Renowned for its exquisite blend of mature themes like warfare, loss, and death within the limits of child-friendly content, Avatar: The Last Airbender has certainly etched its place in the hearts of audiences spanning multiple generations. Its impactful narrative and high-caliber animation style were pivotal in its journey to becoming one of the most compelling television shows in the last 20 years. The avatar’s cycle continuation in the sequel series, The Legend of Korra, was a much-welcomed move by Nickelodeon, considering the show’s massive popularity.
The charm of Avatar: The Last Airbender is a force to be reckoned with, showing no signs of slowing down. While a live-action remake is brewing at Netflix, the original series creators, Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, are poised to broaden the Avatar universe with an array of films and television spin-offs. Nickelodeon launched Avatar Studios in February 2021, with a focused mission to widen the franchise’s scope by introducing fresh content. Paramount Pictures, a significant player investing in animated features, is orchestrating ambitious plans for Avatar, already home to properties like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Transformers.
Major Announcements and Rumors About Avatar’s Expansion
Earth Avatar Series
A new Avatar series set to premiere in 2025 was first announced on Avatar News. The show is anticipated to be set roughly 100 years after Korra, placing it in a modern-day equivalent of the Avatar universe, with the plot centring on an Earth Avatar’s journey, staying true to the Avatar cycle. This storyline could pique interest as the last Earth Avatar we encountered was Kyoshi, a fearless character who did not shy away from shedding blood to safeguard her people and uphold balance. Alongside this series, rumors are circulating about a movie inspired by this new figure, initially thought to launch shortly after the series, but now slated for a 2027 release as per recent reports.
While this delay may sound disheartening, it’s arguably beneficial for the studio to devote more time to shaping the movie, guaranteeing a truly distinctive experience for fans. Adding to the excitement, the creators have ambitions to roll out more projects annually until 2027. However, fans must understand that release schedules are subject to change and projects can be put on hold due to unforeseen complications. Nothing is concrete, and plans may be modified, much like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, to better align with the overarching narrative. The figure depicted in the promotional image might not be the final look of the Avatar. Stay tuned for more updates in the coming months.
Adult Aang Gang Movie
Hot on the heels of the new Avatar series, a sequel film to the original show is in the pipeline. This movie will focus on Avatar Aang and his companions in their mid to late 20s-30s. The simultaneous arrival of this film and the new series is no coincidence; it’s part of a grander scheme. However, the specifics of this plan remain under wraps. It’s possible that the forthcoming movie’s adventure ties into other series projects following the original show’s conclusion. Alternatively, it could be an independent journey.
Numerous comic stories post The Last Airbender finale continue their tales, and as more characters join the franchise, it will be intriguing to see if the new generation also plays a part. Will a character be reimagined for the silver screen? Or will the story delve into the challenges of restoring balance in the aftermath of the 100-year war? Speculations are rife that this movie may center around adult Aang and his comrades as they attempt to eliminate the residual followers of the malevolent Fire Nation. Regardless of the storyline, it’s clear that the entire gang will play a pivotal role, as suggested by a new still released during Paramount’s CinemaCon Panel. The new Avatar movie has an expected release date of October 10, 2025, and will premiere in theaters, indicating Paramount Pictures’ strong faith in the project.
Zuko Movie
A standalone film focusing on Zuko is set to hit theaters in 2026. Details regarding its connection to the Aang gang film or its timeline remain scarce. Still, it’s expected to be set post the 100-Year War. Given Zuko’s captivating redemption arc in the series, from starting as an antagonist and capturing Aang to ultimately joining the good side, the film is not likely to be short of source material.
With his numerous appearances in The Legend of Korra and comics, Zuko’s character is ripe for exploration, making a dedicated movie a brilliant proposition for fans yearning for a deeper dive into his life. Avatar Studios is planning to launch a new movie and show every year up until 2027, according to the slate presented via Avatar News. Casting details for the new film are yet to be confirmed, although there’s speculation that voice actor Dante Basco will return as the iconic character. In line with the adult Team Avatar film, separate comic stories centered on Zuko might be adapted, such as his search for his mother and the challenges he faces in leading the Fire Nation after the war. Alternatively, the studio could choose an entirely original narrative.
Two Spinoff Series
On the Avatar Studio’s release calendar, two unnamed spinoff series are scheduled for 2026 and 2027, respectively. Information about these shows is presently unavailable. They could be centered around anything within the extended Avatar universe. There’s a possibility these shows could tell original stories, but fans have long expressed a desire for adaptations of The Shadow of Kyoshi and The Rise of Kyoshi novels. These novels recount the adventures of Avatar Kyoshi, first introduced in Avatar: The Last Airbender – Book 2: Earth, who exhibits anti-hero traits and employs extreme measures to maintain peace.
The potential for exploring other Avatars also exists. The Dawn of Yangchen, a novel released last year, traces the journey of Yangchen, the Air-bending Avatar preceding Aang. Yangchen’s complex personality and unique challenges offer a deeper exploration into Avatar lore, making a television adaptation of her story another exciting prospect for fans. Once again, this information should be taken with a grain of salt, as plans may change despite the schedule set for the upcoming years.
