Avatar 2 and all other upcoming Avatar sequels have been delayed one year, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. In recent weeks, major studios have been forced to shuffle release dates as theater closures continue. Though many were hoping theaters may be able to open next months, rising case numbers indicate that may not be the case. Studios are beginning to agree, as Christopher Nolan's Tenet, which some hoped would kick start the theater industry again, was recently pulled from the schedule with no new release date at this time.
Even films not due out until 2021 and beyond have been shifted, as there are a limited number of slots available to movies to release and be successful. Franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe have faced their own set of challenges, as most of their movies need to release in a certain order to make sense. The Avatar movies are in a similar boat, as Avatar 2 through Avatar 5 have all already been announced. It makes sense, then, that the franchise now faces delays that have plagued the entire entertainment industry.
Per Disney, all planned Avatar sequels, including Avatar 2, have been delayed a full year. Avatar 2 was originally supposed to release in December 2021, but will now bow December 2022. The other sequels were expected to follow one every two years, also in December. With this change, the last announced Avatar movie, Avatar 5, will now release in 2028. Director James Cameron released a statement about the delays on the Avatar movie's Twitter, explaining the pandemic is affecting virtual production work. Check out his statement below:
This news doesn't come as much of a surprise, considering the many delays this year. However, it speaks to the scope of the Avatar movies, which require more time than most. This has already been evidenced by the amount of time between the first Avatar film, which came out it 2009, and Avatar 2. Even before the pandemic hit, over a decade between a first film and a sequel is quite unusual. The news about the sequel films is noteworthy because it's the first time a movie with a release date as far away as 2027 has been affected by the coronavirus. However, this move will allow Disney to keep to its every two years model for the Avatar sequels.
The good news is fans are very accustomed to waiting for Avatar sequels at this point. A full year would be a long delay for most films, but feels rather small for Avatar. The longer delay also gives Avatar 2 specifically a bit more wiggle room if theaters remain closed for longer than expected. Hopefully, Avatar 2 and the other sequels will be well worth the wait.
Source: Disney, Avatar/Twitter