'Avatar 2': Long Awaited Sequel to Begin Production in April

By Abigail Briones, Christian Post Contributor Thursday, March 31, 2016

Undoubtedly for the sake of bringing another masterpiece to life, James Cameron, slated director of "Avatar two"—the upcoming sequel to the first blockbuster film "Avatar" in 2009—has delayed more than once the start of production on the newest addition to the series. He finally decides on an April 2016 start of filming. Fans who have been waiting with bated breath all this time---since 2010 when development of the film started---for the film's second installment may now breathe easy knowing that, in a matter of weeks, production on "Avatar two" set will begin. April 15 has been announced as the start date for principal photography to proceed at Manhattan Beach in New Zealand.

This schedule puts the film's release ripe for the summer of 2018. It has only been referred to as "Avatar two," but an official title may soon be announced. It is also known that three Avatar films will be made and dropped one after the other each a year apart.

Cameron has also confirmed that the films are all stand-alone but contribute to one greater story arc, a meta-narrative that will extend from "Avatar two" to "Avatar four." He promises the Avatar audience the story "will continue to explore its themes and characters, which touched the hearts of audiences in all cultures around the world. I'm looking forward to returning to Pandora, a world where our imaginations can run wild."

For the sophomore run of the film, the oceans of Pandora will be explored. It was for this purpose that the team experienced delays in jumpstarting the filming. They had to develop the specific technology they would use to capture underwater motion. Producer Jo Landau also confirmed that humans---good and bad---will feature largely once more in the upcoming sequel, as will the Na'vi. It will be packed with action but will also present a family theme.

Returning cast will include Sam Worthington as Jake Sully, Zoe Saldana as Neytiri, and Joel David Moore as Norm Spellman. Sigourney Weaver will return to play another character. CCH Pounder will also be joining as Mo'at while Stephen Lang will return as Quaritch.