When Avatar finally reached cinemas in 2009,
the whole world seemingly headed down to their multiplex to experience the CGI extravaganza.
Eight years later and production has officially begun on four (four!) sequels, all of which will be filmed back-to-back over the coming years. Already, we have a first look at the young new cast members joining the series.
First, there’s the children of Jake Sully and Neytiri (played by Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana) in the original.
Turns out the leading characters have been busy since our last visit to Pandora, the duo having three kids: Neteyam, Lo’ak, and Tuktirey (played by Jamie Flatters, Britain Dalton, and Trinity Bliss respectively).
L-R: Jack Champion (Javier “Spider” Socorro), Trinity Bliss (Tuktirey), Bailey Bass (Tsireya), Jamie Flatters (Neteyam), Britain Dalton (Lo’ak), FilipGeljo (Aonung), and Duane Evans Jr (Rotxo). (FOX)
Then there’s the Metkayina clan members, which includes Tsireya (Baily Bass), Aonung (Filip Geljo), and Rotxo (Duane Evans Jr). Tsireya is described as “a graceful and strong free-diver – the young Neytiri of the ocean”, while Aonung and Rotxo are both a male free-divers. Looks like we could be seeing some underwater action in the sequels.
L-R: Britain Dalton (Lo’ak), FilipGeljo (Aonung), Jamie Flatters (Neteyam), Bailey Bass (Tsireya), Trinity Bliss (Tuktirey), Jack Champion (Javier “Spider” Socorro), and Duane Evans Jr (Rotxo). (FOX)
Lastly, we have Javier “Spider” Socorro (Jack Champion), a human teenager born at Hell’s Gate, a human compound, but prefers the Pandoran rainforest to the asphalt.
L-R: Duane Evans Jr (Rotxo), Britain Dalton (Lo’ak), FilipGeljo (Aonung), Trinity Bliss (Tuktirey), Bailey Bass (Tsireya), Jack Champion (Javier “Spider” Socorro), and Jamie Flatters (Neteyam, standing). (FOX)
“We never had this youthful element before, and that brings a different kind of energy to the film,” Jon Landau told Entertainment Weekly. “They represent the future generation of Pandora and play a very significant role — not just in this movie but throughout all the movies.”
Meanwhile, the budget forthe Avatar sequels has been revealed, reportedly topping $1 billion. The four Avatar sequels currently have release dates, starting 18 December 2020, the rest coming 17 December 2021, 20 December 2024, and 19 December 2025.
Previously talking about the project, Cameron said: “The thing is, my focus isn’t on Avatar 2. My focus is on Avatar 2, 3, 4, and 5 equally. That’s exactly how I’m approaching it.