By: Aurora Willis

For those of you who don’t know, this week Paramount was hacked and the entire new Avatar the Last Airbender film was released to the public, before it even got a trailer, and six months (Release Date was scheduled for October 9, 2026) before its release date. Since the leak, The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender has over 10 million views and there are clips and edits of it swirling around all the social media platforms. I’m not going to sugar coat it, this is bad. Not just for the fate of the film itself, but for the amazing writers, artist, and animators who created it and possible for the Avatar: The Last Airbender franchise as a whole. This film was supposed to be one of three and even open the door to more sequels, prequels, and spin-offs, but now, the future is uncertain. I know in the grand scheme of things, this shouldn’t matter. There is so much more important and pressing stuff going on in the world right know. But this world, characters, and story has always been a great comfort to me and when I was told that even after 11 years we would get to revisit it all again, I was filled with so much joy. Now that joy is suddenly gone, and that bright future for the franchise seems so far away, much like a lot of things currently. This probably won’t change anything, at best it might make me feel better, but I have a message for Paramount, Nickelodeon, and the Fans.

To Paramount & Nickelodeon

I don’t have much knowledge of the film business or how it’s run, and I really don’t see eye to eye with your bosses and benefactors. But to somebody reasonable at Paramount, I do know one thing. All you guys truly care about is making money and generating buzz. So let me let you in on a little secret, you are standing on a goldmine. It has been 17 years since it ended and Avatar: The Last Airbender which is just as popular now as it was back then, maybe even more so. If you keep on the path and let the creator do their thing and let them stick to their original plan, the money will come in. I know that this leak is a set back, but it doesn’t have to be the end. If you have the power to, release the film in theater and watch it become a box offices success. If you decide against that, then put it on Paramount Plus but market the heck out of it. (Editor Note: Back in December, Paramount decided against having a theatrical release for The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender) I’m talking merchandise, collaborations, cast interviews, Funko Pops and just about anything the fans can buy. And once the film comes to Paramount Plus, make it different from the one that got leaked online. Add some more content to the film, I know that there are probably some deleted scenes or scrapped concepts floating around somewhere. All I’m saying really is don’t give up on this franchise so easily. If you take a chance on it, Avatar and its future, you will see positive results. Even if you don’t have much faith in that, then have faith in the fans who will always show up for something they love.

To The Fans

I’m not going to call out the people who watch the links or are currently sharing spoilers online, although it would be great if you stopped, at this point that’s just wishful thinking. What I am going to ask from the fans is that we come together. I know that as a fandom we often come to blows over things like shipping characters, our favorite characters, and our least favorite characters, but I am asking that we put that all behind us and remember one sample thing. No matter our opinions, we all love this franchise and we want to see it continue and succeed. We need to support The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender. Not the current leaks, but when the film is released in October. Animator Anna Gong, who worked on the film, stated on social media “please support the actual release as well so we can make more movies” As fans, we need to beat the leak by generating more views for the official film, purchase all the merchandise, and watch the original series and comics to show them just how much of a demand there is for more of this story. Think of all the writers, artists, directors, and animators who worked so hard on this film for years only to have their work spoiled and their future projects in jeopardy. Our goal going forward should be to show everyone that Avatar the Last Airbender is a masterpiece that deserves its day in the sun.

I don’t usually do this, but if you have finished reading my little letter, please share it. Get the word spread about what’s going on.

Signed Your Friendly Neighborhood Fangirl.