Avatar 3: Everything You Need to Know
Get ready for the highly anticipated Avatar 3! Discover the release date, official title, star-studded cast, gripping plot, and even catch a glimpse of the thrilling trailer Uncover everything you need to know about James Cameron's epic sci-fi masterpiece in this comprehensive article
The third installment in James Cameron's popular sci-fi franchise, Avatar 3, is currently being developed. Here's what we know so far, including details on the release date, cast, plot, and more.
Last year, Avatar: The Way of Water, the initial sequel to James Cameron’s top-grossing film, hit theaters and swiftly became one of the highest-grossing movies ever. In our review, we hailed it as “a breathtaking, cinematic triumph; James Cameron has returned, and perhaps he truly reigns as the king of the world."
Despite the massive hype for the sequel, this is just the beginning. Cameron is planning not only Avatar 2, but also sequels including Avatar 3, 4, and 5, with potential for 6 and 7. Avatar 3 has already finished filming, and its cast and release date have been confirmed. Here's what we know about the upcoming sequel and its possible name.
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Avatar 3 release date: When is it coming out?
Avatar 3 will be released on December 19, 2025.
This will be followed by the fourth on December 21, 2029, and Avatar 5 on December 19, 2031.
The recently announced changes are significant: Avatar 3 was initially planned for release on December 20, 2024, followed by the fourth on December 18, 2026, and Avatar 5 on December 22, 2028.
Given the delays endured by The Way of Water, it would not be surprising to see it postponed further into the 2020s - however, James Cameron has supposedly already submitted a cut that is nine hours long.
Despite expressing caution about the potential for Avatar 4 and 5, and noting the need for strong box office performance to make them viable for Disney, he is confident that audiences will soon be returning to Pandora. "We've already completed the majority of the work. We still have to complete the finishing process with Wētā FX on Avatar 3. But I'm confident that we'll be back here in a couple of years," he told Digital Spy.
During a recent interview with the Sci-Fi and Fantasy Gazette, production designer Ben Procter discussed the ongoing work on Avatar 3, specifically focusing on the visual effects and set preparation. Procter also hinted at the extensive world-building and exciting developments the team has been working on since 2013, while emphasizing that his job is not to give away any major teasers about the film.
Avatar 3 name: What’s it called?
The potential delay of Avatar 3 due to the writers' and actors' strikes has been a cause for concern. However, new agreements reached with both unions have ensured that the release date of the movie remains unaffected.
Avatar 3 has not yet been given an official name, despite earlier rumors suggesting it would be referred to as The Seed Bearer. The movie's producer, Jon Landeau, clarified this during a recent event for the new video game Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora.
"I can assure you that is not the title for Avatar 3," Landau declared. "That's what my Wikipedia page says? That's getting updated tonight!"
The speculations originated from a recent BBC News report, which referenced official documents disclosing the titles of the upcoming films: Avatar: The Seed Bearer, Avatar: The Tulkun Rider, and Avatar: The Quest for Eywa.
Avatar 3 cast: Who’s in it?
Avatar 3 is set to have a star-studded cast list full of veteran actors, many of which are reprising their roles from the first two Avatar films.
Here are all of the human characters in the cast of the movie:
Giovanni Ribisi as Parker Selfridge
Dileep Rao as Dr. Max Patel
Joel David Moore as Dr. Norm Spellman
Edie Falco as General Frances Ardmore
Michelle Yeoh as Dr. Karina Mogue
Jemaine Clement as Dr. Ian Garvin
Here are all of the Na’vi characters that will appear in Avatar 3:
Sam Worthington as Jake Sully
Sigourney Weaver as Kiri
Zoe Saldaña as Neytiri
Stephen Lang as Colonel Miles Quaritch
CCH Pounder as Mo’at
Cliff Curtis as Tonowari
Matt Gerald as Corporal Lyle Wainfleet
Oona Chaplin as Varang
David Thewlis
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Yeoh said: “Yes, I am in the Avatar sequels and as you know we can’t really talk very much about it.
