Sometimes I think to myself that perhaps James Cameron gets pleasure out of delaying the sequel to Avatar repeatedly. But, that’s just me being lowkey annoyed, the reality is that the legend believes in delivering the utmost quality in each of his films. The highest-grossing film of all time, Avatar, which was released more than a decade ago, proves that.
Initially, the director announced that two sequels will follow. This eventually changed to four. But when do they release? Keep reading to find out!
Avatar 2: New Release Date
After confirming in 2010 that two sequels to the original movie would be released consecutively in 2014 and 2015, Cameron announced in April 2016 that there would be four sequels instead. They were originally scheduled to be released around Christmas in the years 2018, 2020, 2022 and 2023.
If the above-mentioned schedule had been followed, we’d be anticipating the release of Avatar 3 right now! Unfortunately, after 20th Century Fox Studios was picked up by Disney, the four movies were further rescheduled to the Decembers of 2021, 2023. 2025 and 2027
This was the plan that was to be followed until the pandemic brought both virtual production in LA as well as live-action filming in New Zealand to an abrupt halt in March. Because the situation was expected to improve, the Studio continued to remain firm on the 2021 release date.
Given that an improvement in the current scenario seems unlikely, Cameron has finally announced on Twitter, in a heartfelt letter to all his fans, regarding the delay in the release of Avatar 2, pushing the release date of the remaining three movies by a year each.
A message from James Cameron.
Irayo, Na'vi Nation. Stay safe. 💙 pic.twitter.com/Uwi2J6xF4k
— Avatar (@officialavatar) July 23, 2020
Now, the dates that have been fixed are 16th December 2022 for the first sequel, Avatar 2, which will be followed by Avatar 3 on 20th December 2024. The next two instalments have been set for 18th December 2026 and 22nd December 2028 respectively.
How does James Cameron feel about the delay?
Despite the previous delays and push backs being necessary for developing new technology for filming, this particular delay seems completely out of place. Cameron writes in his letter, “As many of you are aware, due to COVID-19, we were forced into an unexpected lengthy delay in starting the live-action filming we are currently doing in New Zealand”.
This should definitely not disappoint fans as Avatar 2 will most certainly worth the wait!
What is Avatar 2 about?
The second part of Avatar will see events happening 13 years after that of the first film. Staying together being the ultimate objective, Jake Sully’s and Neytiri’s family are faced with a resurfacing threat bent on destroying the planet.
Avatar 2 will see Zoe Saldana and Sam Worthington reprising their roles as the leads Neytiri and Jake Sully. Stephen Lang, Giovanni Ribisi, Joel David Moore, Dileep Rao, CCH Pounder, and Matt Gerald will also be reprising the same roles in Avatar 2. Sigourney Weaver will be returning for the sequel but in a different role.
Kate Winslet will also be a part of Avatar 2, which will mark her second time working with Cameron after the blockbuster Titanic. Other confirmed cast members include Edie Falco, Michelle Yeoh, Clif Curtis, Brendan Cowell, Jemaine Clement, Oona Chaplin and Vin Diesel.
Avatar 2 will be directed, edited and co-written by James Cameron.
Avatar 2 is not the only movie to suffer because of the pandemic situation. Marvel’s Black Widow and Christopher Nolan’s Tenet have also faced multiple push backs because of this.
Stay tuned to The Hollywood Tribune for updates on Avatar 2 and more news from Hollywood and beyond!
