'Avatar' franchise takes a big leap forward in casting new lead role for Cliff Curtis

Image from AMC

By Darian Scalamoni

            After years of hearing of potential dates of when the Avatar sequels will be released, we finally have some news that could be reassuring for fans of the original film that still stands as the highest-grossing movie of all time. According to THR, Cliff Curtis who is best known for his role on AMC’s Fear the Walking Dead has been cast as a lead role in all four Avatar sequels.

            Curtis is set to play Tonowari, the leader of the Metkayina reef people clan which are housed underwater in Pandora. Cameron has been saying for years that the sequels would explore a whole new environment beneath the surface and it seems that Curtis’ Metkayina will play a major role going forward with the story arcs of Avatar 2-5. He’s the first new actor to join the franchise as Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana and Sigourney Weaver are set to reprise their roles at least for Avatar 2. For fans of Fear the Walking Dead, this news likely means the demise for Travis Manawa in Season 3, but that’s just a guess given the incredible filming process these films require.

            20^th Century Fox recently pinned down the release dates going forward for the Avatar franchise with Avatar 2 and 3 hitting theaters in December 2020 and 2021, with Avatar 4 and 5 following that in December 2024 and 2025. The plan currently is for Cameron to shoot the first two sequels first back-to-back before heading to post and then shooting the final two films.

            How do you guys feel about the news of Curtis’ casting for Avatar going forward? Is anyone excited for these movies anymore? Sound off in the comments and let us know!