After more than a decade of waiting, the first reactions to the highly anticipated sequel, Avatar: The Way of Water are now in. So, was the sci-fi follow-up worth our patience? Avatar: The Way of Water had its world premiere in London last night, and critics have flocked to social media to share their thoughts, with many calling the sequel “a never-ending visual spectacle” that is “easily” better than the record-breaking first outing. Check out what critics are saying about Avatar: The Way of Water below.
Of course, much attention is paid to the stunning visuals on display. So convincing is the CGI that many are convinced that director James Cameron filmed Avatar: The Way of Water on another planet. While others heap praise on Cameron for using the visual effects to service the story and characters.
As with all things, it’s not all positive, with some taking issue with the clunky storytelling and overwhelming number of characters. Despite this, even those who were less enamored with Avatar: The Way of Water found it to be a visual treat.
It Sounds Like Avatar: The Way of Water Has Been Worth the Wait
Ultimately, it certainly sounds like the wait for Avatar: The Way of Water will be well worth it when the blockbuster lands in theaters later this month.
Set more than a decade after the events of the first movie, Avatar: The Way of Water tells the story of the Sully family, the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive, and the tragedies they endure. The first of several Avatar sequels will pick up some 13 years after the first record-breaking outing, introducing audiences to Jake and Neytiri’s new family. This will include several native Na’vi children, Neteyam, Lo’ak, and Tuktirey, as well as the human child Miles Socorro, also known as Spider, played by The Night Sitter star Jack Champion, who Jake takes in after the child is born at the now-abandoned military base on Pandora.
Directed by James Cameron, Avatar: The Way of Water stars a large ensemble cast that includes Sam Worthington as Jake Sully, Zoe Saldaña as Neytiri, Stephen Lang as Colonel Miles Quaritch, Sigourney Weaver as Kiri, Kate Winslet as Ronal, Cliff Curtis as Tonowari, Jamie Flatters as Neteyam, Britain Dalton as Lo'ak, Trinity Jo-Li Bliss as Tuktirey, CCH Pounder as Mo'at, Jack Champion as Miles "Spider" Socorro, Giovanni Ribisi as Parker Selfridge, Edie Falco as General Frances Ardmore, and Jemaine Clement as Dr. Ian Garvin.
Avatar: The Way of Water is due for release on December 16, 2022, from 20th Century Studios. A further three sequels have also been given release dates, with the multiple follow-ups scheduled to be released on December 20, 2024, December 18, 2026, and December 22, 2028, respectively.