The titular 'Avatar' is the only person who can bend all four elements, and they are responsible for maintaining spiritual and physical balance in the world. Within each nation lives people capable of telekinetically manipulating (referred to as 'bending' in the franchise) one of the first four elements: Water, Earth, Fire, or Air. The franchise is set in an Asian-inspired fantasy world that is divided into four nations: the Water Tribes, the Fire Nation, the Air Nomads, and the Earth Kingdom. However their names will still be attached to several episodes in the first season.

Originally set to involve DiMartino's and Konietzko's for the project, they left during season one production due to creative differences. In February 2021, Nickelodeon announced the creation of Avatar Studios, 'a division designed to create original content spanning animated series and movies based on the franchise's world.' The original creators and executive producers Michael DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko will run the studio as co-chief creative officers, with an animated theatrical film set to start production in 2021 as its first release.Ī live-action remake of the original series, developed by Netflix began development in 2019. The film itself spawned a novelization series, two graphic novels, two video games, a soundtrack album, and DVD and blu-ray releases.

In 2010, the original animated series was adapted into a live-action film titled The Last Airbender. Other franchise tie-ins include novelizations, art books, companion books, video games, and home media releases.

The storylines of both animated series have been continued in comic book form. A sequel animated television series, The Legend of Korra, aired on Nickelodeon from 2012 to 2014 and has since expanded into its own sub-franchise. Since its original release, Avatar has developed into a franchise spanning works in various media. Only the titular 'Avatar' can bend all four elements and is responsible for maintaining balance in the world. The series is set in an Asian-inspired fantasy world in which some people can telekinetically manipulate (or 'bend') one of the four classical elements: air, water, earth, or fire. The franchise began with the animated television series Avatar: The Last Airbender, which aired on Nickelodeon from 2005 to 2008. Avatar: The Last Airbender (abbreviated as ATLA), or simply Avatar, is an American multimedia franchise consisting of two animated television series, a live-action film, comics, books, video games, home media, and soundtracks.

Global map avatar last airbender world