"But it's James Cameron! Come on! I would be the tea lady for James Cameron! We shot for a few weeks, and I was so impressed with the work that he's done, the work that he's doing, the energy. He's a genius, he's a walking genius. And I really really enjoyed the experience and I can't wait to go back soon, I hope."
Lang's return as Quaritch may come as a surprise to some, considering his death in the first movie, but it's clear that there are big plans in store for his character. In an interview with The Indian Express, Lang expressed his hope that viewers will be surprised by the journey and transformation of his character, while still recognizing his core traits of attitude, swagger, and leadership.
“I believe that if you have certain expectations, they will indeed be met. He also seems to have a constant desire for conflict. It’s his purpose, his mission. However, I am confident that there will be some unexpected elements as we continue to explore this character to the fullest. There would be no point in bringing the role back just to rehash the same old story – that would be pointless and uninteresting. So, anticipate the unforeseen, that’s my advice.”
Avatar 3 plot: What is it about?
Avatar 3's plot details are yet to be confirmed, but it is anticipated to continue from The Way of Water. For more information on the sequel's ending, you can refer to our breakdown. In an interview with France's 20 Minutes, Cameron revealed that Avatar 3 will focus on the element of fire.
"We will be introducing cultures different from those I have already portrayed. The representation of fire will be done through the ‘Ash People.’ I hope to present the Na’vi from a different perspective as I have only shown their positive aspects so far,” he explained.
"Previous films depicted very negative human characters and very positive Na’vi characters. In Avatar 3, we will be reversing this portrayal. We will also be delving into new universes while continuing the story of the main characters. I can confidently say that the final parts will be the best, with the others serving as introductions and as a way to set the stage for the main events."
The specific journey for the Sully family in the third chapter has not been fully determined, but Cameron has revealed that Jake Sully will not be the narrator. Instead, his eldest son Lo’ak will take over this role. "Lo’ak really emerged as a character that people went with," said Cameron on the 'Soundtracking with Edith Bowman' podcast, as first reported by AVclub. "So I might find ways to... he's already the narrator. I'm giving away something here, but this is ok."
In the future, this trend will continue. Each subsequent film will feature a new narrator, beginning with Lo’ak in Avatar 3. If Avatar 2 underperforms, Avatar 3 may mark the end of the franchise, but with high box office success, the sequels are guaranteed to proceed.
"We’ll likely complete the third movie regardless since all the filming is done," he told The Hollywood Reporter.
"We would really have to flop for it not to justify the extra cost. We would have to completely fail. Now, hopefully, we can tell the entire story because five is better than four, four is better than three, and three is better than two."
Avatar 3 trailer: Is there a trailer?
No, there isn’t a trailer for Avatar 3 – but you can watch the trailer for Avatar 2 below:
While Avatar 3 is said to be “in the can”, it’s not due out for another couple of years, so don’t expect any footage until sometime in 2023.
Find out all the latest details on Avatar 3 here. But for now, take a look at our coverage of Avatar 2: including reviews, cast and characters, the ending explained, the ideal way to watch, the budget, and more.
Explore our coverage of Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora:
- Tips for restoring energy and health
- Quick guide to fast travel
- Can you interact with your Ikran?
- System requirements for Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora
- Information on crossplay and cross-progression
- Multiplayer and co-op availability
- Canon information for Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora
- Playable character options in Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora
- Release plans for PS4 and Xbox One
Editor's P/S
As a passionate fan of the Avatar franchise, I am eagerly anticipating the release of Avatar 3. The second installment, Avatar: The Way of Water, was a visual spectacle that left me in awe, and I can't wait to see what James Cameron has in store for us next. The fact that Avatar 3 has already finished filming and has a confirmed release date of December 19, 2025, only adds to my excitement.
The cast list for Avatar 3 is equally impressive, with many of the original actors returning to reprise their roles. I am particularly looking forward to seeing Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, and Sigourney Weaver bring their characters to life once again. The addition of new cast members, such as Michelle Yeoh and Jemaine Clement, also promises to add fresh energy to the franchise.
