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Will Avatar 2 Be 3D?


Avatar 2: The Way of Water (2022) is the first of four sequels to Avatar (2009), James Cameron's science fiction epic that transformed cinema with its ground-breaking motion-capture performance and immersive 3D. But while it's certainly set to break new ground itself, will Avatar 2 be 3D?

Avatar 2: The Way of Water
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Avatar 2: The Way of Water

Check out the epic new trailer for Avatar 2: The Way of Water below, which is already immersive even without 3D glasses!

Related: James Cameron Already Shot Footage For Avatar 4 Ahead of Its 2026 Release Date

Avatar: The Way of Water will take place 10 years after the events of the original film, but this time Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and Zoe Saldana (Neytiri) have two children to look after as a new threat looms over their world.

As per the official 20th Century Studios description, the synopsis for Avatar: The Way of Water is:

Set more than a decade after the events of the first film, Avatar: The Way of Water begins to tell the story of the Sully family, the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive, and the tragedies they endure.

Related: Avatar 2 Release Date, Plot, Trailer, Cast, News & Everything You Need to Know

Avatar 2: The Way of Water
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Avatar 2: The Way of Water

While plot specifics are pretty slim, from the trailer alone it's obvious that most of Avatar: The Way of Water will take place underwater, which is a first for motion-capture performance.

Director James Cameron recently hinted that the movie would be three hours in length, putting it at 20 minutes above its predecessor. So we know that we're in for a three-hour underwater epic. But will Avatar 2 be 3D?

Related: Why Avatar 2 is Taking So Long to Make and The Reason it Might Flop

Avatar 2: The Way of Water
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Avatar 2: The Way of Water

Well, we can confirm that the highly-anticipated Avatar: The Way of Water will be 3D. It will be released exclusively in theaters, as well as in the following formats - Dolby Cinema, IMAX, and IMAX 3D formats.

However, it's entirely possible that the upcoming sequel will be even more immersive than the 2009 film from a 3D perspective. Although we've no doubt whatsoever that the film will be just as mesmerizing in its regular format.

Related: Avatar 2 Star Michelle Yeoh Praises James Cameron's "Genius" Sequel

Avatar 2: The Way of Water
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Avatar 2: The Way of Water

Like they did in the early '90s, 3D films appear to have experienced a second "death" in recent years. But now, it's entirely possible that Avatar: The Way of Water, like its predecessor, will kick-start a new wave of 3D movies.

It was previously rumored that James Cameron stated that it would be possible for the film to be shown in "glasses-free 3D", however, the director later debunked these rumors, saying that the technology would not be there yet.

Related: Avatar 2 Budget: This is How Much It Cost to Make

Avatar 2: The Way of Water
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Avatar 2: The Way of Water

Avatar: The Way of Water has been made a with a budget of $250 million, which is similar to that of the original film (a $237 million budget plus an additional $9 million for its re-release).

Avatar, however, made nearly $3 billion at the worldwide box office and as such remains the highest-grossing film of all time (James Cameron's Titanic resides at third place). So here's to hoping Avatar: The Way of Water will join the ranks.

Related: Avatar 2: Jake and Neytiri Started a Family, and Adopted a Human

Avatar 2: The Way of Water
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Avatar 2: The Way of Water

Avatar: The Way of Water will see the return of Sam Worthington (Jake Sully), Zoe Saldana (Neytiri), CCH Pounder (Mo’at), Giovanni Ribisi (Parker Selfridge), Joel David Moore (Dr. Norm Spellman), Dileep Rao (Dr. Max Patel), and Matt Gerald (Corporal Lyle Wainfleet).

Two other actors who will also be returning are Sigourney Weaver and Stephen Lang, who play Dr. Grace Augustine and Colonel Miles Quaritch in Avatar, respectively. However, this time, Weaver will be playing the adopted Na'vi daughter of Jake Sully and Neytiri.

Related: Where to Watch and Stream Avatar: The Way of Water Free Online

Avatar 2: The Way of Water
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Avatar 2: The Way of Water

Newcomers to the Na’vi are Cliff Curtis (Tonowari), Jamie Flatters (Neteyam), Jeremy Irwin (Young Neteyam), Britain Dalton (Lo’ak), Chloe Coleman (Young Lo’ak), Trinity Bliss (Tuktirey), Bailey Bass (Tsireya), Filip Geljo (Aonung), Duane Evans Jr. (Rotxo), and Kate Winslet (Ronal).

Newcomers to the human cast are Jack Champion (Javier “Spider” Socorro), Edie Falco (General Ardmore), Michelle Yeoh (Dr. Karina Mogue), Brendan Cowell (Captain Mick Scoresby), Jemaine Clement (Dr. Ian Garvin), Oona Chaplin (Varang), and Vin Diesel and CJ Jones in undisclosed roles.

Related: Why is Avatar Getting So Many Sequels?

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Avatar 2: The Way of Water is scheduled for release in theaters on December 16 this year, while Avatar 3 will release on December 20, 2024. Avatar 4 will follow on December 18, 2026, and Avatar 5 on December 22, 2028, respectively.

For more articles like this, take a look at our Avatar, Geek Culture, Fantasy & Science Fiction, Movies, and Queries pages.