Anticipating Delays: Unprecedented Move by VFX Artists Leaves Avatar Fans on Edge
Avatar fans brace for potential delays as VFX artists unite in a historic move, voting to form a union The highly anticipated sequels may face setbacks as industry professionals take a stand for their rights
After the Hollywood strikes, Avatar fans are facing potential delays for the upcoming sequels due to an unprecedented move by VFX artists. Despite taking 13 years for Avatar 2, The Way of Water, to be released, the wait was deemed worthwhile. Both James Cameron's debut and the highly anticipated sequel are monumental achievements in cinematic history, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship that brought Pandora's lush world to life.
The fantastical setting of floating mountains, bioluminescent forests, and interconnected ecosystem is not just a backdrop, but a vital character in its own right. The portrayal of Pandora in the films made such an impact that it led to a phenomenon known as Post-Avatar Depression Syndrome, causing feelings of misery when comparing Avatar's world with our own.
The success of Avatar and The Way of Water cannot be discussed without acknowledging the pivotal role of the visual effects (VFX) artists. Their unparalleled skill and creativity transformed ambitious visions into tangible realities, and now they are pushing for an unprecedented move that could greatly impact the franchise moving forward.
Avatar sequels could be delayed after VFX artists vote to unionize
On December 14th, it was revealed that the VFX artists working on the Avatar movies have chosen to unionize under the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). This marks the first instance of "vendor-side" VFX artists in the US to take this step.
Many have expressed their opinions on the decision, believing it could cause delays for Avatar 3, 4, and 5, but still showing support for the decision. One commenter on X stated, “They should, they deserve a fair wage for their extraordinary hard work,” while another mentioned, “Then that movie won’t make its 2025 release date most likely. Good for them!”
A third commenter asked, “Serious question. Is this good?” and was met with a response saying, “Good for the artist. But this probably means we ain’t seeing Avatar sequels for a long time.” One Reddit user described it as “good” for the artists but admitted, “I’m mentally preparing myself for another delay just in case, hello December 2026.” However, another commenter mentioned, “But it’ll still be worth it, just like Way of the Water was after 13 years.”
There have been no talks of negotiations or strike action announced. The IATSE has only stated that VFX workers employed by a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Studios have filed for an election to vote to unionize with it. According to a press release, the group includes 83 artists working on Cameron’s Lightstorm Entertainment productions, including the Avatar movies. Environment artist Summer Benton expressed hope to set a new standard in the industry.
"As the Avatar family, our goal is to make improvements that enable us to sustain our high-quality work in a more sustainable manner while continuing to inspire and amaze through our leadership and VFX productions," she explained. While positions like production designers and camera operators have long been represented by IATSE, VFX workers have not been, something the filing aims to change.
Patrick DeVaney, the PostVis coordinator, stated, "I am leading this effort because it is time for VFX to join the other film departments in being unionized and receive the benefits, fair pay, and respect that they have earned through collective bargaining." Please find our coverage on Avatar below:
Review of Avatar 2, its cast, and characters. Explanation of the ending of The Way of Water. Best methods to watch Avatar 2. The budget for Avatar 2 discussed, along with any deaths in The Way of Water. The reasons for the lengthy production of Avatar 2. A detailed explanation of what an Avatar and the Na’vi are. In-depth explanations of Tulkun and Amrita in Avatar 2. Controversy surrounding racism accusations in Avatar 2. Discussion on a potential director's cut of Avatar 2. The age of Kiri in The Way of Water, as well as a brief mention of Avatar 3 and the top 50 highest-grossing movies of all time.
Editor's P/S
As an ardent Avatar fan, the news of potential delays due to VFX artists' unionization fills me with mixed emotions. On one hand, I understand and wholeheartedly support the artists' decision to stand up for their rights and fair treatment. The intricate and groundbreaking visual effects in Avatar and its sequel are a testament to their exceptional talent and dedication. They deserve proper recognition, compensation, and working conditions that allow them to continue producing such remarkable work.
On the other hand, the prospect of waiting even longer for the upcoming Avatar sequels is undoubtedly disappointing. The immersive world of Pandora and the captivating storytelling have left an indelible mark on my imagination, and I eagerly anticipate each new installment. However, I firmly believe that the well-being and fair treatment of the artists involved are paramount. If this move ensures better working conditions and a sustainable future for the VFX industry, then I am willing to patiently wait for the sequels, knowing that the end result will be worth it.
