Director James Cameron teases new adversaries in 'Avatar' sequel

Director James Cameron said the next installment of the "Avatar" movie franchise will introduce a new challenge to the Sully family on the moon of Pandora, as Walt Disney unveiled the first footage from the film on Thursday.

"Avatar: Fire and Ash" is scheduled to debut in movie theaters in December. It will continue the saga of the blue Na'vi people. Sam Worthington plays Jake Sully, and Zoe Saldana portrays his wife, Neytiri.

Cameron delivered remarks via video to the CinemaCon convention of theater owners in Las Vegas. Cameron said the Sully family "are really put through the ringer" in the new film from New Zealand, where he is finishing work on the movie.

"They face not only the human invaders but new adversaries - the Ash people," he said.

Cameron added, "I’m sending you a reel to give you a taste of the spectacle and the increased emotional heart and soul."

Cinema operators are eager to show the next "Avatar." The first installment is the top box office hit of all time, while part two is third. Avengers: Endgame sits in between.

So far this year, overall movie ticket sales in the United States and Canada are 11% below last year's levels.

"I hope this film can provide a shot in the arm for theater owners," Cameron said. "We're still struggling after the one-two punch of the pandemic and streaming."

Saldana appeared in person at CinemaCon and said the movie will introduce the wind traders, "a peaceful, nomadic air-traveling clan."