Paramount Faces Backlash as Avatar Fans Demand Cinema Release

When Avatar Studios revealed The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender as their inaugural animated feature back in 2021, anticipation was palpable. The prospect of revisiting Aang’s world, not through a retelling but as a genuine continuation, struck a chord with those who’d grown up alongside the original series. The project was initially pitched as a major event for the big screen, a proper return for beloved characters.

Paramount’s U-turn and the Fan Petition

However, the studio’s decision to pull the plug on a theatrical release left many feeling short-changed. The announcement that the film would bypass cinemas entirely prompted a swift reaction: a petition on Change.org, which has now amassed over 34,000 signatures, calling for the film to be shown in theatres as originally promised.

The move didn’t go unnoticed. The petition quickly gained momentum, fuelled by frustration and a sense of being let down by Paramount’s change of heart. For many, the idea of experiencing Aang’s next chapter anywhere but a darkened cinema seemed a bit of a letdown.

Controversy Over Comments and Clarifications

Matters escalated when a comment, apparently from animation director Steve Ahn, surfaced online, criticising “studio higher-ups” and urging the film’s immediate return to cinemas. The comment, however, turned out to be a case of mistaken identity. Ahn himself stepped in to set the record straight:

I am truly grateful for the passion shown in the Avatar petition. However, I must clarify that someone has impersonated me and left a misleading comment. I am not the author of that post, and I hope this official clarification prevents any further rumours or false speculation.

He went on to explain his motivation for speaking out, hoping to shield the artists involved from unwarranted criticism:

As the post mentioned ‘continuing to share’ in the future, I felt it necessary to clarify this to prevent further issues. I sincerely hope the dedicated artists of this film are not unfairly criticised or put in a difficult position due to such unauthorised comments.

Despite the confusion, the episode only seemed to galvanise supporters of the petition, who remained focused on their goal.

Reactions from the Creative Team

Tom Barkel, an animator who contributed to The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender and has credits on other animated series, didn’t hide his disappointment at the streaming-only release. He remarked:

Regarding The Legend of Aang going straight to streaming: I’m devastated. As both a massive fan and an artist on the film, it’s heartbreaking. Everything I’ve seen from this film has been absolutely gorgeous; it really was made to be seen on the big screen.

While Ahn’s clarification helped clear up the authorship of the earlier comment, Barkel’s words highlighted the emotional impact the decision had on those who’d poured their efforts into the project. The sense of loss wasn’t limited to fans alone.

What’s Known About the Upcoming Film

The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender picks up the story years after the original television series, with Aang now an adult. The film is helmed by Lauren Montgomery and William Mata, both of whom have previous experience with the franchise. Series creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko are also involved, though the voice cast is entirely new. Eric Nam voices the older Aang, with Dave Bautista taking on a villainous role. Jessica Matten, Román Zaragoza, Dionne Quan, and Steven Yeun round out the main cast, with none of the original actors reprising their roles.

Set for release on 9 October 2026, the film will be available exclusively on Paramount+. Whether the campaign for a cinema release will sway the studio remains to be seen, but the debate has certainly put the spotlight back on Aang and his world.