13 long years later, the sequel to blockbuster hit Avatar is finally set to be released.  Avatar was originally released in 2009, grossing over $2.8 billion, quickly de-throning the Titanic as the top box office earner of all time.  Originally, director James Cameron (who also happened to direct Titanic) raced to create plans for a second movie, outlining a schedule to release Avatar 2 in 2014 with a third installment to be released the following year.  That schedule proved to be too ambitious, however, since Cameron’s underwater vision for the movie needed to wait for the technology to be available to create it.  After years of waiting, the final stages of production were again delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The sci-fi sequel will now finally be released in December.  Cameron’s current plans follow a model similar to that of the Star Wars universe, with Avatar 3, 4, and 5 envisioned to release by 2028.

“I have been looking forward to a sequel ever since the original was released.  I can’t wait to see whatever Cameron has in store for us fans,” said junior Holly Sternlicht.

The first trailer for Avatar 2 was released early this May, giving fans their first look at what they should expect for the sequel.  Viewers were surprised upon seeing that the trailer was devoid of the action sequences that marked the first film, with the video instead focusing more on the beauty of Pandora.  Cameron plans to take the main characters’, Jake (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), underwater for this film, hence the title Avatar: The Way of Water. Family is also predicted to play a more prominent role compared to the original, with multiple shots featuring Jake and Neytiri spending time with their children (one of which even appears to be human).  The movie studio behind the movie, 20th Century Studios, has otherwise kept most of the details of the story under wraps.  Cameron’s promise to movie fans is summed up by the following quote he gave to Vanity Fair: “Basically, if you loved the first movie, you’re going to love these movies, and if you hated it, you’re probably going to hate these.”

“I am so excited for this movie to come out, especially since so little has been revealed about it as of now,” said Junior Taylor Schorr. 

The original Avatar movie’s technology featured technology that would pave the road for the sci-fi and CGI world in the future.  The 3D graphics impressed audiences who flocked to see the thrilling world of Pandora that James Cameron created for audiences. He uses a version of the Fusion camera. 

“The original movie’s technology was already so impressive I can’t wait to see the upgrades made for the sequel,” said sophomore Eve Siff Scherr. 

The good news for fans is that the original cast will all be returning for Avatar 2. In addition to Zoe Saldano and Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver will reprise her role in the film. Kate Winslet has been cast as Ronal for all of the sequels, the co-leader of the Metkayina clan. Winslet and James Cameron had previously worked together on Titanic. Other newcomers are Edie Falco from the Sopranos, Game of Thrones’ Oona Chaplin, and Marvel’s Michelle Yeoh. 

Avatar 2 will be hitting the big screens December 16 of this year so make sure to rush over to your local theaters.