Why did James Cameron take so long to complete ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’?

For years, fans have eagerly awaited the release of the second instalment. But the shooting of the film came with its own set of challenges.

The main reason behind the massive success of the original Avatar movie was its stunning visuals. It took time to create the spectacular city of Pandora and the Na’vi people. However, the new instalment revolves around the ocean, as the movie sets to introduce a new oceanic tribe of Pandora, the Metkayina. Being the perfectionist that he is, Cameron spent quite an amount of time exploring the underwater. He is an avid water baby and built a submarine to take him to the bottom of the Marina trench. These real-life locations inspired the visual underwater world of Avatar.

Also, the writers had to create an entirely new underwater world for a different group of Na’vi that included changes in character elements, wardrobes and other details. This process alone took over five years to develop.

Shooting underwater was a challenge, especially with a movie that requires special effects. Cameron and his team created cameras with advanced motion capture technology. These cameras could reproduce underwater movements and capture facial expressions.

Lastly, the real challenge lay with the actors who were not trained to act underwater. Most of the time, scuba gear and water bubbles interfered with the motion capture camera. The actors had to hold their breaths for a long to deliver a scene.

Undoubtedly, the sequel came with a massive budget that only Camron could demand. It remains to be seen if the sequel will create the same magic that the original did.

FAQs:

1. When is Avatar 2 releasing?
   Avatar- The Way with water is the second movie in the franchise, set to release on December 16th.
2. Where was Avatar 2 shot?
   Most of Avatar 2 was shot in New Zealand.