James Cameron’s Avatar broke box office records in 2009. It grossed $2.9 billion worldwide, a record that still hasn’t been beaten, even though Avengers: Endgame did run away with the title for a while. After 13 years, when Avatar 2 came out in 2022, no one believed that it would actually be successful.
After all, a decade had passed and no one seemed to remember Avatar for anything more than having great CGI. But as the saying goes- don’t bet against James Cameron. So Avatar 2 collected $2.3 billion at the global box office. Now, came the question of when the third part was arriving in theaters. Turns out, the wait just got longer.
James Cameron’s Avatar Franchise Gets Severely Delayed
Initially, Avatar 3 was scheduled for 20 December 2024. But Discussing Film reported that the film has been delayed to December 19, 2025. But it’s not the only Avatar film that has been pushed back. Avatar 4 will now be released on December 21, 2029, and Avatar 5 on December 19, 2031. This means that the final chapter of the franchise will be released in the next decade.
Initially, after Avatar 2 was released in theaters, there was speculation that the third part was inevitably going to be delayed. The rumors arose because of how much time James Cameron had taken to release the second film in the franchise. However, the director assured everyone that he had shot Avatar 3 already.
In an interview with NPR, Cameron clarified:
“The shooting scripts are all written. We’ve already fully captured and fully photographed movie three. So, it’s essentially in post-production. We’ve done the first act of movie four, and all we have to do is, you know, kind of add water, so to speak.”
However, now Avatar 3 won’t be able to meet its original date and fans will have to wait a year more for it. To make matters worse, they will have to be patient for about 8 more years to see Cameron’s magnum opus- Avatar 5, which will conclude this franchise. As expected, people aren’t happy about it.
Fans Unhappy With The Extensive Delays Of James Cameron’s Avatar Films
Social media reactions to the news of Avatar 3, 4, and 5 getting delayed have been poor. Many are frustrated by the long gaps while others have resigned themselves to the release dates being pushed back. After all, it took 13 years for the second part to come out. However, it is the 2031 release date of Avatar 5 that has baffled everyone.
Here’s what fans are saying about it:
this is the worst day of my life
— Taylor Salim (@TaylorSalim2) June 13, 2023
2031 💀
I could have a KID by then
— Mr_Booshot (@MrBooshot) June 13, 2023
That’s fine, I’m use to it by now
— Artemis (@Art22Com) June 13, 2023
Avatar 5 by 2031? The world war 3 would have come and gone by then 😭😭
— IRUNNIA (@Irunnia_) June 13, 2023
They’re planning that far ahead into the future huh? Hope Armageddon doesn’t happen to derail these releases.
— Stephen ( Honkai Star Rail fan) (@SomeoneDestined) June 13, 2023
It’s certainly upsetting for fans to have to wait for such a long time again. But there’s one guarantee with James Cameron, and that’s the fact that the films will be a visual feast that will take everyone’s breath away. The reason for the delay hasn’t been stated, but it’s speculated to be due to the ongoing WGA strike and the expected SAG strike.
Both the Avatar films are available on Disney+.
