Set more than a decade after the events of the first film, “Avatar: The Way of Water” begins to tell the story of the Sully family (Jake, Neytiri, and their kids), the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive, and the tragedies they endure.

Directed by James Cameron and produced by Cameron and Jon Landau, the film stars Zoe Saldana, Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Cliff Curtis, Joel David Moore, CCH Pounder, Edie Falco, Jemaine Clement and Kate Winslet.

Returning stars include Sam Worthington as Jake Sully, Zoe Saldaña returning as Na’vi Neytiri, Sigourney Weaver as Dr. Grace Augustine, and Stephen Lang as Colonel Miles Quaritch. Along with the original cast, some big-name newcomers are joining the fray, including Vin Diesel and director James Cameron’s Titanic star Kate Winslet.

The film is slated to hit theaters on December 16th and is the first of three sequels to Avatar (2009). James Cameron’s influential film became the highest-grossing film of all time, with its revolutionary CGI and special effects. The movie helped elevate special effects into its current advanced state, establishing the bar for everything CGI. Now the sequel looks to do the same, using new technologies and special underwater filming techniques pioneered by Cameron, who has spent the last decade developing them.

The Way of Water is expected to be available in several formats like 3D, and 4K with high frame rates, taking full advantage of the new technologies and improved effects. Cameron is looking to push the boundaries of epic filmmaking yet again, and The Way of the Water is really shaping up to be a must-see theatrical event.

Avatar: The Way Of The Water