‘Avatar 2: The Way of the Water’ Trailer Suggests A 3D-Driven Event; Will People Care?

The first trailer for “Avatar: The Way of the Water” has been released. Hate to say it, but it looks like a state-of-the-art video game.

We were all wondering what would be the lure of the “Avatar” sequels. It’s been 13 years since James Cameron’s film triumphed at the box-office, the industry has severely changed since then, but Cameron hasn’t.

If many moviegoers have fallen out of the “Avatar” bandwagon these past few years, Cameron is banking on “Avatar 2: The Way of the Water” to lure them back.

No, the long-rumored technology for 3D without glasses did not materialize — just yet — for Cameron, but he’s betting on state-of-the-art 3D, most notably underwater sequences, to excite us all and bring us back on his train. Will it work?

“Avatar” was the all-time box-office champ (until “Avengers: Endgame" dethroned it in 2019). However, when Cameron announced that three sequels would follow, many people were bewildered — you see, even if “Avatar” broke box-office records left and right, it hasn’t really aged well. Its “Dances With Wolves” meets “Pocahontas” storyline didn’t feel fresh, and in fact, the real reason why it became such a monstrous success was due to Cameron’s groundbreaking use of 3D technology in the film.

Last week, Cameron said at CinemaCon that his upcoming sequel will “push the limits of what cinema can do.” My general rule is never discount Cameron, he’s a visionary and has rarely failed in his momentus career. I look forward to Avatar 2: The Way of the Water,” but with cautious optimism.

“Avatar 2” is expected to bow on December 16, 2022.