Shyamalan to make 'Airbender' movie

HOLLYWOOD, April 16 (UPI) -- Hollywood filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan has signed on to adapt Nickelodeon's animated TV series "The Last Airbender" as a live-action movie.

Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies announced Wednesday they have green lit the live-action epic adventure "M. Night Shyamalan's The Last Airbender."

The film is to open in theaters July 2, 2010.

Shyamalan's films include "The Sixth Sense," "Signs," "Lady in the Water" and the upcoming "The Happening."

He will direct and produce "Airbender" based on a script that he penned.

"I was drawn to the series because of its influences: one being Hayao Miyazaki," Shyamalan said in a statement. "I've always been a huge fan of Miyazaki's work. He is one of the greatest storytellers in the world and makes anime films in Japan. His combination of spirituality and supernatural elements have brought depth and meaning to his art form. In 'The Last Airbender,' I see an opportunity to make a live-action version of a Miyazaki film."

"We're delighted to be partnering with Nickelodeon to bring M. Night Shyamalan's vision of 'The Last Airbender' to the big screen and to audiences of all ages," added John Lesher, president of the Paramount Film Group.