Famed director James Cameron has spent multiple years developing the “Avatar” movies, even once confessing to having had the idea for the world of the Na'vi since his time directing on the set of “The Terminator.”
He has spent years obsessing about the details and development of his beloved franchise, which grossed over $2.7 billion dollars worldwide after a majorly successful release. Following the release of “Avatar,” Cameron confirmed that four sequels to “Avatar” were already in the works, but no details emerged about these films because of delays over the last eight years, until within the last few months.
Last month it was announced on the official “Avatar” Facebook page for the sequels that “Avatar 2” will be released on December 18, 2020, followed by “Avatar 3” which will open on December 17, 2021, and then “Avatar 4” which will be opening three years later on December 20, 2024, and “Avatar 5” which will premiere in theaters on December 19, 2025.
More details about the world of the Na'Vi!
Moreover, after years of silence about the sequels, there is now an official announcement from the studio behind the film about one of the new lead actors set to star in the “Avatar” sequels. Cliff Curtis, of “Fear The Walking Dead” and “Havoc” fame, will play a lead role in the films as Tonowari, the leader of the reef clan Metkayina.
Not a lot is known about what role Tonowari will play in the movies, as Cameron continues to remain tight-lipped on the specific details.
Curtis joins several members of the returning cast of “Avatar” such as Zoe Saldana from “Guardians of the Galaxy,” Sam Worthington from “Terminator Salvation,” and Sigourney Weaver from “Aliens” and “The Defenders.”
Who is Cliff Curtis?
Cliff Curtis has garnered a lot of fame recently for his portrayal of Travis Manawa on AMC's hit post-apocalyptic zombie television show “Fear The Walking Dead,” but he has also starred in a slew of other films.
He played a very memorable and villainous gangster in the movie “Havoc,” he had a key role as Yeshua in the 2016 biblical drama “Risen” from director Kevin Reynolds, and he played Fire Lord Ozai in the film “The Last Airbender” from director M. Night Shyamalan.
Before “Fear The Walking Dead” Cliff Curtis was best known for his role in the film “Havoc” which also starred Anne Hathaway, but Curtis has also had a lot of roles in independent movies as well.
With such a prominent role in the “Avatar” sequels, “Avatar 2” will surely be his biggest film to date.
Filming to start soon!
Little is known about what role Cliff Curtis' character will play in the sequels. However, director James Cameron has expressed interest in showing other alien races and other planets that reside near the planet of the Na'Vi.
Curtis' character Tonowari could viably be from one of those planets or simply another one of the clans on Na'Vi that were unseen in the first film. “Avatar 2,” according to actress Sigourney Weaver, is slated to begin filming later this year.
Expect more casting announcements as the production process finally begins work after being delayed and being in development chaos for eight years.
