Avatar 2 Release Date, Plot, Cast & News: 3 Things We Know About Sequel
"Avatar 2" may be a few years away, but James Cameron and his team have been working on the script and putting together the technology that will be involved in the filming of the upcoming installment.
The sequel is slated for release in 2016, and there is a lot already known about what audiences may expect:
It Will Take Place in Pandora's Ocean
Early on, there was a lot of speculation of where the new installment would take place. In a recent interview with James Cameron, the director confirmed that it would be in the ocean. However, he noted that this film would not be as political as the first one, which took aim at the reoccurring global issues.
He stated recently, "First of all, you don't want to deal with political issues in entertainment films. The Avatar films -- and oceans will be an ongoing theme in all of the sequels, not just "Avatar 2" -- are meant to create a sense of wonder and connection to the natural word."
"I hope that when people watch them they can say, 'I want to be part of that world, the world that is real,' and hopefully that translates into them camping in a redwood forest or snorkeling on a coral reef. You can't feel that you are ready to make a sacrifice in your lifestyle to protect something unless you respect and love it," he added.
Cameron, who is a big advocate of global change, also noted that he hopes the movies will make a difference in society.
"Avatar 2" Could be First Film to use High Frame Rate 4K
Cameron has also found ways of making his films technologically innovative or game changing. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the director is hoping to use the high frame-rate system 4K, 3D system with Douglas Trumball's system, which delivers 120 frames per second.
He told the online journal he had talked with Avatar producer Jon Landau about viewing the short film "UTOFOG," which is a showcase for Trumbull's patented process, dubbed MAGI, for capturing and displaying images at 120 frames per second in 4K and 3D on giant screens using conventional digital projectors.
Returning Cast Members
Zoe Saldana is already signed on to reprise her character as Neytiri, which was a completely CG character in the previous installment. Sam Worthington will also return as Jake Sully, but it is unknown whether his character will only appear as a CGI or if his human form will also be seen.
For all those who saw the previous film, it will be interesting to see what Cameron does with Sigourney Weaver and Stephen Lang as they are both signed on. Both their characters died at the end of "Avatar." Aside from these four cast members, no one else has signed on.
Back in 2009, "Avatar" revolutionized cinema with its use of 3D and became a phenomenon. The film not only grossed over $700 million worldwide, but it became the first movie to gross over $2 billion worldwide. It was later nominated for nine Oscars and won three. It also became a huge DVD seller, and Cameron later released an extended edition that included a number of new scenes.
"Avatar 2" is slated for release in December of 2016 and will be followed by Avatar 3, 4 and 5.