Avatar: The Way of Water, highly anticipated sequel to the original Avatar, is here. The first film was released on December 17, 2009. It broke records and evolved into the highest-growing film and the fastest movie to get from $1 billion to $2.5 billion. 

The first movie shows the lush alien world of Pandora where the Na’vi live.Because the planet’s environment is poisonous, human/Na’vi hybrids, called Avatars, must link to human minds to allow for free movement on Pandora. Jake Sully, played by Sam Worthington, is a paralyzed former Marine, becomes mobile again through one such Avatar and falls in love with a Na’vi woman, Neytiri played by Zoe Saldaña. As their bond grows, Jake is drawn into a battle for the survival of her world. It ends with him becoming full Na’vi, ending his disabled human form.

The second movie in the Avatar franchise hit theaters on December 16, 2022. The first two sequels were announced in 2010, with hopes for a 2014 release. The film has suffered multiple delays and setbacks. It is said to have taken its time because James Cameron did not have the technology to film underwater motion capture. 

The Way of Water returns with Jake Sully, the human who turns into a Na’vi, alonh with the Na’vi princess, Neytiri. People can also expect the return of the dead Colonel Miles Quaritch, played by Stephen Lang, who is set as the antagonist for the entire franchise.

The trailer shows that Jake Sully and Ney’tiri have formed a family and are doing everything to stay together. However, they must leave their home and explore the regions of Pandora. When an ancient threat resurfaces, Jake must fight a difficult war against the humans. In the first movie’s closing scene, the Na’vi transfer Jake into the avatar body permanently, eradicating his disability and neatly delivering him from his original role as a white colonizer. Fans are excited to see how he adapts as a Na’vi since the first movie had an abrupt ending.

Sam Worthington told fans they will enjoy it immensely as the sequel is marvelous. He told Variety Magazine, “James Cameron is a very loyal man, and he keeps the same people on board, but I’m a tiny cog in this.” Explaining how enormous this work was. There’s a big creative team behind it, and from what he has seen, “it’s mind-blowing and marvelous what they’re coming up with.” Zoe Saldaña, the American actress who plays Neytiri, admitted she cried watching 20 minutes of Avatar 2 footage and told people to “brace themselves.” 

The first Avatar movie set high expectations. It was, indoubtedly, one of the most successful movies James Cameron has ever filmed. But,  will the next movie surpass the first one? After years of long anticipation, fans sure hope so! Check out Avatar: The Way Of Water in theaters today!