The first ever animated Avatar: The Last Airbender film is starting to take shape, although viewers will be disappointed to learn the movie’s theatrical release has been delayed.
The Avatar: The Last Airbender franchise has remained popular among fans since the original TV series aired on Nickelodeon from 2005 – 2008. However, recently, it has been experiencing a significant resurgence. After almost a decade with no new Avatar: The Last Airbender film or TV projects, the franchise received a popular Netflix live-action series. Next, it is slated to receive an animated theatrical film in 2025.
The animated film is set to be the first in a series of films based on the Avatar: The Last Airbender series. At least one film is expected to continue the story of the show’s original gang, including Aang, Katara, and Sokka. However, it is believed the other two films will take place elsewhere in the vast world and the history of Avatar: The Last Airbender. Since the show’s conclusion in 2008, the only direct continuation came in the form of the sequel series Avatar: The Legend of Korra. However, the series takes place 70 years after the events of Avatar: The Last Airbender and largely follows the next generation instead of the original gang.
While there have been canon comic books to continue the story, many fans have still been waiting for a TV series or film that would catch up with Aang and his crew after the events of Avatar: The Last Airbender. Now, the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender animated film promises to do just this and will mark the first theatrical film in the franchise in 15 years. Given that the last film in the franchise was M. Night Shyamalan’s infamous live-action remake, The Last Airbender, many are hoping this animated film can reestablish the franchise’s film reputation. Here’s everything we know about the film so far.
Avatar: The Last Airbender movie delayed until 2026
Initially, the Avatar: The Last Airbender film was set hit theaters on October 10, 2025. Unfortunately, the film has now been delayed by several months to January 20, 2026. While it’s not a massive delay, it does mean the movie will no longer be releasing the same year as the original show’s 20th anniversary.
Who stars in Avatar: The Last Airbender?
Avatar: The Last Airbender movie recently found its Aang voice actor in Eric Nam. Nam will be joined by Guardians of the Galaxy star Dave Bautista, who will voice a villain in the series. Dionne Quan, Jessica Matten, and Roman Zaragoza have also been cast in undisclosed roles. So far, none of the original voice actors have signed on to return. Michaela Jae Murphy recently stated that she didn’t believe any of the original cast would be a part of the movie. However, fans are still holding on to the hope that some may return.
The likeliest star to return would be Dante Basco as the voice of Zuko, given that he has remained very devoted to the franchise after all these years and even co-hosts the Avatar: Braving the Elements podcast. While insiders claim he’s already set to return for the film, his casting hasn’t been officially confirmed yet. Hence, it’s still too early to say who may or may not return for the movie.
Meanwhile, much of the Avatar: The Last Airbender movie crew has been confirmed. The original series creators, Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko are involved in the film as producers. Meanwhile, Eric Coleman, who served as a supervisor for the original series, has also joined the crew as a producer. Lauren Montgomery, who served as a storyboard artist for Avatar: The Last Airbender series, is heading the film as director.
What is the new Avatar: The Last Airbender movie about?
Very few plot details have been confirmed for the Avatar: The Last Airbender movie, which, according to Variety, has the working title Aang: The Last Airbender. However, as reported by Screen Rant during CinemaCon, it was revealed that the characters will be in their 20s – 30s in the film. Meanwhile, Aang, Katara, Sokka, Zuko, and Toph have all been confirmed to be appearing. Hence, it seems that close to 20 years will have passed between the events of the show and the movie.
Other than the timeline, though, no plot points were confirmed, and it’s unclear what adventure the gang will find themselves on. However, there are always restless nations, leaders, factions, and uprisings to occupy team Avatar, as seen in the original series and Avatar: The Legend of Korra. There is also a lot of ground to cover between Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra. For example, Zuko finding his mother, Azula escaping prison, Aang and Katara marrying and having kids, and Toph creating a metal bending academy are all referenced as past events in The Legend of Korra and would be fair game for the movie. Only time will tell where the film will ultimately find the original gang, though.
(featured image: Paramount Animation / Nickelodeon)
Published: May 13, 2024 05:46 pm