James Cameron Expresses Disappointment over Delay of 'Avatar 2' Release Due to Pandemic

The pandemic has affected many industries, including the movie industry. Not only has it resulted in the postponement of the release of movies that were about to come out, but it has also caused a ripple effect to movies whose release dates were still far off in the future.

Among these movies far off into the future is famous director James Cameron's sequel to the box office giant, "Avatar." Cameron took to Instagram to express his deep regrets to avid moviegoers and fans. His Instagram post was a statement which read in part,

"Prior to the COVID-19, everything was on track to bring you the first sequel in December of 2021...it is no longer possible for us to make that date."

The message began with "Oel ngati kameie," which means "I see you" in the fictional "Avatar" language. He also revealed that he and the rest of the team had been doing the live-action filming in New Zealand.

However, due to the pandemic restrictions, they were unable to commence on most of their virtual production, which was supposed to be done on stages in Los Angeles. Cameron added that the virtual output was just as important to the films as the live-action parts.

He shared that there was no one as disappointed as he was, with how the year and circumstances were playing out, but he was still happy with the dedication and excellent performances that the cast had been putting in.

The director also praised New Zealand-based digital visual effects company, Welta Digitals, for their excellent work. He thanked Disney Studios, especially appreciating the chief creative officer and co-chairman, Alan Horn, and Alan Bergman, the Senior Vice President of Disney.

Cameron then sadly revealed that the delay not only affected "Avatar 2," but it also affected the rest of the films of the franchise.

Still, he was grateful to the film's fans for their support over the years and promised them that when "Avatar 2" finally came out, it would deliver.

"Avatar 2" was reportedly pushed to December 16, 2022, "Avatar 3" was scheduled for December 20, 2024, "Avatar 4," was set for December 18, 2026, and "Avatar 5" was set for release on December 22, 2028, assuming that there were no more unprecedented changes.

"Avatar" was first released in 2009, and in James Cameron's style, it shattered Box Office with sky-high numbers and ratings. Even though the wonders of the 3D brilliance of the film have been lost, it has remained one of James Cameron's finest yet.