“Avatar: The Way of the Water” Review and Updates

It’s no secret that audiences tend to enjoy movie sequels less and less as a series goes on. Avatar was released on December 16, 2009, and exactly 13 years later followed the release of the sequel. While some critics predicted that James Cameron’s Avatar: The Way of the Water would turn out to be a disappointment, the recently released film brought about feelings of nostalgia that warmed the hearts of millions. One month since its release, it has grossed over $2.2 billion and been named the highest-grossing film of 2022, proving that it was worth the wait. 

The film follows Jake Sully (the main character of Avatar) and his family’s journey as they struggle to stay together. If you are an Avatar fan, then you know that Sully’s time on Pandora was met with countless obstacles from learning how to manage the new terrain to fighting off humans who waged war against the Na’vi people. While the war followed him into the second film, he now had something he didn’t have before: his family. James Cameron’s decision to develop the sequel and base it around Sully’s family was indeed the right one. Cameron said in an interview with Variety Magazine that “sitting down in 2012, I said, ‘What story do I want to tell?’ Of course, I’m going to go back to Pandora — I’m going to go back to Jake and Neytiri.” The story that he weaved touched the hearts of audiences and built a connection between them and the characters. Cameron beautifully connected the two films in a way that left audiences wanting more. In the film itself, Cameron kept audiences on the edges of their seats as the characters were met with painful and risky challenges. Some issues were resolved, but others were left as cliffhangers at the end of the film which now has audiences ready for what’s to come. 

What’s In Store:

Jake Sully’s story isn’t done just yet, and audiences can expect a trip back to Pandora soon. Well, considering the second movie took 13 years to be released, “soon” may not be the right word. However, the wait for the following three films will definitely be shortened. In fact, Cameron has announced that the third film, rumored to be named Avatar: The Seed Bearer, is set to be released on December 20, 2024. Audiences hope to see the narratives of newly introduced characters from Avatar: The Way of the Water develop in the upcoming film. They can also expect the fourth and final films to be released in December of 2026 and 2028 respectively as a pre-winter holiday gift.