Why did James Cameron take so long to complete 'Avatar: The Way of Water'?

James Cameron's much-awaited sequel to Avatar is finally here, 13 years after the release of the original. Cameron created advanced tech for filming the 'Avatar: The Way of Water' and hunting for real-life locations.

Agencies
Avatar fans may rejoice! The second instalment of the superhit franchise is finally here. It is titled 'Avatar: The Way of Water' and will hit theatres worldwide on December 16. James Cameron, the mastermind behind the movie has more surprises for the fans. He filmed the second and third instalments of the movie simultaneously. The third instalment is said to release in 2024, followed by the fourth and fifth instalments in 2026 and 2028 respectively.

For years, fans have eagerly awaited the release of the second instalment. But the shooting of the film came with its own set of challenges.

The main reason behind the massive success of the original Avatar movie was its stunning visuals. It took time to create the spectacular city of Pandora and the Na’vi people. However, the new instalment revolves around the ocean, as the movie sets to introduce a new oceanic tribe of Pandora, the Metkayina. Being the perfectionist that he is, Cameron spent quite an amount of time exploring the underwater. He is an avid water baby and built a submarine to take him to the bottom of the Marina trench. These real-life locations inspired the visual underwater world of Avatar.


Also, the writers had to create an entirely new underwater world for a different group of Na’vi that included changes in character elements, wardrobes and other details. This process alone took over five years to develop.

December 2022 Filmy Line-Up: ‘Gold’, ‘An Action Hero’ & ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’
1/11

The big screen is set to sign off 2022 on a filmy note. As the holiday season approaches, here’s a list of movies that you can watch with your friends and family.

The big screen is set to sign off 2022 on a filmy note. As the holiday season approaches, here’s a list of movies that you can watch with your friends and family.

The big screen is set to sign off 2022 on a filmy note. As the holiday season approaches, here’s a list of movies that you can watch with your friends and family.

The big screen is set to sign off 2022 on a filmy note. As the holiday season approaches, here’s a list of movies that you can watch with your friends and family.

Alphonse Puthen’s ‘Gold’ has hit the theatres today. The Nayanthara and Prithviraj Sukumaran-starrer comedy follows the events that unfold when a mobile shop owner purchases a new car.

Alphonse Puthen’s ‘Gold’ has hit the theatres today. The Nayanthara and Prithviraj Sukumaran-starrer comedy follows the events that unfold when a mobile shop owner purchases a new car.

Ayushmann Khurrana is all set to be seen in an action avatar in Anirudh Iyer’s ‘An Action Hero’ this Friday. The teaser and promos promise some high-octane action scenes, and tense moments between Ayushmann Khurrana and Jaideep Ahlawat.

Ayushmann Khurrana is all set to be seen in an action avatar in Anirudh Iyer’s ‘An Action Hero’ this Friday. The teaser and promos promise some high-octane action scenes, and tense moments between Ay..
Read More

This Friday will also see the entry of ‘Hit: The Second Case’. The Telugu action thriller directed by Sailesh Kolanustars Adivi Sesh as a cop probing a brutal murder case. It is the second instalment in the ‘Hit Verse’ series.

This Friday will also see the entry of ‘Hit: The Second Case’. The Telugu action thriller directed by Sailesh Kolanustars Adivi Sesh as a cop probing a brutal murder case. It is the second instalment..
Read More

If you are in search of a thriller and scary is your scene, then you should watch Tommy Wirkola’s ‘Violent Night’ that stars David Harbour. Go catch it in the theatres if you are free this weekend.

If you are in search of a thriller and scary is your scene, then you should watch Tommy Wirkola’s ‘Violent Night’ that stars David Harbour. Go catch it in the theatres if you are free this weekend.

Vijayanand’ is the biopic of Dr Vijay Sankeshwar, the owner of the largest fleet of commercial vehicles in India’. Directed by Vijay Anand, this Kannada film, dubbed in Tamil, Telugu & Hindi, will release on December 9. It features Nikal Rajput, Bharat Bopanna, Anant Nag and V Ravichandran in key roles.

Vijayanand’ is the biopic of Dr Vijay Sankeshwar, the owner of the largest fleet of commercial vehicles in India’. Directed by Vijay Anand, this Kannada film, dubbed in Tamil, Telugu & Hindi, will re..
Read More

Based on a true story of a young chess player - Kolavennu Venkatesh - ‘Salaam Venky’ is a family drama directed by Revathi. The film, which hits the big screen on December 2, marks the return of Kajol, along with Vishal Jethwa.

Based on a true story of a young chess player - Kolavennu Venkatesh - ‘Salaam Venky’ is a family drama directed by Revathi. The film, which hits the big screen on December 2, marks the return of Kajo..
Read More

A Jaspal Singh Sandhu directorial, ‘Vadh’ is a thriller starring Neena Gupta and Sanjay Mishra as lead characters. The plot revolves around the two trying to hatch the perfect murder in Vadh. ‘Vadh’ is all set to release on December 9.

A Jaspal Singh Sandhu directorial, ‘Vadh’ is a thriller starring Neena Gupta and Sanjay Mishra as lead characters. The plot revolves around the two trying to hatch the perfect murder in Vadh. ‘Vadh’ ..
Read More

After over ten years, ‘Avatar’ is back with its second sequel - ‘Avatar: The Way Of Water’. The movie is slated to release globally on December 16.

After over ten years, ‘Avatar’ is back with its second sequel - ‘Avatar: The Way Of Water’. The movie is slated to release globally on December 16.


Shooting underwater was a challenge, especially with a movie that requires special effects. Cameron and his team created cameras with advanced motion capture technology. These cameras could reproduce underwater movements and capture facial expressions.
ADVERTISEMENT

Lastly, the real challenge lay with the actors who were not trained to act underwater. Most of the time, scuba gear and water bubbles interfered with the motion capture camera. The actors had to hold their breaths for a long to deliver a scene.

Undoubtedly, the sequel came with a massive budget that only Camron could demand. It remains to be seen if the sequel will create the same magic that the original did.

FAQs:

  1. When is Avatar 2 releasing?
    Avatar- The Way with water is the second movie in the franchise, set to release on December 16th.
  2. Where was Avatar 2 shot?
    Most of Avatar 2 was shot in New Zealand.
Download
The Economic Times Business News App
for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
Download
The Economic Times News App
for Quarterly Results, Latest News in ITR, Business, Share Market, Live Sensex News & More.
READ MORE
ADVERTISEMENT

READ MORE:

LOGIN & CLAIM

50 TIMESPOINTS

More from our Partners

Loading next story
Business News › News › International › UK News › Why did James Cameron take so long to complete 'Avatar: The Way of Water'?
Text Size:AAA
Success
This article has been saved

*

+