The animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender is a beloved and treasured franchise which, over the past two decades, has entertained millions of loyal fans. However, to the dismay of many, it has been severely mishandled in recent years. Fans have become incensed over lacklustre movie releases and poor live-action adaptations.

Unfortunately, the bad news does not end there. To the considerable frustration and confusion of supporters of the series, Paramount has announced that the new Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender movie will be released exclusively on its streaming platform and not in theatres.

Many, including the creators, have been left disappointed. In fact, even the director, Lauren Montgomery, publicly challenged the move by remarking, “The recent decision to move us from theatrical to streaming might give the impression that the quality wasn’t sufficient, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. This movie deserves to be seen on a big screen!”

Naturally, this statement begs the following questions: How can such an eagerly anticipated movie, whose expansive world was made for the big screen, be condemned to the modern equivalent of a straight-to-DVD release? How, too, can Paramount CEO and Chairman David Ellison financially justify releasing Avatar Aang solely on Paramount+ when Demon Slayer—a fair comparison due to its similar popularity and trajectory from animated TV show to movie—grossed a staggering $793 million?

I repeat: Demon Slayer made $793 million. If it was afforded the opportunity to be shown on screens worldwide and achieved such stratospheric success, then why deny Avatar the same opportunity?

It. Just. Does. Not. Make. Sense.

A change clearly needs to be made. We are, however, quickly running out of time, as an announcement has just been made that this film will be released on 25th July instead of its original 9th October date. This is due to the misguided actions of one overeager fan who decided to dump the entire movie onto social media.

We must urgently act now. I am therefore requesting, on behalf of Avatar: The Last Airbender fans, that CEO David Ellison release Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender in theatres worldwide first, then, at a later date, offer it on Paramount+.

I must emphasise that we want a full worldwide release, not a very limited release in a limited number of screens.

This is what the creators deserve. This is what we, the audience, deserve.

Remember, a single voice barely makes a sound, but the voices of many are difficult to ignore. So please sign and share this petition with as many people as you can. Together we can do it, together we can make a change!