In the wake of the film industry shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic; production on the Avatar sequels is set to resume next week in New Zealand.
Jon Landau, the producer of the epic science fiction broke the news on Thursday night. This likely means Avatar 2, will be the first major Hollywood title to start filming again amid the pandemic; that has forced lockdowns all over the world.
“Our #Avatar sets are ready — and we couldn’t be more excited to be headed back to New Zealand next week,” Landau wrote in a post that included a set photo.
“Check out the Matador, a high speed forward command vessel (bottom) and the Picador jetboat (top). Can’t wait to share more.”
Production on the four Avatar sequels, which are all shooting back to back at facilities in New Zealand, stopped on March 17 when the country’s film commission halted TV and film work. As part of efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19, most flights to and from New Zealand were restricted.
However, earlier this month New Zealand approved new safety protocols and began allowing film productions to resume.
Original Avatar movie
The original sci-fi action epic stars Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver and Stephen Lang. It follows the alien planet of Pandora where a race of lanky, tall blue aliens live in harmony with the world around them. Only to be forced to defend their home from invading human forces. Worthington plays a soldier who can enter into a Na’Vi body as a virtual avatar. He forms a relationship with the Na’Vi until he finally joins forces with their cause.
In addition to the main cast all returning to their original roles, Kate Winslet, David Thewlis, Michelle Yeoh, Jemaine Clement; Oona Chaplin, Edie Falco, Cliff Curtis and CCH Pounder will all appear in the four sequels.