they've had MAJOR say in the film.
MikiEsco 1 year ago
@kataangforev121 Who says they don't? They said they had NOTHING TO DO with the casting, that doesn't mean they don't have a problem with it. They aren't going to say anything negative because one, they signed a non-disclosure agreement, which legally forbids them from saying anything negative about the film. If they did, what do you think would happen? They'd be cut off from any future A;TLA projects and never find work in the industry again. That's how it goes in Hollywood.
SunnasChariot 1 year ago
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The director said he hired by the acting ability, trying not to discriminate by appearance, and honestly I'd rather see good actors playing the characters well even if they look nothing like the characters from the show than crappy actors that look exactly like the characters from the show.
pixarmc 1 year ago 3
@pixarmc Exactly!!!
MikiEsco 1 year ago
Okay, the big problem I have with racebenders is that they expect an exact replica of the show. and that doesn't happen with anything, it didn't happen with harry potter or lord of the rings and its not gonna happen with airbender. I don't mind when people boo the fact that they aren't asian but i hate it when they boo at iroh cause he's not fat. If u looked it up, initial screening reviews of the movie say Iroh was the best part of it.
JaiMac28 1 year ago 2
@JaiMac28 We're not expecting an 'exact replica'. We're asking for the material to be treated with RESPECT. Which M. Night and Paramount have NOT shown.
Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter came out the way they did because for the first, the estate of J. R. R. Tolkien had considerable control over the property. Same with Rowling who was given creative control over the films. Mike and Bryan DO NOT OWN the Avatar series. They were HIRED BY NICKELODEON to make it. They have NO CREATIVE CONTROL.
SunnasChariot 1 year ago
@SunnasChariot OKAY THANK YOU FOR USING CAPS.
JaiMac28 1 year ago
@JaiMac28 I was trying to emphasize my point. Please take care not to disregard it despite my use of it.
SunnasChariot 1 year ago
10) But please, don't boycott the movie! You couldn't honestly expect the movie to shadow the series EXACTLY. You can't honestly expect EVERY little fact to be right. Besides, we've only seen a few trailers. Bryan and Mike are apart of this, they know what's going on. They won't let M.Night screw it up! Please don't boycott
MikiEsco 1 year ago
@MikiEsco I totally agree with everything you said! Thank you! haha
kataangforev121 1 year ago
@MikiEsco Mike and Bryan HAVE NO CREATIVE CONTROL over this film. They do NOT get a say in anything; from casting to writing. It is ALL M. Night.
Mike and Bryan created the series for Nick, but they have NO legal holding over it. This is NOT like Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings, where either the author or their estate held control over it. It was work for hire. All the characters, rights and holdings belong to Nick Studios and Paramount Pictures.
SunnasChariot 1 year ago 3
8) Aang's arrow design... ok, I admit, that was pretty weird on M. Night's part. lol
9) Oh my God, if I hear Aang referred to as the "chosen one" one more time, I'll scream! It's so annoying! I agree with that point totally.
MikiEsco 1 year ago
6) Iroh = realistic. Yes, he's skinny. I'm a bit disappointed myself, although he sounds like the "Uncle Iroh", at least in the one clip we have of him so far, so I say: Hey he can act, good job! Can't wait.
7) Backwards komono. That's actually pretty interesting! I didn't see that the times I watched the trailers. But, as stated in the round table discussion, I think that may one of the things that M. Night is trying to keep influenced by Asian tradition, but also its own thing.
MikiEsco 1 year ago
lol i love how @ 2:42 everyones all like "nooooo!"
i would react the same way
this so called "great" avatar movie is gonna fail and i wil not take part in watching all its failure XP and the worst part is some of my friends want to see it because its so "great" -_- meh
anyway you did a great job with the panel and i wish i couldve been there
Kennydiedagain 1 year ago
lol i love how @ 2:42 everyones all like "nooooo!"
i would react the same way
this so called "great" avatar movie is gonna fail and i wil not take part in watching all its failure XP and the worst part is some of my friends want to see it because its so "great" -_- meh
anyway you did a great job with the panel and i wish i couldve been there
Kennydiedagain 1 year ago
I definitely think Noah will make a great Aang. But I hate Jackson Rathbone as Sokka. I'm not to sure about Nicola Peltz but I'm pretty okay with Zuko.
JaiMac28 1 year ago 2
3) M. Night explained the whole Indian thing in the round table discussion. They found Dev, who can ACT, and because he was Indian the rest of the nation had to be too. I mean, would you rather want Jessie? God, just be THANKFUL!
4) Ok, I admit I'm a bit disappointed at Zuko's scar. But its aged. Have you seen aged scars. It's not gonna look super purple/pink like in the series.
5) Again, the casting call: explained in round table discussion
MikiEsco 1 year ago
@MikiEsco Thankful for WHAT? You REALLY THINK they're going to tell the truth? That the only reason Dev was casted was to deflect criticism of the casting? You REALLY THINK there's absolutely NO PROBLEM WHATSOEVER with having the heroes White and all the villains POC? Think about that for FIVE MINUTES. Do a real-life comparison between this film and what's going on now in the Middle East.
