The Avatar franchise has been a massive success since its debut in 2009. Directed by James Cameron, the sci-fi film took the world by storm, introducing audiences to the lush and immersive world of Pandora, inhabited by the blue-skinned Na’vi. After a long wait, the first of four planned sequels, Avatar 2, is set to be released in December 2022. But will there really be four more Avatar films after that? In this article, we’ll explore the details of the planned sequels and the likelihood of their production.
James Cameron initially announced in 2016 that he planned to make four sequels to the original Avatar film. At the time, many people were surprised by the announcement, given that sequels are not always successful and can sometimes tarnish the reputation of the original. However, Cameron was undeterred, saying that he had “been working on this for four years” and that he had “scripted all four films.”
Since then, details about the sequels have slowly been revealed. Avatar 2, which has been in production since 2017, will pick up where the first film left off and follow the characters of Jake Sully and Neytiri as they explore more of Pandora’s oceans. Avatar 3 is set to be released in December 2024, and Avatar 4 and Avatar 5 will be released in 2026 and 2028, respectively.
While the release dates have been set, there have been some delays in production. Avatar 2 was originally scheduled to be released in 2014, but it has been delayed multiple times due to various reasons, including the development of new technology to create the underwater scenes. The COVID-19 pandemic also caused a significant delay in production.
Despite the delays, James Cameron has remained committed to making all four sequels. In a 2019 interview with Empire Magazine, he said, “I’m in the Avatar business. Period. That’s it. I’m making Avatar 2, 3, 4, and 5. That’s not a question.”
However, it’s worth noting that the success of Avatar 2 will likely play a significant role in determining whether the subsequent sequels will be made. If Avatar 2 performs poorly at the box office, it’s possible that the production of the other sequels could be canceled.
In conclusion, while there have been delays in production, James Cameron remains committed to making all four planned sequels to the original Avatar film. The release dates have been set, and the details of the films have slowly been revealed. However, the success of Avatar 2 will likely determine whether the subsequent sequels will be made. Regardless of the outcome, fans of the franchise can look forward to the release of Avatar 2 in December 2022 and the potential for more stunning visuals and immersive storytelling in the world of Pandora.