Paramount and Nickelodeon are set to give the animated feature film Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender a limited theatrical release in addition to its planned streaming debut on Paramount Plus. The decision follows a period of shifting release plans and a notable leak of the film's footage.
The animated film was listed on the AMC Theatres website, with a poster confirming its arrival in theaters on July 24, one day prior to its streaming launch. However, the theatrical run will be highly restricted, according to Variety. Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender is scheduled for a one-week engagement from July 24 to July 30, exclusively at two venues: the AMC Burbank 8 in Los Angeles and the AMC Empire 25 in New York City. Reports indicate three showings per day at each location, though the AMC Empire 25 listing currently shows five daily showings.
Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender co-creator Bryan Konietzko referred to the release as a "very limited, award-qualifying theatrical run" via an Instagram story. Tickets were slated to go on sale July 16 at 9 a.m. EDT / 6 a.m. PDT. The film is also scheduled to be screened at San Diego Comic-Con on July 24.
The road to release for Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender, a sequel to the original Nickelodeon animated series, has been eventful. Initially slated for a 2025 release, the film faced delays, had its theatrical release plans rescinded, and subsequently experienced a footage leak for which an individual was later arrested.
The film's narrative centers on Avatar Aang, the world's last Airbender, in his adult life. According to an official synopsis, Aang discovers an ancient power that could be crucial for saving his culture from extinction. Joined by his companions, he undertakes a global quest to secure this power before it can be exploited, potentially disrupting the peace that was hard-won.
The voice cast for Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender includes Eric Nam as Aang, Dave Bautista as Tagah, Jessica Matten as Katara, Román Zaragoza as Sokka, Steven Yeun as Zuko, and Dionne Quan as Toph. Aang's animal companions, Appa and Momo, are voiced by Dee Bradley Baker. The ensemble is further supported by Freida Pinto, Ke Huy Quan, Taika Waititi, Geraldine Viswanathan, Ronny Chieng, and Ken Jeong.