Avatar Aang Sequel Leak Sparks Theatrical Release Debate
By Published Apr 21, 2026, 9:17 AM EDT Nick Bythrow is a Lead Writer for ScreenRant. He has been writing for the site since September 2026. He graduated from Hampshire College in 2026, where he triple majored in Journalism, Communications, and Media Studies. When he's not writing about TV and movies for ScreenRant and his blog, , Nick is penning speculative fiction and poetry on . He lives outside Boston, Massachusetts. follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap
An original actor from Avatar: The Last Airbender has seen the leaked sequel movie.
The star has responded to the major leak of the show's movie sequel, , admitting that they've "skimmed" through the film. The upcoming was leaked in mid-April 2026, with a full, HD cut getting released and later spread online. , with the company confirming they do not believe it leaked because of faulty computer security. Earlier this year, the movie, which was originally set for a theatrical release, was shifted to a Paramount+ original film.
According to , Olivia Hack, who voiced Ty Lee in the original Avatar: The Last Airbender, revealed in a panel at Supanova Melbourne that she "skimmed" through some of Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender. The actor praised the animation of the movie before stating that, based on what she's seen, the movie should be released in theaters.
Check out what Hack had to say below:
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. Release it in theaters. 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.
Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender has been embroiled in controversy since long before the film was leaked. This is because of its theatrical release promise, which was part of the movie's initial October 10, 2026 date. It was later delayed to January 30, 2026 before being delayed again to October 9, 2026. This final delay also saw it move to Paramount+, . Now, with a little less than six months before the movie comes out, a full copy has circulated far enough for an original voice cast member to get their hands on it.
Given Hack's opinion on the movie, she clearly favors the movie's original plan for a theatrical release. Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender was produced with the intention of being on the big screen, something that is clarified by the actor's reaction to the movie. As for what the future has in store for the film, it seems like it'll be determined based on Paramount's investigation. For now, though, the movie remains as a future Paramount+ release.
Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender is one of multiple projects in the franchise that is coming out over the course of the next two years. Netflix's live-action , a remake of the original animated series, is scheduled to arrive on June 25, 2026. In the meantime, the next animated series, , will have its first 13-episode season arrive in 2027.
Hack vouching for Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender's theatrical release emphasizes the faith she has in the movie, something that's also been reflected in online reactions to the film. While its spread does, ultimately, damage its future Paramount+ release, considering just how widespread it became, it's also ultimately proven that Paramount may be making a mistake by sequestering the movie to a streaming service.
Although Hack's reaction doesn't mean Paramount will reconsider their decision, it does emphasize just how good a film Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender is. Even with its leaked release, a theatrical consideration could see dedicated fans arriving in theaters to support the movie and those who worked hard to craft a new story in the franchise.
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