When Avatar hit cinemas in 2009, it had been in the works for over ten years. It was not only one of the most anticipated movies of the year, but also of the decade. Now, 13 years later and after some substantial changes in film consumption, its long-awaited sequel, Avatar: Way of the Water, is finally ready to be released. But can Avatar 2 resist these changing times and rival the legacy of its predecessor?
Cinematic Innovation and Immersion
While the plot has been kept under wraps, the central aspect of Avatar, and that can help make it a success, will always be its innovation. In this new film, James Cameron is expected to showcase the latest advances in digital rendering and continue his incursion into immersive cinema. In 2009, 3D might have seemed like the crucial step for an authentic cinematic experience, but today, it is unclear how the movie will be met.
However, the movie could still be a massive box office success. While 3D technology may not have been the future of cinema, immersive experiences are on the rise. An increasing number of online entertainment platforms are investing in augmented reality, VR, and the creation of virtual spaces. Take the metaverse or online gambling and live casino games as an example. These platforms are creating real-time, immersive entertainment experiences where users can step into an entirely new word. With casino platforms, users can access countless games using real money that offer them an unparalleled gambling experience. These games are accessible for most users, with several guides detailing all steps on how to join and even how to win $20 on casino platforms. As a result, it is easy to understand that in 2022, audiences crave the same type of epic immersive experience that the first Avatar offered. From what we know so far, Avatar 2 could deliver precisely that and mark a watershed moment for moviegoing.
Way of the Water
Much like the title suggests, Avatar 2 will be largely set underwater, which is enough for fans to anticipate a grand spectacle. However, this has created some extra challenges. First, it is very difficult to mimic realistically the motion of water. This becomes an even bigger issue if we consider that James Cameron has previously stated not only his intention to set large parts of the movie in the ocean but also to create authentic aquatic environments. This has led Cameron to build massive water tanks and use up to 4 million liters of water to create Pandora’s ocean.
In addition, the movie has had to find creative ways to film underwater scenes. This included the creation of special cameras, but also the development of motion capture suits that can replicate underwater movement as naturally as possible. For now, and even with critics having already watched an exclusive trailer of the film, there aren’t many details in terms of technological advances to be incorporated into the movie. Ultimately, the full scale of Avatar 2 as an experience will only be understood once the film hits movie theaters.
After endless delays and an increasingly high level of secrecy, even by James Cameron’s standards, fans will finally get to witness the return of one of the biggest franchises ever. With a release data set for December 16, there is still a long way until our return to the world of Pandora, but we’re sure it will be worth the wait.
