Singapore Arrest Over Full Leak of Paramount+’s “The Legend Of Aang”

A 26-year-old was arrested in Singapore after remotely accessing a media server, downloading the unreleased animated feature “The Legend Of Aang: The Last Airbender,” and posting the full film on X. The movie, animated by Flying Bark Productions and featuring Dave Bautista, Steven Yeun, Eric Nam and William Mata, adapts Nickelodeon’s “Avatar: The Last Airbender.” Paramount+ announced the streaming plan in December 2025; production wrapped in early 2026 before the film was posted on X. The studio later confirmed the film would skip a theatrical debut on October 9, 2026 and launch exclusively on its streaming platform, prompting fan protests. The suspect faces up to seven years’ imprisonment and a $50,000 fine.

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Flying Bark’s spokesperson said the leak did not originate from the studio and expressed disappointment. Singapore police confirmed seizure of the film copy and an ongoing investigation. Paramount+ said it is cooperating with authorities and monitoring the situation.

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Animator Julia Schoel lamented the loss of a theatrical celebration, calling the leak “passing our shots around on Twitter like candy.” Director Lauren Montgomery warned the streaming-only release could be misread as a quality issue. Fans have petitioned for a theatrical run.

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The breach highlights the vulnerability of high-value digital assets to remote intrusion, raising piracy concerns for studios. It also underscores tension between streaming-first distribution models and audience expectations for cinema experiences.

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The leak is confirmed as external, but the exact method and any accomplices remain unknown.

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• “It was heartbreaking to see footage from ‘The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender’ leak online. This leak did not originate from Flying Bark.” — Spokesperson, Flying Bark Productions

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• “Our studio proudly partnered on the production until the very end and we acknowledge the filmmakers, cast, artists and animators who worked tirelessly to produce this incredibly crafted film.” — Spokesperson, Flying Bark Productions

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• “We worked on the Aang movie for years with the expectation that we’d get to celebrate all of our hard work in theaters…just to see people unceremoniously leak the film and pass our shots around on Twitter like candy.” — Julia Schoel, Animator

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• “Now it waits in limbo until its release in October… 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!!! Can’t wait for you all to see it!” — Lauren Montgomery, Director

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The film remains scheduled for its October 9, 2026 Paramount+ release. Legal proceedings against the suspect are expected in Singapore courts, and Paramount+ is reviewing security protocols for future releases.

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