Original Avatar cast call for 'The Legend of Aang' cinema release after Paramount leak

Avatar cast urge cinema release for 'The Legend of Aang' after film leaks ahead of streaming debut

The original cast of Avatar: The Last Airbender has called on Paramount to reconsider its release strategy for The Legend of Aang following an early online leak of the film.

The animated feature, which follows Aang, Katara, Zuko and Toph on a new journey alongside another Airbender named Tagah, had been planned for a direct release on Paramount+.

However, the project has faced criticism after the full film appeared online months before its official debut.

Animators involved in the production previously spoke out against the leak, describing piracy as “disrespectful” to the work completed on the film.

The situation has now drawn responses from members of the original voice cast, who addressed the issue during a panel at Supernova Melbourne.

Olivia Hack, who voiced Ty Lee in the original series, confirmed she had seen parts of the leaked material and commented on the film’s presentation. “I’ve skimmed it. The art looks beautiful. Here’s my thing. If it was going to be the actual release, right, it’d be like, ‘don’t watch it, because it takes away from the box office.’ Paramount has my nickel. I already subscribed. So I skimmed it, and the art looks gorgeous. And I haven’t watched it yet,” she explained.

She also called for a change in release plans, stating, “Release it in theatres. That’s what I’m saying. And when you do watch it, you can see. I mean, it’s really spectacular. The artwork is gorgeous, and so, yeah.”

The film was initially intended for a theatrical release before being shifted to streaming. It features a new voice cast, including Eric Nam, Dave Bautista and Steven Yeun, portraying older versions of the characters.