'Avatar 2' Release Date & Cast: Production Begins April in New Zealand, Film Won't Compete With 'Star Wars: Episode 8' in December 2017

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New reports are suggesting that "Avatar 2" will be delayed because the production team doesn't want to compete with "Star Wars: Episode VIII."

The sequel to the blockbuster film "Avatar" is initially scheduled to hit the big screens this December. Unfortunately, the return of the Omaticayan clan is being pushed back.

"Avatar 2" is not yet ready for Christmas 2017, The Wrap reported. The studio declined to explain the reason behind the delay. At the time, there is no release date for the movie and no word about the other two sequels, which is supposed to come out in 2018 and 2019.

Per the report, this is the second time "Avatar 2" was pushed back. It was a bit intriguing because Cameron said that a 2017 release was on track. Fox Chairman-CEO Jim Gianopulos confirmed the same thing last summer after visiting the director in his office in New Zealand.

There are speculations that James Cameron does not want to compete with the next "Star Wars" film. "Star Wars: Episode VIII" is slated for a May 2017 release but Disney pushed it back to December, in hopes of a lucrative run during the holiday season, Daily Mail Online reported.

At the time, the "Avatar" team has nothing to fear with the "Star Wars" team. "Avatar" remains the highest-grossing film of all time. It won Oscar for Best Art Direction, Best Cinematograpy and Best Visual Effects.

Actually, Cameron is on the lead over J.J. Abrams because "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" is only at number 3 on the list of all-time top grossing films globally. It is trailing behind Cameron's "Avatar" and "Titanic."

The delay will surely dishearten the "Avatar" fans. However, there is nothing to worry because the return of the Blue-flute clan is at bay. Fans will eventually see Neytiri and Jake Sully soon.

NzHerald reported that "Avatar 2" and the other two sequels would start production in New Zealand in April. The three sequels are scheduled to be released one year after another. Since the first sequel will be delayed, more likely the other two will also be pushed back.

My Entertainment World reported that shooting would start in California's Manhattan Beach and New Zealand. The website also shared the premise of the film stating, "Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) permanently transfers his consciousness to his Na'vi avatar and begins a new life with Princess Neytiri (Zoe Saldana) after they defeat the human colonisers."

What do you think is the reason behind the delay of "Avatar 2"? When will it be available? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.