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Avatar sequel will resume production in New Zealand next week

Avatar sequel will resume production in New Zealand next week

The James Cameron flick had halted production due to the coronavirus pandemic.
24 May, 2020

A sequel to James Cameron’s sci-fi movie blockbuster Avatar will go back into production next week for the first time since it was shuttered by worldwide efforts to contain the coronavirus, producer Jon Landau said on Friday.

Film and TV production came to halt around the globe in mid-March but is slowly returning in some countries including New Zealand, where the Avatar sequel is being filmed.

“Our Avatar sets are ready — and we couldn’t be more excited to be headed back to New Zealand next week,” Landau wrote on Instagram beneath a photo of two boats on the set. Landau identified them as the Matador, a high-speed forward command vessel, and the Picador, a jetboat.

Authorities in New Zealand, where coronavirus slowed dramatically after the government enforced a strict lockdown, have approved film industry safeguards for resuming productions. Each set needs a permit to bring people back to work.

Released in 2009, Avatar had been the highest-grossing movie of all time until July 2019 when it was overtaken by superhero flick Avengers: Endgame.

Cameron has been working on Avatar sequels for years and their release has been delayed several times. The second installment is scheduled to debut in December 2021, followed by three others in December 2023, December 2025 and December 2027.

The Avatar sequels will be distributed by Walt Disney Co, which took over the franchise when it bought film and TV businesses from 21st Century Fox in 2019.

Comments

Salazar May 24, 2020 01:59pm
Not gonna hold my breath for it. First movie was visually stunning but there weren't any real or original story. And how will the make the second one? An uprising within their own ranks? Remains to be seen.
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Gordon D. Walker May 24, 2020 04:45pm
More freaks... Gordon D. Walker Canada
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