The sequel to the 2009 sci-fi blockbuster "Avatar" has been pushed back a full year, with director James Cameron determined to begin filming this April 2016. While excited devout fans may have been disappointed by the delay, the new release date may set the stage for a possible showdown between "Avatar 2" and "Star Wars 8".
20th Century Fox CEO Jim Gianopulos said that Jim Cameron is working at "his own pace." According to Cinema Blend, Gianopulos was able to visit the production offices for "Avatar 2" and was reportedly amazed by the preparations. The Fox executive divulged that the headquarters is filled with "images, characters, worlds [and] settings" from floor to ceiling. He hinted that the storyboard is "breathtaking" and that Cameron is planning to incorporate a lot of new and old elements into the film.
For one, James Cameron plans to reprise all the characters for "Avatar 2," including Dr. Grace (played by Sigourney Weaver) who died in the first "Avatar" movie. Stephen Lang's Miles Quaritch will also make a comeback.
Perhaps the most anticipated aspect of "Avatar 2" is the introduction of Jake Sully and Neytiri's children who will be half-human and half-Na'vi. The emotional backdrop of the movie stems from familial and imprisonment themes. Movie News Guide noted that Jake Sully (played by Sam Worthington) is poised to become the next Na'vi chieftain in "Avatar 2," while Neytiri (played by Zoe Saldana) will be the priestess.
From the plot hints and insider details alone, it is certain that James Cameron is carefully molding "Avatar 2" to become as big a hit as the first film, if not more.
However, "Avatar 2" may struggle with an obstacle this time around as it is set to be pitted against a major box office rival in the form of "Star Wars 8". It can be recalled that "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" dethroned "Avatar" as the highest grossing movie in the United States. According to Forbes, the battle may still turn in favor of "Avatar 2" since the first movie remains the unbeatable international box office champ. The prequel scored $2.788 billion in global sales, while "The Force Awakens" only accumulated around $2 billion worldwide. "Avatar" also fares better with film critics. "Avatar" received nine Oscars nods compared to "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" which bagged six nominations.
After "Avatar 2," James Cameron will prepare two more movies about the conflict between the Na'vi community and the humans. The subsequent "Avatar" films are expected to be released in 2018 and 2019.
