Key Takeaways:
– Dev Patel shares his deepest fears and insecurities as an actor in his first big-budget studio film, The Last Airbender.
– The actor recounts his troubling experience and the criticism he received for his performance on set.
– Patel reveals his aversion for starring in franchise or tentpole films after his disastrous experience in The Last Airbender.
The Last Airbender: An Unforgettable Episode for Dev Patel
Known for his dynamic acting prowess in films like Slumdog Millionaire, Lion, Hotel Mumbai, and The Green Knight, Dev Patel confessed to having a rocky ride while acting in the live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender in 2010. Coming from his highly applauded portrayal in Slumdog Millionaire, Patel thought this big-budget studio film would be an ideal next step.
The role of Prince Zuko, an exiled firebender seemed compelling for Patel due to the involvement of renowned Hollywood names like M. Night Shyamalan and Frank Marshall. However, the transition from small indie film staggered him, causing him to struggle in finding his place amid the highly mechanized studio system.
Patel’s Dismal Performance in The Last Airbender
In an interview with GamesRadar, Patel admitted to feeling miscast for the role of Prince Zuko and struggling to relate with the character. His lack of confidence on set concerned the studio heads, deepening his worries about his performance. He was candid about his torturous reaction when he realized he had been miscast.
The movie not only turned out to be a blunder for Patel but also for its fans who considered it as a subpar adaptation of their favorite animated series. The Last Airbender managed only a dismal 5% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and grossed a demotivating $319 million against a budget of $150 million curtailing all dreams for a planned trilogy.
Patel’s Fear of Franchise Films Post-The Last Airbender Blunder
Dev Patel’s disappointing journey with The Last Airbender made him skeptical of starring in tentpole or franchise films. He has sharply pivoted his career path since then, consciously avoiding massive franchise roles. His agents have voiced their annoyance about his refusal of big brand roles but Patel has stuck to his decision.
In a frank confession to The New York Times, Patel stated his fear of not fitting into the world of green screens and VFX filmmaking. It seemed like an insurmountable challenge for the actor who felt more comfortable in the drama genre. He also mentioned his respect towards the actors who effortlessly thrive in such high-tech and visually stimulated environments.
Patel’s Eventful Career Post-The Last Airbender
Dev Patel has since adorned his acting hat mostly for dramas, which corroborates his intent of staying true to his calling irrespective of industry trends. His directorial debut, Monkey Man, stands as a testament to his diversified artistic skill set. The movie has been well received, exhibiting a stark contrast to his experience with The Last Airbender.
This reflective journey of Dev Patel underlines the resolve and will of an actor to stay true to his artistic instincts, despite the temptations of high-budget franchise films. It also underscores the significant role that the right casting plays in the success of a film.
While Patel’s chapter with ‘The Last Airbender’ ends on a grim note, he continues to awe the audiences with his sincerity and dedication to his art. It’s fulfilling to watch an actor rise from his ashes and charter his own course, steering clear of compelling industry trends. Fans excited to assess his performance in ‘The Last Airbender’ can catch it on Prime Video.
