Avatar: The Way of Water has arrived over a decade after the original film was in cinemas and it's now available on streaming.
The film focuses on Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), following on from the events of the first film that saw Jake permanently transferred into his avatar after Neytiri saves him from suffocation.
Speaking about the sequel, producer Jon Landau told Entertainment Weekly: "Ultimately, the sequels are a story about family, and the lengths parents will go through to keep that family together and keep them safe.
He added: "I always say that [James Cameron's] movies have universal themes — and really, there's no more universal theme than family."
We officially have a title! Avatar: The Way of Water 🙌💙 pic.twitter.com/v5bFUIZLH0April 28, 2022
Avatar: The Way of Water release date
The much-anticipated sequel was one one of the biggest new movies in 2022, and got a global release on December 16, 2022, exclusively in cinemas.
It is now available on the streaming service Disney Plus as well as the original Avatar movie.
In the US it'll also be available on Max, formerly HBO Max, along with lots of bonus content, as well as being available to rent or buy.
ICYMI — Check out these stunning concept art images from Avatar 2! pic.twitter.com/QVVK8cVU21September 14, 2021
Avatar: The Way of Water plot
The official film plot reads: "Jake Sully and Neytiri have formed a family and are doing everything to stay together. However, they must leave their home and explore the regions of Pandora. When an ancient threat resurfaces, Jake must fight a difficult war against the humans."
In addition to this the film will explore the oceans of Pandora and they used underwater motion capture technology during the filming process.
Avatar: The Way of Water cast
Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana reprise their roles as Jake and Neytiri, and they are joined by Stephen Lang who returns as the dead Colonel Miles Quaritch. It has been revealed he is the main villain, with him detailing to Empire that his character is a "recombinant," who has the mind and emotions of Quaritch downloaded into a new body. Sigourney Weaver also returns as Jake and Neytiri's teenage daughter Kiri.
Kate Winslet is a new member of the cast, confirmed to play the role of Ronal in the upcoming sequels.
In addition to this, during an interview with Empire Magazine, producer Jon Landau revealed that there was a new human character in the sequel called Spider (Jack Champion). This character was raised in the bioluminescent jungle by Jake and Neytiri.
Say hello to #Avatar2’s new human character, Spider – a child adopted by Na’vi parents Jake and Neytiri. Producer Jon Landau tells Empire how he fits into the family story at the heart of the long-awaited sequel. Read more here: https://t.co/oh0fGB73O6 pic.twitter.com/qcFc2DYT08December 20, 2021
Other actors in the movie include Cliff Curtis, Joel David Moore, CCH Pounder, Edie Falco and Jemaine Clement.
Avatar: The Way of Water trailer
Yes, fans can see the official trailer online after it debuted in theatres. Immerse yourself in the world of Pandora once again and tune in below...
A full trailer for Avatar: The Way of Water has now been released so you can get an even better idea of what to expect. You can watch below...
On December 16, return to Pandora.Watch the brand-new trailer and experience #AvatarTheWayOfWater in 3D. pic.twitter.com/UtxAbycCIcNovember 2, 2022
Avatar: The Way of Water reactions — what people are saying
The first round of Avatar 2 reactions are in and they are glowing, with many saying the movie surpasses the original.
Avatar: The Way of Water awards and nominations
We've put together a list of Avatar: The Way of Water's major awards and nominations:
Academy Awards
- Best Picture (nominee)
- Best Production Design (nominee)
- Best Sound (nominee)
- Best Visual Effects (nominee)
BAFTA Awards
- Best Sound (nominee)
- Best Visual Effects (nominee)
Golden Globes
- Best Picture: Drama (nominee)
- Best Director — James Cameron (nominee)
Critics Choice Awards
- Best Picture (nominee)
- Best Director — James Cameron (nominee)
- Best Cinematography (nominee)
- Best Production Design
- Best Editing
- Best Visual Effects
Los Angeles Film Critics Association
- Best Production Design (winner)
National Board of Review
- Top 10 Film
American Film Institute
- AFI Movie of the Year
Avatar: The Way of Water director
James Cameron is one of the most successful directors in Hollywood history. Many of his movies have become widely regarded as classics, including Terminator, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Titanic and the first Avatar.
Avatar: The Way of Water is Cameron's first narrative movie since Avatar and he is not looking to stop any time soon, already at work with Avatar 3, 4 and 5.
