The highly anticipated animated feature “The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender” will forgo a traditional theatrical release, premiering exclusively on Paramount+ in October 2026. This move signifies Paramount+’s commitment to becoming the exclusive streaming home for all animated content produced by Avatar Studios, the creative powerhouse behind the beloved “Avatar: The Last Airbender” series. This strategic decision aligns with the streamer’s ambition to capture a significant share of the animated content market.
Joining “The Legend of Aang” on Paramount+ will be another new animated project, “Avatar: Seven Havens.” Both productions are spearheaded by Avatar Studios, established in 2021 under Nickelodeon with the explicit goal of expanding the expansive “Avatar” universe, which includes the critically acclaimed “The Legend of Korra.”
“The Avatar Universe has captivated audiences for two decades, and Paramount+ is proud to be the exclusive streaming home for its beloved animated incarnation,” stated Jane Wiseman, Head of Originals for Paramount+. She further elaborated that these new projects represent a significant evolution in storytelling, bringing together exceptional talent to deliver the epic adventures fans expect.
In addition to the previously announced cast, “The Legend of Aang” will feature a star-studded ensemble including Taika Waititi, Geraldine Viswanathan, Dee Bradley Baker, Peta Sergeant, Freida Pinto, and Ke Huy Quan. They will join Dave Bautista, Eric Nam, Jessica Matten, Dionne Quan, Román Zaragoza, and Steven Yeun, promising a rich vocal performance for the animated film.
Directed by Lauren Montgomery, with Steve Ahn and William Mata serving as co-directors, “The Legend of Aang” is based on the original “Airbender” series created by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko. The film’s narrative centers on the world’s last Airbender, who must harness an ancient power to save his culture from extinction, embarking on a perilous global quest.
“Avatar: Seven Havens” is set in a post-cataclysmic world and follows a young Earthbender who discovers she is the new Avatar. However, in this era, her title marks her as a potential destroyer, forcing her and her twin brother to uncover their origins while battling human and spirit adversaries.
The original “Avatar: The Last Airbender” series, which aired from 2005 to 2008, garnered critical acclaim, including a Peabody Award and a Primetime Emmy. Its enduring popularity is evident in its strong streaming performance, consistently ranking among Nielsen’s top most-streamed titles since its debut on Paramount+.
This strategic positioning of new “Avatar” content on Paramount+ aims to solidify its status as the definitive destination for fans of the animated universe. The platform will now host the original series, “The Legend of Korra,” and these upcoming animated features, catering to a dedicated and expansive fanbase.
“Seven Havens” will consist of 26 episodes, divided into two books of 13 half-hour installments each. Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko will serve as co-creators and executive producers for the series, with Ethan Spaulding and Sehaj Sethi also involved in production.
The decision for these major animated projects to bypass theaters and debut directly on a streaming platform highlights a growing trend in the entertainment industry. This approach allows for broader accessibility and a consistent release schedule for fans eager to engage with new content from beloved franchises.
Paramount+’s investment in Avatar Studios signifies a long-term vision for content creation and franchise expansion. By securing exclusive rights to these highly anticipated animated projects, the streamer aims to attract and retain subscribers through compelling, high-quality storytelling within a well-established and adored universe.
Fans can anticipate a rich and immersive experience with both “The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender” and “Avatar: Seven Havens,” promising to uphold the legacy of the original series while forging new narrative paths within the expansive Avatar world.
