There are many expectations surrounding Avatar 3, as the first two films in the franchise broke box office records, but the same element that fueled their success now presents an obstacle to the next installment. The original Avatar came out in theaters in 2009, becoming the highest-grossing film of all time, with a staggering $2.9 billion in gross earnings. Fast-forward 13 years to 2022, and the release of Avatar: The Way of Water gained a remarkable $2.3 billion, echoing the triumph of the first film.
Unlike the 13-year gap between the first and second movie, Avatar 3 is slated to be released on December 19, 2025, only three years after the second film. While Avatar 3‘s biggest challenge may be meeting the franchise’s astounding box office records, there is a major factor behind that success. The primary draw of Avatar lies in its advancements in technology during production, meaning Avatar 3‘s success hinges on its having even better visuals and CGI than what’s already been seen before.
Beating Way Of Water’s Amazing Visuals & CGI Is Avatar 3’s Greatest Challenge
With the technological strides achieved in the first two Avatar movies, the greatest hurdle facing Avatar 3 is replicating the same awe-inspiring impact on its audience. Avatar was in development for a very long time, as it was originally slated to be released in 1999, but James Cameron felt that the available technology wasn’t up to par for his ambitious sci-fi project. Unlike most films that were converted to 3D in post-production, Avatar was shot using a new type of 3D camera, rendering its fantastical worlds remarkably lifelike. The first film’s development ultimately spanned a whopping 15 years.
Then the second installment took 13 years to make, as it needed further technological advancements to effectively convey the narrative visually. Avatar: The Way of Water introduced a new filming technology called Deep X that enabled Cameron to better capture 3D imagery underwater. This innovation also minimized distortions caused by particles in the water, creating stunning underwater sequences in the film. With these groundbreaking technologies establishing the visual marvel of the first two Avatar movies, Avatar 3 faces the challenge of upholding the esteemed reputation of its predecessors.
Avatar 3’s Better Visual Effects Are The Key To Its Box Office Success
The groundbreaking developments of new technology specifically for the Avatar franchise are one of the major reasons why these movies are such a huge success. The first two Avatar films introduced something entirely new to audiences, with the sheer visual spectacle transporting viewers to the world of Pandora. The motion capture suits meticulously captured every movement of the actors, while the head rigs helped convey every emotion, breathing fresh life into the possibilities of CGI, giving it a more life-like feel.
The promotional campaigns for the first two films showcased cutting-edge technology, further fueling excitement and interest in watching the movies. However, with Avatar 3 set for release only three years after the second film, as opposed to an over-a-decade gap, as was seen between the first two, it is unclear how significant the visual advancements will be. There is a noticeable evolution in the visuals between the first two films, generating buzz and contributing to Avatar‘s remarkable box office achievements. If Avatar 3 falls short of the visual standards set by its predecessors or merely matches them without any substantial improvement, a major part of the appeal goes away.
