The premiere for Avatar: The Way of Water has revealed James Cameron’s sequel to his 2009 feature Avatar, kicking off the director’s planned franchise run with more films to expand the world of Pandora. So what did critics and early audiences think?
The first Na’vi tale fueled a fervent fandom, detailed cosplay, a popular Disney Parks land, and Cameron’s intent to shoot its four sequels nearly all back to back. There’s never been a more ambitious endeavor or anything to stop Cameron, whose always manages to unleash the next big thing in cinematic experiences. On December 16, fans will make the choice to return to Pandora—even if just to find out how Sigourney Weaver and Stephen Lang have returned alongside Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana. Or to experience that sweet, sweet Dolby 3D tech that at D23 Expo 2022 felt like a new way to experience movies in ways you can’t at home.
Here are the first reactions from the premiere and screenings that took place in advance of the film’s release.
Avatar: The Way of Water left me breathless. Visually stunning, emotionally overwhelming, with some of the most impressive sustained action scenes I’ve ever seen. The performances are incredible too, especially by all the kids. Wow. James Cameron truly doesn’t miss. #Avatar pic.twitter.com/GdwSnZYPYz
— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) December 7, 2022
#AvatarTheWayOfWater is a stunning visual marvel and a magnetic spectacle just as groundbreaking as the first. Zoe Saldaña is an actor to be reckoned with. Made me feel like a kid again. 💙🌊 pic.twitter.com/zMFX8lotaR
— film posers™️ Josie Marie 🍉 (@TheJosieMarie) December 6, 2022
I’m almost convinced James Cameron shot #AvatarTheWayOfWater on another planet. The film is absolutely stunning and immersive. It’s long but I was completely engaged all the way through. Much like #avatar 13 years ago, this film is a cinematic achievement and a must see event! pic.twitter.com/2WFlJzmbeI
— Joseph Deckelmeier (@joedeckelmeier) December 6, 2022
Feliz NA’VIdad indeed! #AvatarTheWayOfWater is a cinematic masterpiece! I enjoyed it even more than the first one! It conquers stunning visuals on-screen & taps into the heart reminding us of what truly matters in life. Family, home, nature & survival. My top film of the year! 🌊
— Amanda Salas (@AmandaSalas) December 6, 2022
Avatar The Way of Water: lol imagine being dumb enough to bet against James Cameron. or teen alien Sigourney Weaver. or giant whales subtitled in papyrus.
light years better than the first & easily one of the best theatrical experiences in ages. streaming found dead in a ditch.
— david ehrlich (@davidehrlich) December 6, 2022
#Avatar2 // #AvatarTheWayOfWater is better than its predecessor in that there’s more going on with the story and characters and its ASTOUNDING technological advancements. Great escapism with enriching sentiments.
— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) December 6, 2022
James Cameron just knows what the audience wants and I think the time & effort to pull off something this vastly superior to the first on a technical level with even more emotional storytelling will pay off in a major way. Oscars & box office records are coming. pic.twitter.com/yit33aZPav
— Matt Neglia (@NextBestPicture) December 6, 2022
Oh last thing, this is the first movie I’ve ever seen use the high frame rate trick that I’ve actually liked. Yeah, leave it to James Cameron to crack that one
— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) December 6, 2022
Avatar: The Way of Water, being more than 3 hours long, is both fulfilling and indulgent. It still ends wanting you to know a third is coming.
Constantly a visual feast, creative plays with frame rate, and never boring despite. Overall, I liked it. pic.twitter.com/0Wxxc8ZC9L
— BD (@BrandonDavisBD) December 6, 2022
Never bet against @JimCameron. His #AvatarTheWayOfWater surpasses the original on every level. Incredible visuals, but a much more emotional connection to the characters and story. The final hour is Cameron flexing every muscle, reminding blockbuster filmmakers how it’s done. pic.twitter.com/C7lpBs6y5U
— Sean O'Connell (@Sean_OConnell) December 6, 2022
#AvatarTheWayOfWater is pretty incredible. I had faith James Cameron would raise the bar w/ the effects but these visuals are mind-blowing. One stunning frame after the next. But the thing I dug most is how the technical feats always feel in service of character & world-building. pic.twitter.com/MXeN3z8BnP
— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) December 6, 2022
Happy to say #AvatarTheWayOfWater is phenomenal! Bigger, better & more emotional than #Avatar, the film is visually breathtaking, visceral & incredibly engrossing. The story, the spectacle, the spirituality, the beauty – this is moviemaking & storytelling at its absolute finest. pic.twitter.com/RicnpDghrx
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) December 6, 2022
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about James Cameron’s Avatar: The Way of Water.
