‘Avatar 2’ Actor David Thewlis Talks About the Incredibly Intricate Way the Sequel Is Being Filmed
We here at MickyBlog can barely contain our excitement over the long-anticipated sequel to Avatar which has currently resumed filming in New Zealand and is slated to be released in 2021.
During the original film, as a recent piece in CinemaBlend points out, cinemagoers got a first look at what was possible when it came to visual effects and motion capture. Audiences fell in love and the film quickly became the highest-grossing film in history.
Though most of the cast of the original film is returning, there will also be some noteworthy new additions. As we previously reported, Kate Winslet will be in the sequel as will Harry Potter alumni David Thewlis. He’ll be playing a Na’vi character in the sequel and recently spoke in an interview about just how complicated filming the movie really is.
According to reports surfacing about the plot of the sequel we do know that it will continue to follow Sully and Neytiri as they start a family of their own. We also know the film will largely be set amongst Pandoras stunning oceans and waterways. In the sequel, Thewlis is playing a member of the Na’vi, and despite his background he said he wasn’t really prepared for the rigours of motion capture.
Thewlis said “I’ve got no idea what my scenes will be like because there are about 16 guys in the room with video cameras but they’re just shooting reference shots for Jim [Cameron] to look at later. What those guys are shooting will never be on the screen, what’s being shot is obviously on these sensors. There are about 200 around the room, doing their thing. I am a Na’vi, I’m a blue thing in it – which I didn’t quite understand when I went to meet [Cameron]. I was quite surprised when I got offered that. I’m fascinated to see how I’m going to look because they sort of make them look a bit like oneself. It’s fantastic!”
Thewlis is going to be one of the many actors transforming into a Na’vi through the magic of visual effects. The process requires a full bodysuit, a ton of cameras and dots on actors faces to help in the mapping process.
If you’re as excited about the sequel as we are, I recommend heading over to Disney+ to check out the original. Though James Cameron has been keeping much of the film under Avatar 2 is currently set to arrive in theaters on December 17th, 2021. In the meantime, check out our 2020 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.
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