New concept art for James Cameron’s Avatar 2 returns you to Pandora

Like it or not there's more AVATAR films on the way – a lot more. The first of James Cameron's four sequels is set to hit theaters in just under two years after being pushed back multiple times. For those of you scoring at home that means a full twelve years will have passed between the original AVATAR and its followup. While most of the motion capture performances are already in the can, the live action portion of the second and third films are set to recommence early this year in New Zealand.

Although AVATAR 2 will return audiences to the world of Pandora, be prepared to witness a portion of the moon heretofore unseen. The new film will have Na'vi Jake Sully and his wife Neytiri and their family traveling to the oceans of Pandora and allying themselves with the free-diving clan the Metkayina. While you may have to wait twenty-three months to view the gorgeous oceans of Pandora first hand, 20th Century Fox has provided some beautiful concept art to whet your whistle. The pictures come courtesy of the official AVATAR Twitter page and feature vast sweeping shores as well as some new whale-like ocean creatures. See for yourself:

I remember liking AVATAR well enough when it came out. The 3-D feature completely immersed you in that world and the stunning visuals still hold up. There's also no question that the film was a critical and box office success becoming the highest grossing film of all-time until AVENGERS: ENDGAME broke the record this past year. The film was also nominated for nine Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director, winning Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, and Best Visual Effects. However, the story itself is essentially Pocahontas in Space and not in the least bit original.

While I'm hopeful that James Cameron's AVATAR sequels will be successful, I sincerely hope story doesn't take a backstage to spectacle. I have no doubt that Cameron will deliver a visual feast for the eyes. He's always pushing the boundary of special effects, offering something new and exciting for the viewer. However, great visuals simply aren't enough anymore. You have to have a compelling story. Here's hoping Cameron can pull it off.

AVATAR 2 starring Kate Winslet, Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Stephen Lang, Sigourney Weaver, Giovanni Ribisi, and Edie Falco hits theaters December 17, 2021 followed by sequels on December 22, 2023, December 19, 2025, and December 17, 2027.