Moviegoers across the globe are anxiously awaiting the return ofJames Cameron’sAvatarfranchise withAvatar: The Way of Water’s release later this month. However, while most people will associate the word “Avatar” with Cameron’s sci-fi universe, that franchise is not the only game in town that uses that now iconic word. Nickelodeon’sAvatar: The Last Airbender, a popular animated series that debuted in 2005, also shares the title. However, fans have just learned that the series was forced to change its name due to the now mega blockbuster film franchise.In a recent tweet posted byLast Airbender’s animator/directorGiancarlo Volpe,it was revealed that the show was forced to addThe Last Airbenderto the title. He specifically said, “In 2004 we learned that we had to change the name of our show fromAvatartoAvatar the Last Airbenderbecause James Cameron already had the rights to a movie calledAvatar.” AlthoughLast Airbendertechnically came out first in 2005, a whole four years beforeAvatar’s box office reign, Cameron started development on that historic blockbuster all the way back in 1994. After his other successful filmTitanicdebuted in 1996, Cameron officially announced thatAvatarwould be his next film. Fans just didn’t realize at the time that they would have to wait a whole 13 years before seeing that dream become a reality in 2009. Cameron held onto the title rights for all those years.Because of the close time frame of each project, withLast Airbenderconcluding its epic three season run in 2008, fans of each franchise often wondered if there was ever a connection between them. That connection only includes the name, but Volpe also pointed out some rather funny similarities joking in his post, “Now the sequel is calledThe Way of Water. If part 3 is called ‘The Firebending Masters’ we riot.” The premise ofLast Airbendercentered around a young boy named Aang, the last surviving Airbender and Avatar. An Avatar in this universe means a person has the ability to wield all four elements, Earth, Air, Wind, and Fire. Each season saw Aang and his friends try to master one of the last three remaining elements the Avatar needed to defeat the dreaded Fire Lord. The very first season, which were all dubbed “Books” by the franchise, was titled “Water”. It’s a very odd coincidence thatWay of Wateris all about… well, water. Like Volpe humorously states in his post, if the Na’vi start Earth and Fire bending, we guess they can sue.RELATED:‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’: Amber Midthunder Is “Geeking Out” Over Princess Yue RoleHowever, in all seriousness, this name change was a win-win for both franchises.Avatarwent on to become the highest grossing film of all time whileThe Last Airbender, not including the badM. Night Shyamalanadaptation, is considered by many people to be one of the best animated series of all-time. This little behind-the-scenes insight would also explain whyLast Airbender’s equally brilliant sequel seriesThe Legend of Korradropped theAvatartitle altogether. Both franchises are arguably more popular than they have ever been withAvatar: The Way of Waterreleasing on December 16 andThe Last Airbenderhas anew animated theatrical film trilogy, a live-actionNetflix series, and a new animated series all on the way. The first film of that planned animated trilogy is set to hit theaters on July 14, 2025. Cameron’sAvataralso has three more sequels in active development.While we wait for more news surrounding bothAvatarfranchises, you’re able to view Volpe’s full eye-opening post down below, along with the trailer forWay of Waterand the originalLast Airbenderseries' intro.
