‘Avatar: The Way of Water’: Details About the Cast, Plot and Release Date
The film arrives in theaters on Dec. 16.
Fans are getting ready to return to Pandora for the long-awaited sequel “Avatar: The Way of Water.”
The highly anticipated sequel to James Cameron’s Oscar-winning and box office-smashing 2009 film sees him return as writer, director and producer. He reunited with co-producer Jon Landau for the sequel, which was released 13 years after the first and shares screenwriting credit with Josh Friedman.
Continue reading to find out everything we know so far about “Avatar: The Way of Water.”
What is “Avatar: The Way of Water” about?
According to the official synopsis from 20th Century Studios, “Avatar: The Way of Water” is set “more than a decade” after the events of “Avatar.”
The sequel “begins to tell the story of the Sully family (Jake, Neytiri and their kids), the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive and the tragedies they endure.”
When is “Avatar: The Way of Water” out in theaters?
“Avatar: The Way of Water” will open in U.S. theaters on Dec. 16.
A Brief Refresher on the First “Avatar” Film
The first “Avatar” film introduced viewers to Pandora, where the Na’vi, a race of blue creatures who share a special connection with their planet, live. Humans, in the year 2154, are able to traverse the alien environment by connecting their minds to the bodies of an Avatar. Among the humans is Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), a paraplegic Marine who regains the ability to move when connected to the Avatar. While interacting with the Na’vi, Jake falls in love with one named Neytiri (Zoe Saldana). As they become closer, he must help Neytiri and the other Na’vi protect their planet from a group of humans that wishes to exploit Pandora’s natural resources.
“Avatar” was a box office juggernaut and is still the top-grossing film of all time worldwide, having earned more than $2.8 billion. It is also currently the fourth highest-grossing film domestically.
20th Century Fox
20th Century FoxThe film won three Academy Awards — best cinematography, best visual effects and best art direction — out of the nine Oscars it was nominated for, including best picture.
Who’s in the “Avatar: The Way of Water” Cast?
Worthington and Saldana lead the cast of “Avatar: The Way of Water,” reprising their characters, Jake Sully and Neytiri, from the first film.
Joining them will be Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Cliff Curtis, Joel David Moore, CCH Pounder, Edie Falco, Jemaine Clement and Kate Winslet, among others.
How is Sigourney Weaver Returning for the Sequel?
Fans of “Avatar” may be wondering how Sigourney Weaver will fit into the cast of “Avatar: The Way of Water,” given that her character, Dr. Grace Augustine, the head of Pandora’s Avatar programme, died in the first film.
This time, the actress will play a character named Kiri, according to IMDb. Weaver teased that her new character is “goofy,” telling Interview magazine that this role is “the biggest stretch” she’s ever taken on.
Is there an “Avatar: The Way of Water” Trailer?
There is no official trailer for “Avatar: The Way of Water” — yet.
That said, the official teaser trailer for the film was released in May and has amassed more than 23.7 million views to date. The clip shows dazzling scenes from Pandora and features only one line of dialogue spoken by Worthington’s Jake Sully, who says, “I know one thing … wherever we go … this family … is our fortress.”
How Long Will “Avatar: The Way of Water” be?
While the first “Avatar” film clocked in at 162 minutes (2 hours and 42 minutes) for its theatrical cut, Cameron told Empire magazine the second one’s runtime is around three hours long.
The filmmaker told the publication he didn’t want “anybody whining about the length” of the film when it’s commonplace for people to binge-watch television shows these days. “Here’s the big social paradigm shift that has to happen: It’s OK to get up and go pee,” he said.
Will There be an “Avatar 3”?
Yes, a third “Avatar” film is coming and is slated for release on Dec. 20, 2024. Filming for “Avatar 3” — which currently has no official title — was done simultaneously with “Avatar: The Way of Water.”
Will There be an “Avatar 4”?
Yes, a fourth “Avatar” film has been announced and is slated for release on Dec. 18, 2026.
Will There be an “Avatar 5”?
Yes, a fifth “Avatar” film has been announced and is slated for release on Dec. 22, 2028.
Where Can I Watch “Avatar”?
Though “Avatar” is normally available to stream on Disney+, fans will soon be able to watch the blockbuster film on the big screen once again. It’s returning to theaters for a limited time beginning Sept. 23 and will be shown in 3D and all formats, including 4K high dynamic range.
What Other Films has James Cameron directed?
Cameron’s feature directorial debut came in 1982 with “Piranha II: The Spawning,” but that film pales in comparison to what followed. In the subsequent years, the filmmaker released “The Terminator” (1984), “Alien” (1986), “The Abyss” (1989), “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” (1991), “True Lies” (1994) and “Titanic” (1997) prior to “Avatar.”
Cameron also has major credits as a writer, producer and editor. He won three Academy Awards for “Titanic”: best picture, best director and best film editing.
