16 Years of Avatar

When James Cameron’s “Avatar” hit theaters back in December of 2009, most of us had no idea what “Pandora” or “Na’vi”  meant. The movie changed that fast. It smashed box office records as becoming the highest grossing film of all time earning around $2.9 billion, winning three Oscars for Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, and Best Visual Effects, and receiving other prestigious film awards. 

Visually, “Avatar” was unlike anything audiences had ever seen with glowing forests, floating mountains, and special effects that looked so real it felt like you were actually there. It wasn’t just a movie, it was a full experience. This is the reason people spent years after asking one question: where is the sequel? Cameron took his time, and fans waited 13 years for another trip back to the world of “Avatar” in theaters. 

PC: Unsplash

In December of 2022, “Avatar: The Way of Water” was finally released. The sequel introduced us to Pandora’s oceans which included coral reefs, sea creatures, and insane underwater motion capture. Critics praised its visuals and world building, and the audience agreed as it went on to make over $2.3 billion at the  box office, becoming the highest grossing film of 2022 and third on the list for all time. It earned four Oscar nominations and won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.

This year, audiences should buy their seats and grab a bucket of popcorn, as the third movie is finally releasing. “Avatar: Fire and Ash” is scheduled to come out on Dec. 19, 2025. This time, the story follows the main character's family as they navigate challenges and confront a new Na’vi clan known as the Ash People who are a fire tribe that lives in a harsher and volcanic part of Pandora. This movie will further develop and depict the dark and complicated conflict between humans and Pandora. 

The Avatar series is expected to have five movies in total with Avatar 4 currently set for 2029 and Avatar 5 for 2031. Cameron has big plans for these next movies and the scripts are currently being written. However, he admitted that whether we actually get movies four and five depends on how “Avatar: Fire and Ash” performs in theaters. 

As we wait in anticipation for the 19th, all we can do for now is rewatch the first two movies and buckle up for another ride to Pandora this December.