The Big Picture

• Star Stephen Lang has shared a behind-the-scenes photo of Avatar 4, hinting at the extraordinary journey ahead for the Avatar franchise.
• Avatar 4, along with two other upcoming sequels, promises to redefine blockbuster storytelling.
• Major changes in Avatar 3, including a new narrator and the introduction of new Na'vi clans, add intrigue to the evolving storyline.

As the anticipation for Avatar 4 reaches a fever pitch, star Stephen Lang treats fans to an enticing glimpse behind the scenes, sharing an image from the set to celebrate the commencement of production on the highly awaited sequel. The original Avatar, crafted by the visionary James Cameron and released in 2009, left a major mark on cinema history with its groundbreaking graphics and immersive storytelling. The alien realm of Pandora became a cinematic marvel, propelling the film to become the highest-grossing movie of all time. Now, as the saga continues, Lang is reprising his role as the ruthless Quaritch and has shared a behind-the-scenes photo of Avatar 4. In the image, the actor is clad in his motion capture suit, hinting at the extraordinary journey that lies ahead.

Lang's return as a Na'vi version of his character in Avatar: The Way of Water introduced a compelling twist, setting the stage for a redemption arc in the intensifying conflict between humans and the Na'vi. His recent Instagram caption, "Deja Blu all over again," sparks curiosity and excitement, amplifying the intrigue surrounding the unfolding narrative. Lang's post seemingly confirms what fellow co-star Sam Worthington recently shared about the film's production gearing back up early this year. According to Cameron, Avatar 4 will feature some kind of major plot development with big ramifications for the franchise. This cryptic hint only adds to the excitement, ensuring that Avatar 4 promises to be not just a sequel, but a transformative chapter in the epic cinematic journey.

After the wild success of Avatar: The Way of Water, it's no surprise that the story is turning into a major blockbuster franchise. Fueled by the triumph of the latest installment, Cameron is propelled to take the narrative forward with not one, but three upcoming Avatar sequels — each promising to redefine blockbuster storytelling. While Avatar 3 initially set its sights on a December 2024 release, it has now been postponed to 19 December 2025.

When Will 'Avatar 4' Be Released?

As the anticipation builds, Avatar 4 is poised to release on 21 December 2029, three years beyond its original schedule of 18 December 2026. The journey continues with Avatar 5, set to captivate audiences on 19 December 2031, a strategic shift from its initial release date of 22 December 2028. Until then, Cameron has dropped a few glimpses into what's to come for the franchise — including some major changes. For example, Avatar 3 will introduce a fresh perspective with Britain Dalton's Lo'ak taking on the role of narrator, breaking away from the tradition set by Jake Sully (Worthington) in the first two films. The promise of new Na'vi clans and Pandoran biomes teased by Cameron and producer Jon Landau adds an intriguing layer to the evolving storyline. With the revelation that the Avatar 4 script surprised executives and plans to "go nuts," audiences could be in for a wild ride, brimming with unexpected twists and cinematic marvels.

Stay tuned to Collider for updates and check out Lang's behind-the-scenes image below:

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