In 2009, ‘Avatar‘ set a milestone in the cinematic world, captivating audiences with its visual grandeur and engaging narrative.
However, the initial promise of four annual sequels, outlined by the now-defunct 20th Century Fox from 2014 onwards, only materialized in 2022, with the long-awaited ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’, after the studio’s acquisition by Disney.
The reasons behind the delay in the Avatar sequels
Avatar – Image: Lightstorm Entertainment/Reproduction
In a recent interview with Screen Rant, producer Jon Landau revealed the reason for the considerable delay, emphasizing the team’s philosophy: quality over quantity.
“We don’t want to do anything without quality. If it’s not perfect, we wait and do it later,” Landau highlighted.
The partnership with Disney brought a unique dynamic, allowing Lightstorm, led by James Cameron, to maintain control over the franchise, prioritizing artistic excellence over immediate commercial goals.
Although valued, this partnership is subordinate to the vision of the creative team, ensuring that quality is the compass that guides each step of production.
In another interview with CinemaBlend, actor Stephen Lang, who plays Miles Quaritch, revealed that the choices made by the character Spider (Jack Champion) at the end of ‘Avatar 2’ will have significant implications for the narrative of the next films.
‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ – Image: Lightstorm Entertainment/Reproduction
The ‘Avatar’ franchise is ready to continue its epic saga, promising three more films and a total of five feature films.
The next stages of this cinematic journey are scheduled to hit theaters in December 2024, December 2026 and December 2028.
Lightstorm’s unwavering commitment to quality, led by James Cameronsuggests not just a continuation, but a captivating evolution in the vast ‘Avatar’ universe.
The pursuit of excellence and creative control promise fans a unique cinematic experience, where quality prevails and the narrative reinvents itself.
