Avatar 2: James Cameron returns to New Zealand to direct long-awaited sequels

Director James Cameron has arrived in New Zealand ahead of production resuming for the Avatar sequels.

Two months after filming came to a halt due to the coronavirus crisis, producer Jon Landau shared a picture as he and Cameron touched down at Wellington International Airport.

Wearing face masks and protective visors, the producer confirmed that they would be self-isolating for 14 days before they begin filming.

“Made it to New Zealand. Our 14-day government supervised self-isolation now begins,” Landau wrote.

Zoe Saldana, who plays Neytiri in the science fiction franchise, commented: “God bless you all!!! Miss you madly!!”

Last week, Landau confirmed that Avatar 2 and the other sequels would be one of the first major studio movies to resume filming amid the coronavirus crisis, with members of the cast due to return to New Zealand this week.

Production was shut down back in March as New Zealand began a strict lockdown process and prepared to close its borders.

All four sequels are to be filmed in the coming months, with a recent report claiming that the films are costing more than $1bn (£808m) to make.