James Cameron is sharing why he is excited for Avatar's upcoming re-release. The science fiction epic premiered back in 2009 and became an instant phenomenon, employing then-state-of-the-art motion capture techniques and setting a new benchmark in terms of box office records. Set in the mid-22nd century, the film centers on the human colonization of Pandora, a valuable moon in the Alpha Centauri star system, and the ensuing conflicts with the native race. At the center of the drama are Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and his interactions with the indigenous Na'vi tribe through the use of a genetically engineered body. It stars Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez, and Sigourney Weaver.
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Cameron, who wrote and directed the first Avatar, confirmed the development of multiple sequels shortly after its release. Following a series of delays, the second installment, Avatar: The Way of Water, eventually solidified its premiere date for December 16, 2022. The new film will take place over a decade after the events of the original and follow Sully and his family. With the intention of making five movies, shot close together, filming for an Avatar 3 wrapped in 2020, and at this year's D23 Expo, Cameron revealed that production had begun on the fourth entry. In April, it was also announced that a remastered version of Avatar would be re-released in theaters on September 23.
Now, in speaking with The New York Times, James Cameron is sharing what re-watching Avatar was like and why he is excited for audiences to get the chance to see the film in theaters again. He describes it as a "real pleasure," and says that he was happy with how it holds up. He recognizes that there are many people who have only been able to watch it through streaming services and explains that those fans have not really seen it until they see it on the big screen. Read Cameron's full quote below:
"Young film fans never had the opportunity to see it in a movie theater. Even though they think they may have seen the film, they really haven’t seen it. And I was pleasantly surprised, not only at how well it holds up but how gorgeous it is in its remastered state."
Since its debut, Avatar has left a massive impact on the world of film, becoming the highest-grossing movie of all time, as well as one of the quickest to cross the $2 billion mark. At the 2009 Academy Awards, it was recognized for its achievements in technology and innovative motion capture, winning Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, and Best Visual Effects. The franchise's success even led to the creation of "Pandora – The World of Avatar" at Walt Disney World Resort and a previous special edition re-release in 2010, featuring additional footage.
Coming out at perhaps the perfect time, two months before the premiere of Avatar: The Way of Water, the re-release of Avatar will serve as a refresher for fans and allow newcomers the opportunity to experience both installments in theaters. It will be interesting to see if audiences agree with how Cameron with how well it holds up, but the director has proven time and time again to be a box office draw. Those who enjoy the world of Pandora and are looking forward to the film's sequel can revisit Pandora and the world of Avatar later this month.