The highly anticipated film Avatar: The Way of Water is set to hit the small screen for the first time on TF1 this Sunday, December 22, 2024. After making waves at the box office since its release on December 14, 2022, this sequel to the original Avatar has enthralled audiences, drawing over 14 million viewers to theaters across France. TF1 will air the movie starting at 9:10 PM, combining its runtime of 3 hours and 25 minutes with commercials, meaning viewers will need to stay tuned until approximately 12:35 AM to catch the conclusion.
Directed by James Cameron, Avatar: The Way of Water continues the epic saga ten years after the original, focusing on the Sully family—Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña), along with their children. The film sees them facing challenges from returning humans who threaten their homes on the beautiful, fictional planet of Pandora. The family finds solace with the aquatic Metkayina clan, exploring the depths and dangers awaiting them.
What sets this sequel apart is its incredible success, achieving the distinction of the most profitable film of all time across 20 countries, including France. This impressive feat highlights the film's impact on both audiences and the industry, cementing its status as a landmark cinematic achievement.
Besides the strong narrative and stunning visuals, the film showcases the talents of returning cast members like Stephen Lang and Sigourney Weaver, as well as the addition of Kate Winslet, who plays Ronal, the wife of Metkayina chief Tonowari. Winslet took on the challenge of learning to hold her breath for extended periods underwater, leading to her breaking previous records held by famous actors. During filming, Winslet astounded her crew by managing to hold her breath for over seven minutes—a remarkable feat documented and lauded by the production team.
Jon Landau, one of the film’s producers, expressed admiration for Winslet’s dedication. He noted, "Elle a été exceptionnelle," highlighting her performance during the demanding underwater scenes. Winslet later recounted the experience, sharing her thoughts with Total Film, saying, "J’ai la vidéo de moi remontant à la surface en disant : ‘Suis-je morte ? Suis-je décédée ?’" recounting her disbelief at achieving such a technical feat.
With high expectations for this television premiere, many are eager to revisit the captivating world of Pandora, exploring the breathtaking visuals and compelling storytelling. The addition of exciting characters and the exploration of underwater realms only serve to deepen the viewer's experience.
Looking ahead, excitement continues to build as fans anticipate Avatar 3, which is slated for release on December 17, 2025. With each installment, audiences remain captivated by the depth of the interstellar adventures and the battles faced by Jake, Neytiri, and their family.
