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Patel in Airbender

Feb. 2, 2009by: Daniel Barna

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Things just keep getting better for international slumdog superstar Dev Patel. He's definitely not your average movie star, but that didn't stop M. Night Shyamalan from casting Patel in his upcoming THE LAST AIRBENDER, based on the Nickelodeon television series about a race of people who can manipulate the elements of air.

I've never actually seen the series so I don't know what to expect, but it's definitely a departure for Shyamalan, who is used to giving us original work with twist endings. But as we all know, that formula hasn't been working for him as of late so this is kind of a welcome departure.

Other castmembers include relative unknowns Nicola Peltz, Jackson Rathbone, Jessica Jade Andres and Noah Ringer who will play the lead and was cast through an online search. Shyamalan is prepping this as a three-picture story arc, meaning no killer trees or ladies in the water any time soon. Phew.

Extra Tidbit:	Patel is replacing Jesse McCartney, who had to back out due to scheduling conflicts.

Source:	Variety

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-RC-

4:51AM on 02/04/2009

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I really can't stand Night as a director...
But I love Avatar, I really hope he doesn't fuck it up...
I don't think this is a good choice in casting...

luke319

1:50PM on 02/03/2009

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I really can't stand most cartoons these days, but I'll be the first to admit that Avatar: The Last Airbender is amazingly well made, and will probably be the equivelent of Voltron or Thundercats to the younger generation.

bearpod91

9:34PM on 02/02/2009

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killer trees and people in water...

Those things are possible to happen. If you watch the show you might get what I'm saying.

As for the casting: eh? Not being racist, but I was thinking Zuko was going to be portrayed by a japanese actor.

jluckhurst41

2:11PM on 02/02/2009

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What about Pi?

What about The Life of Pi? Wasn't Shyamalan gonna direct the film version of that book a few years back. Maybe that would be something for Patel if they did it soon, or maybe he's already too old. Don't remember that characters age, but I guess like 16 or something.

Beatowner

1:41PM on 02/02/2009

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cast list as of now:
[link]

Stratburst

11:59AM on 02/02/2009

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I really liked Avater: The Last Airbender, so I'm hoping M. Night doesn't mess this up. BTW, who has been cast as who?

Beatowner

11:56AM on 02/02/2009

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wow. things are getting crazy.

Fans were getting peeved about the casting. I wonder if Paramount and Night were feeling the pressure?

Arvindh

9:21AM on 02/02/2009

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Oh yeah, I'm sure McCartney is reeeal busy.

mutant_gorilla

8:20AM on 02/02/2009

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This show is so badass.
I've seen every single episode. Its badass. Earthbending = Pwnage. I can't wait for this flick.

Vnqshr

4:32AM on 02/02/2009

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Patel is replacing Jesse McCartney? Wow, talk about your opposites. That just made this film infinitely better then. Not a big fan of the TV show (although I haven't seen THAT much of it) but I'll probably give it a shot, since it's Shyamalan.