The filming of “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” the much-anticipated sequel to the Avatar saga, has had an exciting journey. Directed by James Cameron, the film has been in the making for several years, with filming starting simultaneously for both “Avatar: The Way of Water” and “Fire and Ash” in 2017. Fans of the franchise have been eagerly waiting for updates on the film’s production, and a recent behind-the-scenes post from actress Bailey Bass, who plays a key role, has given us an exclusive peek into the making of the movie.
Avatar: Fire and Ash Filming Locations and Timeline
Principal filming for “Avatar: Fire and Ash” began on September 25, 2017, in Manhattan Beach, California. However, the bulk of the filming took place in New Zealand, where the live-action scenes were shot starting in early 2019. Despite the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, production continued, with the filming being postponed in March 2020 but resuming in May 2020 after special health and safety protocols were put in place by the New Zealand government.
The production took several steps forward in 2020, with a major update in September 2020 when James Cameron announced that 95% of “Avatar: Fire and Ash” had been completed, wrapping up filming by December 2020. Cameron also mentioned that work on visual effects (VFX) was still ongoing, with the team making incredible progress on the technological aspects of the film.
In “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” we see the Na’vi people facing new challenges. Recently the much-awaited trailer for “Avatar: Fire and Ash” has been released.
Current Updates
In February 2024, Cameron shared that “Avatar: Fire and Ash” was nearly complete, with only about 2-3% of pick-ups remaining. Filming for “Avatar 4” had already begun, and the production team was in the middle of post-production. Cameron also noted how the VFX process was now moving forward at full speed, with a highly skilled team of artists working tirelessly to perfect the visual magic for fans to enjoy.
Bailey Bass Shares a Behind-the-Scenes Moment from Avatar: Fire and Ash Set
In a recent post on Instagram, Bailey Bass, who plays one of the central characters in the movie, shared a behind-the-scenes glimpse from the set. The actress posted a picture of herself in full motion-capture attire, complete with the distinctive Na’vi face paint and body suit. The post, which was shared just a week ago, excited fans who have been waiting for any updates about the movie’s progress. In the image, Bailey Bass is seen posing for a selfie while on set, hinting at the level of dedication required for the character she plays in “Avatar: Fire and Ash.” The excitement was clear from the comments on her post, with fans expressing their enthusiasm for her performance in the upcoming film.
Final Thoughts
With filming nearly completed, “Avatar: Fire and Ash” is well on its way to becoming another groundbreaking addition to the Avatar franchise. Fans are eagerly awaiting the release of the film, which promises to be full of stunning visuals, heart-pounding action, and emotional moments. With updates like the one shared by Bailey Bass, it’s clear that the cast and crew are dedicated to making this movie a masterpiece. As production wraps up and the VFX team continues their work, the film’s release will undoubtedly be one of the most anticipated cinematic events of the coming years.
Avatar 3 is set to release on December 19, 2025, by 20th Century Studios.