Avatar 3: Release Date, Cast & Everything We Know (2024)

Avatar 3 will continue the epic saga of Na'vi and Pandora, and news surrounding the third entry is coming fast. Directed by James Cameron, Avatar: The Way of Water introduces a number of plot threads that could carry over into Avatar 3. including the conflict between Colonel Quaritch and Jake and Neytiri’s family. Not only that but it has been confirmed that Avatar 3 will introduce a new Na'vi fire tribe too. With even more advanced digital effects and expanded franchise lore, Avatar 3 could be the most important movie in the series.

Avatar 3 also already boasts an even bigger cast, which features more Academy Award winners, though they likely won't be recognizable if they're playing Na'vi. There is so much to look forward to with the next movie in the Avatar series, and it'll be just as much of a spectacle as its predecessors. Here are the latest Avatar 3 updates and everything to know about the third film in the flourishing Avatar franchise, including what to expect regarding the film’s story.

Avatar 3 Latest News

Reshoots Begin After Principal Photography Has Wrapped

Not long after director James Cameron announced that the third film in his epic sci-fi series was in post-production, a bit of BTS revealed reshoots on Avatar 3. A perfectly normal part of the post-production process, reshoots often occur when editors and filmmakers realize they need additional footage to supplement what they have already shot. To commemorate the moment, Quaritch actor Stephen Lang posted a cheeky BTS photo on his Instagram page. Reshoots are a good sign that Avatar 3 is well on its way into the post-production phase.

Avatar 3 Release Date

Avatar 3 Is Arriving In Late 2025

It was previously announced that Avatar 3 would be arriving in December 2024, but James Cameron's latest update has confirmed that the movie is actually slated for Christmas 2025. The film has seen numerous delays over the years, from COVID-19 pandemic concerns to the recently resolved Hollywood strikes, but with the movie in post-production, it seems as if further delays aren't on the horizon.

Avatar 3 Cast

Who Will Return?

The newest Avatar 3 updates confirm the film will see Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldaña return as Jake and Neytiri, respectively. The bulk of the cast of The Way of Water is also returning, including many big names that are quintessential to the franchise. So far, Avatar 3's confirmed cast includes:

The Avatar 3 cast will also introduce a plethora of new characters. Oona Chaplin was cast to play the character Varang, the leader of the Ash People, who will appear in the remaining three sequels. David Thewlis will also join the film, playing an unnamed Na’vi character. Rounding out the new members of the cast is Oscar-winner Michelle Yeoh, who will play scientist Dr. Karina Mogue in the third and subsequent Avatar films.

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Avatar 3 Story

What Happens Next In The Avatar Saga?

Avatar: The Way of Water’s ending leaves a few storylines open for continuation. With Spider having rescued Colonel Quaritch from drowning, the film’s antagonist will likely continue his quest for revenge. Things could get worse before they get better, especially as Quaritch’s rage will be at an all-time high following The Way of Water’s final battle. The conflict between the Na’vi and the RDA will surely escalate, and it’s possible the RDA will come better prepared in Avatar 3.

In the Q&A with Jon Landau, the producer revealed that Avatar 3 will introduce two new Na'vi cultures. Landau explained, "We're going to meet at least two new clans in the next movie," Landau said. Likely one of these new cultures will be the fire Na'vi, of which Oona Chaplin's Varang will be a part. Avatar 3 will also switch up the narration, as the first two films were narrated by Jake, but Avatar 3 will be narrated by Lo'ak.

A script excerpt from Avatar 3 was revealed in the Avatar 2 bonus features (via The Direct). While it gives little away, it confirms that Kiri will learn more about her mother and Pandora. Kiri and Mo'at have a discussion about Kiri's place, and it hints at another one of Jake's sons suffering an injury. The bonus features hint at a new character called Va'ru, and that Spider can breathe Pandora's air in Avatar 3. Given humans can't breathe Pandora's air, Kiri might have something to do with Spider's new power, given that she has special abilities no one else does.

Related: Why Avatar 3’s Story Should Flip The Way of Water’s Plot