At the time of this writing many countries remain under lock down from the coronavirus pandemic. A few however have successfully flattened the curve and are beginning to reopen their businesses. One of these is New Zealand, allowing Avatar 2 to resume production.

Back To Work

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced international business to go into lock down that is well into its third month. To counteract the crippling effects of this studios have been taking steps to keep production going even under lock down. Some projects, like James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad, have been rolling along with post-production even under lock down. Fortunately for these studios several countries have finally emerged from the danger zone and are open for business. UK, Czech Republic and most recently New Zealand are allowing productions interrupted by the start of the virus to begin filming again. One of these is James Cameron’s long developing Avatar sequel.

Cameras Rolling On Avatar 2

James Cameron’s sequel to his 2009 film Avatar is still eyeing a 2021 December release. The production was filming in New Zealand back to back with Avatar 3 when COVID-19 hit and the production had to be put on hold and send everyone home. But since New Zealand has successfully flattened the curve and hasn’t reported any new cases of COVID in weeks Avatar 2 is free to resume filming. James Cameron and producing partner Jon Landau have flown to New Zealand to begin work. The two will have to quarantine for two weeks after arriving. Additionally shooting will have to follow guidelines in order to lower the risk of infection and spreading.

COVID-19 vs. The Film Industry

There is no going back to a world before the coronavirus pandemic. What started as a viral outbreak in China has spread to an international pandemic. Forcing businesses across the globe to go under lock down for the sake of public health. Of all the industries affected by this lock down the film industry has been one of the hardest hit. Tent pole releases have been pushed back months or even a full year. Movie theater chains and studios fight whether films will be allowed to skip theatrical releases entirely. Streaming service subscription numbers have rocketed. So monumental is this shift that we may still be feeling the effects for years to come. But now audiences can at least have hope that when things calm down there will be films in theaters to see.