With Avatar 4, James Cameron is continuing his expansive science-fiction universe.
Set for release on December 21, 2029, the film will continue the interconnected story of the Na'vi, and the Sully family.
The film is slated to include Sam Worthington, reprising his role of Jake Sully, as well as other key performers of the previous films.
Even with the announcements of the release date, and early production, the status of the full production schedule is not confirmed.
Cameron has mentioned the difficulties of the remaining two films as both a financial and technological burden.
What Is Avatar 4 About?
The Avatar movies follow the Sully family, and the fourth installment continues that tradition.
Avatar (2009) introduced Jake Sully as a former Marine who mixes with the indigenous Na'vi of Pandora.
Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) focused on the family as they mixed with the oceanic communities of Pandora.
Avatar: Fire and Ash, released in 2025, continues their struggle and focuses on new Na'vi clans and conflict.
Because this Avatar film continues Cameron's larger narrative plan, details of the plot have not been formally announced.
As such, the film's primary antagonist, main conflict, and the full range of new locations have yet to be revealed.
Jake Sully and the Others
In addition to Sam Worthington as Jake Sully, Zoe Saldana is expected to return as Neytiri. Sigourney Weaver is also expected to reprise her role of Kiri, as is Stephen Lang as Quaritch.
Lizzie Wolf has also been rumored to be returning to the franchise as Teneyka. Cliff Curtis is also expected to return as Tonowari. Setting aside Cameron's larger narrative plan, these other characters may not return in the fourth film.
Sam Worthington played Jake Sully in the original 2009 movie. His character created the foundation for the emotional arc of the franchise as the leader of the Na'vi community, starting from his introduction in the original movie as a mere human newcomer. Zoe Saldana's character, Neytiri, is also extremely important to the Sully family plot as she plays Jake's love interest.
Sigourney Weaver also plays a key character in this movie as Kiri, Pandora's youngest moon's inhabitants. As for Stephen Lang, he continues his role as the franchise's main antagonist, Miles Quaritch.
Complete details on production and contractual aspects of the fourth movie remain undisclosed. However, 20th Century Fox has announced the movie to be in production. Fans of science fiction movies who search for Avatar 2 with the keyword phrases such as 123 Movies site should look for the studio's announcements instead of random rumors.
The studio has not yet commented on who will replace Cameron as director, or on any other changes to the film's production team.
What Percentage of Avatar 4 Has Been Filmed?
Almost as much of Avatar 4 has been filmed as of 2017, as of any of the other sequels.
About a third of the movie is reported to have been shot during principal photography for the other sequels.
Motivated partially by the age of some of the actors, filmmakers shot scenes to help capture the intended continuity of the story.
Of course, substantial additional filming (including performance capture), post-production work and visual effects are required.
The Avatar movies are particularly unique and burdensome because of the extensive digital environments and performances needed.
Reports that some of the work has already been completed should not be misinterpreted to mean that the entire movie is complete.
A definite production schedule has not been released.
Building New Environments on Pandora
The Avatar movies are unique and strong in that they are able to develop different cultures and environments on the same planet.
The first film focused on the forest environments and Omaticaya clan.
The second film expanded on the different environments of Pandora and the Metkayina clan.
Fire and Ash further developed the cultures and environments on the planet.
Michelle Yeoh is set to play Dr. Karina Mogue, Chaplin is confirmed to play Varang, and Ribisi is set to reprise Parker Selfridge for the other movies.
Exactly who they play in Avatar 4 is unknown.
Likewise, nothing has been released regarding other, previously unknown Na'vi cultures and environments.
Searches for the 123Movies site do not indicate an official theatrical or digital distribution agreement.
Confirmed release information should come from Disney, 20th Century Studios, or the official channels of the franchise.
Avatar 4 Release Date and Future Expectations
The official Avatar website continues to display December 21, 2029, as the potential release date for Avatar 4.
A fifth film is scheduled for release on December 19, 2031, provisionally.
Cameron has stated that finance and technology remain major constraints.
The project has no official trailer, nor has it been confirmed when it will be available to stream or on what platform it will be streamed.
Its release date could be pushed back if the remaining work is taking longer than expected.
The franchise has already been commercially successful, and because of its technology and scope, it breaks away from the norm. It is likely, if released as planned, that Avatar 4 will continue to expand and enrich the universe that Cameron has created.