Our favorite blue-alien-jungle-warriors are returning for the much anticipated sequel to the most successful movie ever made, set to release for the holiday season in 2017. Fans of the immersive and futuristic sci-fi epic—made possible by equally as innovative and creative technology designed specifically for the film’s creation—have been biting their nails for roughly six years in anticipation of the long-awaited Avatar 2, with little to no news as to how its production is going.
SO WHY IS AVATAR 2 TAKING SO LONG?
James Cameron has recently shed some light as to why so many long delays are holding back the movie from being produced. The first obstacle should come as no surprise to fans familiar with Cameron’s trademark innovativity—the technology required for its production is still being developed! This is similar to the original Avatar’s production in the early 90’s, when James delayed production for nearly eight years, until Weta Digital—a special effects company based in New Zealand—created the technology necessary to capture his vision. The result of all that waiting? The nomination for nine Academy Awards, and the winner of Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, and Best Visual Effects.
WHAT WILL NEW TECHNOLOGY ADD TO THE FILM?
Cameron is keeping his lips pretty tightly sealed in regards to just what his new technology will bring to the table in Avatar 2, but he did enjoy teasing us with a few key details: the new devices in development will help him film with motion-capture underwater—a feat that has yet to be accomplished. Additionally, Cameron expects there to be improved facial expressions, with the inclusion of updated motion-capture technology. Lastly, a new system for lighting is said to be in development, with the ability to light up large parts of Pandora’s jungle in ways that it couldn’t before.
BUT IT’S JUST SO FAR AWAY!
The production of Avatar 2 began in 2014, and is already set to release in just two short years—a blink of an eye for Cameron, who is already writing and directing for the upcoming “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” as well as writing for Avatars 3 and 4! If we’ve learned anything from his previous work, it’s that we can trust our favorite film franchises in his hands, and that with Cameron’s eye for innovation and knack for creating new technology, they will always be worth the wait.
