Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Known for his remarkable performances in acclaimed films likeSlumdog MillionaireandLion, Dev Patel has solidified his status as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actors. However, even amidst his impressive body of work, Patel has encountered his share of setbacks and disappointments, and the most noticeable among them is M. Night Shyamalan’s 2010 filmAvatar: The Last Airbender.
Based on the Nickelodeon animated series, the film was a massive failure, commercially and critically, with many crediting it as the worst film of all time. The actor accepted the criticism in an interview with The New York Times while reflecting on how the film has led to his newfound admiration for the actors of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Dev Patel AdmitsAvatar: The Last AirbenderWas a Disaster
In a candid conversation withThe New York Times, actor Dev Patel opened up about starring in the 2010 adaptation of the beloved Nickelodeon seriesAvatar: The Last Airbender.He shared that his experience working on the film was so disappointing that he has since turned down numerous offers to star in major Hollywood blockbusters.
“It deserved a theatrical release”: Jordan Peele Snatched Away Dev Patel’s John Wick Styled Monkey Man from Netflix in Risky Gamble
“Maybe it’s a fear of how I would fit into that world,”he shared during the interview as he describedThe Last Airbenderas one of the worst movies he’s ever done.“[It’s] one of the worst movies I’ve ever done, and I shouldn’t even bring it up but do a quick IMDb search, and you’ll know what it is,”he said, referring toM. Night Shyamalan’s2010 film.
Patel portrayed the role of Prince Zuko in the adaptation, which was heavily criticized for feeding into Hollywood’s longstanding issue of whitewashing. He even received a Razzie Award nomination as Worst Supporting Actor. However, Patel’s challenges extended beyond awards recognition, as he grappled with significant discomfort working with green screens and special effects.
“I never knew I needed this”: Dev Patel’s John Wick Styled Monkey Man Releases First Trailer in Actor’s Directorial Debut
The Last AirbenderMade Dev Patel Admire Marvel Stars Even More
During his interview,Dev Patelalso opened up about how challenging it was for him to work with green screen and special effects and how it influenced his perspective on the actors starring in Hollywood’s blockbuster productions, particularly in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, who often work with so many green screens.
“I didn’t really flourish in that position—I take my hat off to all those incredible actors that do Marvel movies where it’s, like, big, noisy fans and green screen and tennis balls and whatnot.”
“Kevin Feige you should consider it”: Dev Patel Reportedly Declined a Major Marvel Role and Now Fans Demand He Play Another One
After the 2010 film, Patel showcased a shift towards independent cinema and found success with films likeBest Exotic Marigold HotelandLion, with the latter earning him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
The 33-year-old actor is now gearing up for his directorial debut with the upcoming action thrillerMonkey Man.Patel is also taking on the lead role as Kid in the film that follows an anonymous young man seeking revenge on a group of corrupt leaders, who are responsible for his mother’s death and the exploitation of poor and powerless.
Avatar: The Last Airbenderis available to stream on Paramount+.
Monkey Manis set to release on August 24, 2025.
Laxmi Rajput
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3450
Laxmi Rajput is a Senior Writer at FandomWire, with over 3,300 articles published covering film, TV, and pop culture. With a degree in Broadcast Journalism and over three years of experience in content writing, she pivoted to entertainment journalism because let’s be honest, superheroes, sitcoms, and Netflix binges are way more fun. Laxmi frequently covers Marvel, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and popular TV shows, offering both fan-first enthusiasm and thoughtful analysis. Her work often dives into Marvel theories, revisits the genius of The Big Bang Theory, or unpacks the Netflix phenomenon of Stranger Things.
More from Laxmi Rajput
Gen V Season 2: How Many Episodes Are in the Prime Video Series?
The Terminal List: Dark Wolf: Luke Hemsworth Reveals Marvel Link That Sneaks Into His Dark Wolf Role
How Did Mila Kunis Prepare for Black Swan? Harsh 12 Hours Routine Details
Recommended
Every Fallout Season 2 Detail Revealed at Gamescom 2025
Switch 2 Scores Another Huge Win, as Indiana Jones The Order of Giants Lands September 4
Sekiro: No Defeat Might Outshine the Elden Ring Movie as FromSoft’s Next Big Adaptation
Everything You Can Unlock In The New Final Final Fantasy 14 X Monster Hunter Wilds Crossover
5 Addictive Discord Games That Will Hook Your Whole Squad
