Since its original release in 2009,Avatarhas returned to theaters and aired on select cable channels many times, but it’s coming to broadcast TV for the first time ever this weekend. According toCollider, James Cameron’s science fiction epic will air on ABC on Sunday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m., Eastern Time.
Of course, audiences with a Disney+ subscription or a DVD of the movie can seeAvatarat any time, but for those without either, now is their chance to recap the events of the first film before the sequel,Avatar: The Way of Water, hits theaters on Dec. 16. WhileAvataris often called one of the best IMAX films of all time, it’s still quite impressive on a regular TV screen. If you haven’t been introduced to the saga yet, this Sunday will provide an opportunity to see what the buzz is about.
If you’re unfamiliar with the premise,Avatartakes place in the future on a far-off but fertile moon called Pandora. The air on Pandora is toxic to humans, who need special machinery to breathe there as they mine the moon’s precious resources. A sentient but primitive race of tall, blue-skinned humanoids call the Na’vi live there, and the humans link with synthetic bodies resembling the Na’vi to communicate with them and explore Pandora. These synthetic bodies are called Avatars, hence the movie’s name.
Since there’s been a 13-year gap betweenAvatarmovies, fans will likely want to refresh themselves on the series - if they haven’t already.Avatarhas been re-released in theaters multiple times. Its most recent stint in cinemas was in September of this year, which continued to increase the film’s already record-breaking box office numbers.Avatarwill also air on Freeform on Dec. 15 and 18 and again on FX on Dec. 26.
Related:Avatar: The Way of Water Cast Discuss the Extreme Standards James Cameron Set for the Film
Early Showings ofAvatar: The Way Of WaterHave Positive Reviews
Although it’s yet to be released everywhere, advanced screenings ofAvatar: The Way of Waterhave been met with warm receptions, with many audiences calling it better than the first.
A broadcast TV release is a smart bet for the producers since audiences usually don’t want to watch a sequel without at least loosely remembering the original. BecauseAvatar: The Way of Waterwill beone of the most expensive films ever made, it will need to smash into the box office to recover its costs and do even better than that for further sequels to be released. James Cameron has already written fourAvatarsequels and partially filmed two of them.
Avatarwas directed, written, and produced by James Cameron and distributed by 20th Century Fox. It starred Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, and Stephen Lang.Avatar: The Water of Waterhas most of the original cast returning and is set to release in theaters later this month, on Dec. 16.
