Actress Zoe Saldana has signed on for three Avatar sequels, with co-star Sam Worthington.
James Cameron‘s Avatar was as instant blockbuster in 2009, as viewers journeyed to the mystical, fantasy land of Pandora, where humans and avatars collided. Avatar 2 has been in pre-production for the last few months, despite a uncompleted script. Production is slated to begin later this year with a December 2016 release. According to insiders, each sequel will be released back-to-back-to-back, with Avatar 3 being released December 2017, and the fourth installment being released December 2018.
Saldana discussed her thoughts on the blockbuster’s franchise sequels with MTV: ”I went down to the studio that they’ve been setting up for the past three years. It was wonderful.”
“Jim took us and gave us a tour of all the reference pictures, telling us the stories. I haven’t been able to read the scripts. They’re still working on them.”
“We kind of get choked up. [Jim] gets emotional telling us about the story. I get emotional hearing about it, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Although details of the plots for the sequels are unknown, Saldana’s and Worthington’s characters, Sully and Neytiri respectively, are rumored to have kids. Stephen Lang, the actor who played the angry Marine Colonel Quaritch, will also return, despite his character dying in the 2009 film.