James Cameron’s epic sci-fi franchise is poised to continue with Avatar 4, but when exactly will audiences get a chance to return to Pandora next? After the initial success of the 2009 original, the filmmaker plotted out an ambitious plan to make multiple Avatar sequels. 2022 brought Avatar: The Way of Water, and 2025 delivered Avatar: Fire and Ash.
That initial trilogy is not where the story is meant to end. With the first three movies now out, all eyes turn to Avatar 4. The sequel is also written and directed by Cameron, with most of the main cast members from the previous films returning. But, how long of a wait will there be until Avatar 4 releases in theaters? That is thankfully already confirmed.
Avatar 4 Releases In 2029: How Far Along It Is
Closeup of Kiri (Sigourney Weaver) in Avatar: Fire & Ash
20th Century Studios and Disney have already confirmed Avatar 4‘s release date. The fourth installment is scheduled to hit theaters on December 21, 2029. That’s four years after Fire and Ash‘s debut, which is a full year longer than the gap between the previous sequels. Previously, Avatar 4 was slated for 2026 before delays.
Even though it doesn’t come out until 2029, Cameron and his team have already made some progress on it. There is a six-year time jump after the first act of the fourth film, so that first third is already in the can to preserve the younger ages of the Sully children cast members before said time jump takes place.
The rest of Avatar 4 has not started filming, with Cameron and the studios electing to wait until seeing some of Fire and Ash‘s box office results to know if there is still enough demand for more installments. If that proves to be the case, then the rest of the principle photography on Avatar 4 will commence to make that 2029 release date possible.
How Many More Avatar Sequels Will There Be?
Sam Worthington looking concerned as Jake Sully in Avatar Fire and Ash
Officially, there are only two more Avatar sequels that have been announced. In addition to getting Avatar 4 in 2029, the plan is for Avatar 5 to release on December 19, 2031. That film will mark the end of Cameron’s original plan for the length of the sci-fi franchise.
But these plans are still evolving. The legendary filmmaker has confirmed he has ideas for Avatar 6 and Avatar 7. Disney and 20th Century have yet to greenlight those sequels. Such movement is not expected to happen until after the first five movies come out.
Should the sixth and seventh Avatar movies actually happen, Cameron has said he’s unlikely to direct them. Other filmmakers, like Robert Rodriguez, could step in to take over the series and work to maintain the record-breaking box office results and incredible visual effects. If those films keep producing hits, then even more sequels could be made potentially.
As of now, there should be confidence that Avatar 4 will be made, along with the fifth film, allowing Cameron to complete his original plan.
Release Date
December 21, 2029
Producers
Jon Landau
