LOS ANGELES : The sequel to movie box office champion"Avatar" arrives in theaters this week, 13 years after the first film, as cinemas try to recover from the pandemic and draw people away from streaming at home.
Distributor Walt Disney Co has not disclosed the budget for"The Way of Water," but The Hollywood Reporter said production alone cost more than $350 million, putting it among the most expensive films in history. But the lengthy interlude before the second film prompted questions about whether moviegoers still remember the story and have any interest in seeing it continue.
The director said it was a"very legitimate concern" that audiences might no longer care about"Avatar." But for him, those anxieties disappeared when the first"The Way of Water" trailer in May racked up 148 million views in 24 hours, he said. This time, the 3D will showcase giant whale-like creatures, large flying fish and other animals that fill Pandora's seas.