The upcoming sequel to the celebrated 2009 science fiction film "Avatar" is scheduled to hit movie theaters in 2018. However, the director James Cameron has announced that the film release will shift its debut premiere on a much delayed and uncertain date.
Recent developments have derailed the overall timeline in the course of the "Avatar 2" production. The conventional account suggests that the main cause for the delayed release date is primarily aimed at giving way for the scheduled launching of "Star Wars VIII" film.
Regrettably, there is more to the official story than meets the eye. According to the article published by Game N Guide, another crucial factor contributing to the rescheduling of "Avatar 2" opening night concerns lead actors Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana.
Due to the enormous success of the first film, the stars behind ex-marine Na'vi messiah Jake Sully and local Na'vi princess Neytiri were demanding a higher salary rate. Fans can only wonder about the controversial sum given how it derailed the film production's overall progress.
In a similar report by University Herald, Cameron decides to shift the focus on the previous film's deceased main characters. Sigourney Weaver and Stephen Lang will reprise their roles respectively as Dr. Grace Augustine and Col. Miles Quaritch.
Given this possibility, "Avatar 2" might take an unexpected direction in terms of the movie narrative - apparently following a more 'retrospective' chronology. In any case, the rumors about eliminating Worthington and Saldana in the cast are yet to be confirmed by official statements.
On the bright side, Cameron maintains the original plan to create a four-part movie sequel for the "Avatar" franchise. Furthermore, he is determined to introduce new 3D visual elements and other improved graphic features upon each release of the film series. He also plans to shoot "Avatar 2" in New Zealand, similar to the previous film.
