Slumdog star signs on for M. Night Shyamalan's Airbender

Slumdog Millionaire star Dev Patel is set to star in M. Night Shyamalan's adaptation of Nickelodeon's Avatar: The Last Airbender. Set in a fantasy world where human society intermingles with fantastic animals and spirits, the Nicktoon series follows the adventures of a special race of people (benders) who must use their skills to manipulate the elements and defeat the Fire Lord.

Patel swooped in to pick up the role after Jesse McCartney was forced to drop out due to work conflict. Although not cast as lead protagonist Aang, a part purportedly chosen via an online search, Patel's inclusion in the film holds much promise, especially considering Shyamalan is apparently developing the story for a three-film arc.

If all this sounds just a little too surreal, just console yourself with the knowledge that not much can be worse than The Happening. Real talk.

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Review: Slumdog Millionaire
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