While they might not be talked about as much as superhero flicks, James Cameron’s Avatar and its sequel The Way of Water are the first and third highest-grossing films of all-time. The franchise is enormous, and Cameron is keen on continuing to develop sequels right up to Avatar 5, slated to premiere in 2031. Next up is Avatar 3, which has completed filming and entered what Cameron calls the “hectic” stage of post-production.
Cameron is currently in New Zealand, his home and the central hub for all things Avatar. Filming has concluded there, and now the threequel is in post-production. “We’re into a very hectic two years of post production right now, so it’ll be Christmas of ’25,” he confirmed in an interview with 1News.
You might be wondering how filming was completed in such a seemingly short space of time. Turns out Cameron shot numerous scenes for Avatar 3 and 4 while shooting the first sequel, partly in an attempt to protect against the actors aging beyond the point of believability.
What will Avatar 3 be about?
Plot details for Avatar 3 are still under wraps. We know that it will introduce us to other Na’vi cultures, including the ‘Ash People,’ who live around volcanoes. “Fire has a symbolic purpose in the film and there’s a culture that is specifically around that concept. That’s probably saying too much as we speak,” Cameron explained.
If Avatar 2 is subtitled The Way of Water, might Avatar 3 be named The Way of Fire? Focusing on the four elements won’t help people getting the movies confused with Avatar: The Last Airbender, that’s for sure.
Cameron previously explained that evil Na’vi will run rampant in the upcoming sequel. “I want to show the Na’vi from another angle because, so far, I have only shown their good sides,” he told GamesRadar. No doubt the ‘Ash People’ will represent the evil side of the Na’vi.
The cast for Avatar 3 includes some standout additions, including Oona Chapli, Michelle Yeoh, and David Thewlis.
Avatar 3 is scheduled to premiere Christmas 2025.
To stay up to date on everything fantasy, science fiction, and WiC, follow our all-encompassing Facebook page and sign up for our exclusive newsletter.
Get HBO, Starz, Showtime and MORE for FREE with a no-risk, 7-day free trial of Amazon Channels