^{Credit: Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender (Paramount+)}

Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender, formerly titled The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender, is one of this year’s most anticipated animated features. Yet, few 2026 films have endured more hardships on the road to their release… except maybe Coyote vs. Acme. At least that long-shelved title is finally coming to the big screen. Avatar Aang was also slated for the silver screen until it was moved to the streaming service that South Park and Taylor Sheridan are keeping on life support: Paramount+. By skipping theaters, the odds that Avatar Aang would be eligible for Best Animated Feature consideration at the Oscars radically decreased.

Apparently, Paramount feels that Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie and The Angry Birds Movie 3 have more box office potential than Avatar. Perhaps it isn’t just about box office. Maybe it’s about reminding consumers that Paw Patrol and Angry Birds exist, so they’ll buy merchandise. After all, Paw Patrol has made an estimated $15 billion in retail sales while Angry Birds has made over $9 billion. While it’s unclear how much The Last Airbender franchise has made in retail, it’s probably not in the same ballpark as the latter two. Regardless, few franchises have a more passionate following than Avatar. Those fans made their voices heard when Lauren Montgomery’s film was moved to streaming.

Not only was the online backlash loud, but the Chang.org page to release the film theatrically has accumulated over 90,000 verified signatures. It was still unlikely that Paramount would change their minds. Then again, it wouldn’t be the first time that Paramount listened to the fans. Remember those reports that the Ninja Turtles were going to be aliens in the Michael Bay-produced film? Who could forget Ugly Sonic and what would’ve been if social media didn’t intervene? Maybe, just maybe, the fans would come through for Avatar Aang… Then the film got leaked online.

Initially, only parts of the film leaked on X via anonymous user ImStillDissin. According to The Hollywood Reporter, ImStillDissin didn’t think sharing these videos would be a big deal since the film wasn’t going to theaters. ImStillDissin subsequently received the full movie from a hacker friend, although he resisted sharing it online. Regardless, an account from Singapore would soon release the entirety of Avatar Aang online. A 26-year old man in Singapore has since been arrested for allegedly accessing the media server without permission. Details about the leak are still unfolding, but the incident raises another question: what does this all mean for Avatar Aang’s official release (and Oscar chances)?

I hope the Avatar leak blows up and it convinces Paramount to release the film theatrically. pic.twitter.com/n1JIgTep7l

— Jorge R. Gutierrez (@mexopolis) April 12, 2026

The Book of Life director Jorge R. Gutierrez wrote on X that he “hope[s] the Avatar leak blows up and it convinces Paramount to release the film theatrically.” The response among viewers who watched the leaked film has been positive, with many saying the quality of the animation is worthy of the cinema. Here’s the thing, though. By watching the leaked film, so-called “fans” are only giving Paramount more reason not to release Avatar Aang in theaters. According to Metro (via Collider), over 10 million people have watched the film online. Had those people all bought a ticket to see Avatar Aang in theaters, the film could’ve crossed $100,000. Now that they’ve seen the film online for free, why would they see it in theaters even if Paramount reversed their decision?

Some have tried to vindicate watching the film illegally, arguing that they’re sticking it to Paramount by not subscribing to their streaming service. There was still a slight possibility that Paramount could give the film a theatrical release, however. Those odds have likely decreased now that so many people have seen it. That’s not to say every Avatar fan pirated the film, but 10 million isn’t an insignificant number. It’s much larger than the 90,000 or so who signed the Change.org petition. At first, it seemed like the online community might save Avatar Aang from a streaming dump. Instead, they probably killed its chances of going to theaters and the Oscars.

To qualify for Best Animated Feature consideration, Avatar Aang would have to be publicly exhibited for paid admission in a commercial motion picture theater for at least seven consecutive days. Even if Avatar Aang goes straight to streaming, it could still get a limited theatrical run to qualify. This worked out well for KPop Demon Hunters. Paramount doesn’t seem interested in getting the film an Oscar, however. Their priority is using Avatar to attract more subscribers to Paramount+. Considering how Avatar has proven itself as a streaming juggernaut, it isn’t surprising that Paramount+ would want it as a flagship franchise. Avatar can have a life beyond streaming, however.

Although Paramount mishandled the film’s distribution, they aren’t the only ones who did wrong by the numerous animators who worked on Avatar Aang. The 10 million people who watched it online sent a message to Paramount. You don’t care whether you get to see the film in a theater or on an iPad. You don’t care if the film is eligible for an Oscar or an Emmy. You just care about watching it inexpensively, cheapening the franchise you claim to love. If by some miracle Paramount does decide to give Avatar Aang an Oscar push along with a full theatrical rollout, all 10 million of you had better be there opening weekend. Otherwise, David Ellison can say, “See, told ya so!”

Nick Spake is the Author of Bright & Shiny: A History of Animation at Award Shows Volumes 1, 2, and 3. Available Now!