Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the schedule of several films has been disrupted. As a result of the lockdown, shoots were on hold for nearly three months. Now, as film industries gear up to resume work, news of a delay in James Cameron's much-awaited Avatar sequels left fans disappointed. The filmmaker issued a statement asking fans to hold on for a bit longer as it will not be possible for the makers to meet its December 2021 deadline in theatres.
James, in a statement reaching out to fans, said there is no one more disappointed about the delay than him. He mentioned that the novel Coronavirus pandemic is preventing the team to start the virtual production work in Los Angeles. "Due to Covid-19, we were forced into an unexpected lengthy delay in starting the live-action filming we are currently doing in New Zealand. What most of you likely do not know is that the pandemic is still preventing us from being allowed to recommence most of our virtual production work on stages in Los Angeles. That work is just as critical to the films as the live-action work. Prior to Covid-19, everything was on track to bring you the first sequel in December of 2021. Unfortunately, due to the impact that the pandemic has had on our schedule, it is no longer possible for us to make that date. There is no one more disappointed about this delay than me. But I am buoyed by the incredible performances of our cast and the extraordinary work that Weta Digital is doing bringing the world of Pandora and the characters of the film to life," he wrote in his statement.
Thanking Disney Studios and fans for their support, James promised that the much-awaited sequels will live up to the expectation on releasing in theatres. The new release dates are as follows: Avatar 2 (Dec. 17, 2021 is now Dec. 16, 2022), Avatar 3 (previously Dec. 22, 2023 is now Dec. 20, 2024), Avatar 4 (formerly Dec. 19, 2025 goes to Dec. 18, 2026), Avatar 5 (previously Dec. 27, 2027 goes to Dec. 22, 2028).
(Source: Deadline/Instagram)