SunnasChariot 1 year ago 8
@SunnasChariot
I would, but the movie doesn't have anything to do with current real life events. I'm not sure why making such a comparison would be relevant unless you're suggesting the people involved intended to make such a comparison. Did they? It doesn't seem likely considering the cultural background of the director. Do you have any evidence suggesting they did?
VIABellum 1 year ago
@VIABellum The fact is, Hollywood regularly employs institutional racism. They use an outdated model from decades ago to assume that people will only see movies starring Caucasian (male) leads. There is a whole history of this to back us up. Look up 'The Slanted Screen' on this site for more. This casting is just further proof that the status quo remains in place.
And M. Nigh being Indian does NOT exclude him from making discriminatory casting decisions.
SunnasChariot 1 year ago
@SunnasChariot
We are not talking about Hollywood as a whole. I'm aware of that history. We are talking about TLE. Can you prove the suggestion that casting decisions for TLE were racist? Can you prove (or provide evidence suggesting) that Aang is white because M. Night thinks white people are superior, or anything like that? Why is Noah Aang? Is it because he is white, or because M. Night thought he would be good for the job? Seeing Noah's recent interview, I am optimistic.
VIABellum 1 year ago
@VIABellum the casting call read, 'Caucasian or any other ethnicity'. According to casting agents interviewed, this shows a preference for Caucasian actors. They also said when a casting call reads like this, they don't even BOTHER calling their POC clients, because they won't get the role offered. No one is suggesting that M. Night thinks that way; I'm saying he's toeing the Hollywood line. He will cast a Caucasian actor if he thinks a Caucasians lead will bring in more money.
SunnasChariot 1 year ago
@VIABellum That is how directors and film makers think; in dollar signs. If they believe that a Caucasian kid they got from Texas, whom M. Night stated in an interview from last year that he sent this same boy 'to be trained up a bit as an actor', can bring them in more money than an Asian kid, whom could have gotten the same training as the White boy-then they WILL cast a Caucasian actor over an Asian actor, even if the Asian actor is more suitable.
SunnasChariot 1 year ago
@SunnasChariot
That's very logical, but you don't actually have any evidence of that, do you? It could be that M. Night liked Noah's personality, and, feeling he had talent, didn't feel the need to go after an Asian kid. Particularly when he has decided to make the Air Nomads a diverse people and in the show his racial (not cultural) characteristics are pretty ambiguous.
It's fun to be cynical, but we are talking about actual people here. It is unfair to them to make these accusations.
VIABellum 1 year ago
@VIABellum I'm not saying they set out to be deliberately discriminatory, but the casting of three Caucasians as heroes and a POC as the villain certainly raises questions. Asia doesn't view itself as a single ethnicity, in fact they've got their own issues of racism. China recognizes 56 different ethnic groups. In short, the Avatar world is ALREADY diverse as Asia is diverse. Why do Caucasian people need to be included into it?
SunnasChariot 1 year ago
@SunnasChariot
I'm not really sure I understand your argument. Avatar != Asia. The background culture in the Avatar universe is obviously heavily derived from Asia, but in the foreground a lot of American cultural elements are mixed in. This is an artificial world. Just because China has 56 ethnic groups doesn't mean the Earth Kingdom does. The Earth Kingdom is just a representation of China, it is not China. So why should Caucasian people be excluded? That sounds discriminatory to me.
VIABellum 1 year ago
@VIABellum The Avatar world is based on Asia, therefore the characters should reflect that. So what if there are some American cultural elements? You cannot overlook the OVERWHELMINGLY Asian environment and culture. Lord of the Rings is also an artificial world based in a fictional Europe. Were there any Asian, Black or Hispanic people in it? No and I wouldn't expect there to be. It was a European world. This is an ASIAN world and I'd expect the characters to be Asian.
SunnasChariot 1 year ago
@SunnasChariot
Hmm, that wasn't really how it was done in the show. Culturally, the Earth Kingdom is explicitly a metaphor for China. However, the character design, barring how they dress, is ambiguous. A few characters are not; Iroh, for instance, but otherwise this ambiguity carry's throughout the series. Again, to suggest that the actors can't be Caucasian is discriminatory in of itself. It's hypocritical. And also it's getting away from the main issue, the accusation of racism.
VIABellum 1 year ago
@VIABellum No, it's not. For starters, the character Song was wearing a traditional Korean hanbok. The characters are based on real ethnic Asian. people. They're NOT ambiguous. There's a website called china-cart. They sell tradition Asian clothing I suggest you check it out to get a look at the MANY variations of traditional Asian wear.
It's not hypocritical nor discriminatory to not expect Caucasians. There are NO circumstances that exist in the source that would allow for them to be present.