A new photo from the set of Avatar 2 features Sigourney Weaver as a human, likely indicating the new film will revisit the first installment. Released back in 2009, Avatar was a massive financial hit that went on to earn 9 Academy Award nominations (it won 3 of them). James Cameron's original sci-fi epic centered on Jake Scully (Sam Worthington), a paraplegic Marine who travels to the planet Pandora and becomes heavily involved with the Na'vi, the planet's natives, while other humans seek to exploit Pandora's resources. Cameron has since planned for five total Avatar films, though they've been heavily delayed over the years.
Fans got some hope in the from of production on the Avatar sequels finally starting up, with Avatar 2 scheduled for December 17, 2021. However, Avatar 2 could see itself delayed once more because of the coronavirus pandemic, which has shut down physical production. Producer Jon Landau issued a statement following the shutdown explaining work on the film's visual effects is ongoing, though it's unclear exactly how much live action photography is still required for the film. As of right now, very few productions have been able to resume.
To bolster fans' excitement during the shutdown, Avatar's official Twitter account shared a photo (originally from Landau's Instagram) directly "From the set of the Avatar sequels." It includes Landau, Weaver, and actor Joel David Moore on the Site 26 Shack set, which is one of the bases used by the humans in the first Avatar. The costumes worn by Weaver and Moore further suggest they're shooting a flashback to the first film, as they match those from before. You can see the picture down below:
Weaver's involvement with the Avatar sequels has been a particularly interesting tease for fans, mainly because her character, Dr. Grace Augustine, died in the first film. Jake and the other Na'vi attempted to fully bond Grace to her avatar, but the process failed. Weaver is attached to all four Avatar sequels, which leads one to wonder if she'll somehow come back from the dead. However, this new set photo does reveal flashbacks will be included in Avatar 2, which could mean Weaver's part won't be in the present day.
Considering how long it's been since the first Avatar blew into theaters, expectations are high for the sequels. It's unclear how well they'll perform, because on one hand, the first film's performance suggests impressive box office runs for those to come. On the other, there's a chance the general public isn't as interested in four brand new Avatar movies. Avatar 2's box office prospects will become clearer as its release gets closer, though for what it's worth, star Stephen Lang is very confident it'll do well. Maybe the promise of Weaver's return will help entice people back.
Source: Avatar/Twitter, Jon Landau/Instagram