Thirteen years after moviegoers first experienced the world of Pandora through the groundbreaking (and award-winning) visual effects in “Avatar,” its long-awaited sequel “Avatar: The Way of Water” upped the ante by taking the story underwater. Now, for one weekend only – April 22 (Earth Day) and April 23, 2023 – fans can step into the movie themselves at “The Art of Avatar: The Way of Water – An Immersive Experience” at the Lighthouse Artspace Los Angeles.
The 25,000-square-foot exhibit space (formally Hollywood’s iconic Amoeba music store) has previously hosted other experiential installations like the original Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit.
The space will now be transformed into the spectacular world of Pandora through state-of-the-art technology and cutting-edge special effects, with floor-to-ceiling projections that bring scenes from the film to life, including the amazing underwater Metkayina village.
“The Art of Avatar: The Way of Water – An Immersive Experience” also features photo ops with life-size statues, props, and costumes from the film.
Disney is presenting this special exhibition for free over Earth Day weekend to celebrate the annual event supporting environmental protection, a message also emphasized in the “Avatar” movies.
“There’s a conscience of the first film, which I wanted to continue, around our remaining natural spaces and how civilization is encroaching on them,” Avatar director James Cameron said in the 20/20 documentary “Avatar: The Deep Dive,” which is currently streaming on Disney Plus.
“The Art of Avatar: The Way of Water – An Immersive Experience” will be presented on April 22 and 23, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Lighthouse Art Space Los Angeles on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood. Free timed tickets are first-come, first-serve and are available through Universe.com or directly HERE.
Read about other ways Disney is celebrating Earth Day here:
Avatar in the Parks
In 2017, Pandora and its Navi people found a home in Disney Animal Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World, immersing park guests in Avatar’s mystical world of bioluminescent rainforests and floating mountains. Animal Kingdom celebrates its milestone 25th anniversary on Earth Day 2023.
During February’s earnings call, Disney CEO Big Iger announced an Avatar-inspired experience would also be coming to the Disneyland Resort. While Iger gave no details about what guests can expect at Disneyland, the resort currently offers nothing Avatar-related, so the announcement alone was big news – and immediately fueled speculation about how (and where) Pandora would materialize in Anaheim.
Read about the Avatar experience at Disneyland in our latest project tracker (including a poll of potential park locations):
The Avatar Film Franchise
“Avatar: The Way of Water” is the first of four “Avatar” sequels, with the other three tentatively titled “Avatar: The Seed Bearer,” “Avatar: The Tulkun Rider,” and “Avatar: The Quest for Eywa.”
“The Seed Bearer” was filmed simultaneously with “The Way of Water” and, therefore, several cast members reprised their roles. Additional sequel cast and characters that have been announced are Oscar-winner Michelle Yeoh as Dr. Karina Mogue, Oona Chaplain as Varang, and Giovanni Ribisi as Parker Selfridge.
“Jim is so immersed in the vision of Avatar and what it is,” “Avatar: The Way of Water” actor Kate Winslet said in the 20/20 documentary. “It’s an extremely clear universe that he has created.”
You can find more information about the Avatar sequels HERE.
Let’s Hear From You!
Are you planning to attend “The Art of Avatar: The Way of Water – An Immersive Experience” to celebrate Earth Day this weekend? Are you looking forward to more Avatar-themed experiences and attractions in Disney parks, and where do you think it fits best at Disneyland? Let us know in the comments.
