Each Avatar Sequel Will Explore New Na'vi Clans And Cultures
If the early buzz is any indication, James Cameron has already delivered on the promise of a worthy sequel to "Avatar." A step-up in almost every department, "Avatar: The Way of Water" looks to blow our minds once again through an expanded world, a bevy of new characters, and enough VFX to fill out a few Marvel films. As the title suggests, the long-awaited sequel will explore the depths of the ocean on Pandora and its surrounding people. After all, Cameron and the ocean go way back. However, as long as the "Avatar" films find some success, the series will continue to cover new parts of Pandora until further notice.
This time around, "The Way of Water" will be introducing the Metkayina Clan, an oceanic tribe of Na'vi that shares a special connection to the surrounding waters. The group will collide with Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and his family, allowing audiences to explore an entirely new world once again as seen in the latest trailer. The ocean has always been of particular interest to Cameron, but that won't be the only place the sequels will explore on Pandora. According to the film's producer, the franchise is keen on introducing even more Na'vi clans and cultures.
Exploring new worlds
In an interview with Screenrant, producer Jon Landau teased that planned sequels to "The Way of Water" will continue the trend of introducing new and exciting sides of Pandora:
"Each sequel will introduce us to new cultures and new clans of Na'vi. And to me that's exciting because it allows us to reflect on our world. Throughout the process, we want to continue with this idea of connectivity on Pandora; that we are all connected, whether it's through Eywa or other ways. And to remind people here that we are connected and that our actions have an impact on people around us and the world around us."
It's not clear where exactly another sequel could land just yet, but it's clear James Cameron and co. have a lot in store for us when the time comes. By further exploring more of a world already well-realized in 2009, "The Way of Water" and its follow-ups should aspire to recapture that sense of awe that best described the first film. Moreover, it will be able to do so without appealing to tropes that still plague the first film.
Building on what worked (and didn't)
Although the first "Avatar" carries great subtext about the dangers of capitalism, the film is bogged down by the implications of having a White Savior at the center of the action. Sure, Jake Sully is not meant to be portrayed as a perfect hero. As we view the vast world of Pandora through his eyes, we become enamored by its culture and people that joining the Na'vi in their fight seems like a no-brainer. However, with more Na'vi present in the upcoming sequel, centering Sully as a savior of sorts is no longer necessary.
In "The Way of Water," a lot of time has passed since we last saw Sully and Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña). They now have a family, a new generation of Na'vi that will also interact with the newfound Metkayina Clan. It's pretty obvious based on the promotional footage that the two clans will have to unite against the human invasion, but that potential team-up could provide nuance to the story otherwise simplified in "Avatar." And if anyone can deliver a truly improved experience the second time around, it's the sequel expert James Cameron. After all, Cameron made sure to crack the code on the story for "The Way of Water."
"Avatar: The Way of Water" finally arrives in theaters on December 16, 2022.