On December 18, 2009, James Cameron released the top-grossing film in Box Office history, Avatar. The overwhelming success of Avatar allowed a sequel to be in production, with director Cameron stating, “Yes, there’ll be another.” Cameron announced the sequel on January 7, 2010. It wouldn’t be until 13 years after the first movie’s release that the sequel would be finally released.

At a recorded budget of USD 237 million (according to Fox) for production, the film made a lifetime gross of USD 2.6 billion (according to Box Office Mojo). Despite Cameron announcing the sequel’s release in early 2010, the movie took 13 years to arrive. Avatar: The Way of Water would be a difficult production because of its main setting, the water. Avatar was known for its visual effects that encaptured its audience. Cameron committed to delivering visual effects equal to, if not better than, Avatar. The underwater CGI caused Cameron difficulties, however, he would soon perfect the underwater CGI and be ready to release the film.

After numerous difficulties in the production process, the long-awaited sequel was finally released. Directed once again by James Cameron, Avatar: The Way of Water released in theaters on December 16, 2022. The 13-year-long wait did not disappoint. The film showed the return of characters from the prequel, some in different forms. What really captivates the audience, however, is, once again, the visually stunning scenery and effects. From climbing and running in the jungles to flying or swimming, the scenery would always be stunning. Cameron’s commitment to perfecting the CGI did not disappoint the audience. 

According to CNN, Avatar 2 requires over USD 2 billion in worldwide grosses to break profit on the USD 250 to 350 million budget expended on this project. As expected, a film consisting majority of CGI with not many human characters and man-made sets,  was bound to be one of the most expensive Hollywood films. 

One month after its release, Avatar: The Way of Water has a 77% Rotten Tomatoes score. According to Time, Avatar 2 “has officially grossed $2.024 billion.” The long-awaited sequel to the highest-grossing film did not disappoint the audience’s wishes. The film consisted of beautiful scenery, excellent cinematography and amazing CGI. Avatar 2 continued the story of Avatar and fans cannot wait to see the following sequels James Cameron has in store.