M. Night Shyamalan has enjoyed a career resurgence in recent years, delivering crowd-pleasers like Split and Glass alongside leaner thrillers such as Old and Trap. His upcoming project—a supernatural romance starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Phoebe Dynevor—marks yet another genre pivot. But for longtime fans, it's hard to forget the film that nearly derailed his career entirely: The Last Airbender, which is now set to leave Peacock on June 1, 2026.
Released in 2010, The Last Airbender was Shyamalan's most ambitious and expensive project to date, with a reported budget of $150 million. It was also his first film based on pre-existing material—the beloved Nickelodeon animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender. The movie was intended to launch a trilogy, but those plans evaporated after the film was savaged by critics and audiences alike.
A Critical and Commercial Misfire
Upon release, The Last Airbender was met with near-universal scorn. It currently holds a paltry 5% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the lowest of Shyamalan's entire filmography. Critics and fans alike took issue with the film's pacing, casting choices, and what many perceived as racist undertones in its portrayal of characters from the animated series. The controversy was so intense that it effectively killed any chance of a sequel.
Despite its poor reception, the film managed to gross approximately $320 million worldwide, which on paper might seem respectable. However, given its hefty budget and the damage to Shyamalan's reputation, Paramount decided to abandon the franchise. The property was later rebooted as a live-action series for Netflix, which received mixed reviews and is set to return for a second season in June 2026. For more on that, check out our exclusive look at 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' Season 2.
What's Next for Shyamalan?
Shyamalan has since rebuilt his career with a string of low-budget, high-concept thrillers that have won back both critics and audiences. His next film, a supernatural romance, is expected to continue that trend. Meanwhile, fans of the original animated series can still revisit the 2010 adaptation on Peacock—but only until June 1, 2026. After that, the film will be removed from the streaming service, leaving only memories of one of the most infamous misfires in modern cinema.
If you're in the mood for something else leaving Peacock soon, you might want to catch Matt Damon's chilling 'Talented Mr. Ripley' before it departs as well. Or, for a completely different vibe, check out 'Sunny Nights,' Hulu's crime comedy masterpiece with a perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more updates on streaming departures and entertainment news.
