The First Reactions For 'Avatar: The Way Of Water' Pour In

The social media embargo has finally been lifted for James Cameron’s highly anticipated Avatar: The Way of Water.

That means that thoughts and opinions of the film from critics and other entertainment journalists are just starting to pour in.

Check out what some of our peers are already saying about the latest entry in Marvel’s Cinematic Universe down below!

Have now seen #Avatar twice and am overwhelmed by both its technical mastery and unexpectedly intimate emotional scope. Yes the world is expanded and sequels teased but the characters are most important. Cameron is in top form, especially in final act. Good to have him back. 🐟 pic.twitter.com/PR9drN5Zph
— Drew Taylor (@DrewTailored) December 6, 2022

#Avatar #TheWayOfWater is the hardest “save the whales” ever & the King of Blockbusters is BACK in a BIG WAY! A beautiful, intimate, story of family; blood & found. Fathers & sons, brothers & sisters across all species. The most universal & compassionate blockbuster of our time. pic.twitter.com/7LeGOdtLIf
— Griffin Schiller (@griffschiller) December 7, 2022

AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER might be James Cameron’s sweetest, gentlest, most personal film. Possibly even his most emotional. It revisits all his greatest hits, but it’s always totally sincere. He is never leaving Pandora. He loves this family. By the end, I did, too.
— Bilge Ebiri (@BilgeEbiri) December 7, 2022

#AvatarTheWayOfWater is not just one of the best sequels ever created… it’s a god damn masterpiece. Breathtaking, visually stunning, & epic in every single way. I’m truly speechless by what James Cameron has crafted & as a huge AVATAR FAN this film lived up the hype. Perfect ❤️ pic.twitter.com/rZXDX6Ehlk
— Zach Pope (@popetheking) December 7, 2022

Avatar: The Way of Water is an EPIC, STUNNING, CINEMATIC ADVENTURE. It delivers on both action & heart while giving fans an intriguing story that feels earned & warranted. Never doubt James Cameron. Biggest issue: feels like a stepping stone for what's next.#AvatarTheWayofWater pic.twitter.com/dQBEfBkN7z
— Tessa Smith – Mama's Geeky (@MamasGeeky) December 6, 2022

AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER introduces a new water culture on Pandora that is technically wondrous. James Cameron’s dialogue still struggles but his storytelling soars as he emotionally invests us in the new characters & creatures. A sincere, stunning epic that was worth the wait. pic.twitter.com/ZUqdJ4Nawd
— Matt Neglia (@NextBestPicture) December 6, 2022

Avatar: The Way of Water left me breathless. Visually stunning, emotionally overwhelming, with some of the most impressive sustained action scenes I’ve ever seen. The performances are incredible too, especially by all the kids. Wow. James Cameron truly doesn’t miss. #Avatar pic.twitter.com/GdwSnZYPYz
— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) December 7, 2022

AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER is breathtakingly beautiful with the most incredible VFX I have ever seen (I saw it in 3D); the story itself is weaker than the first and feels drawn out at 3 hours & 10 minutes, but it’s always great to look at & the last hour is amazing. #Avatar pic.twitter.com/8dEhtvRb4P
— Scott Mantz (@MovieMantz) December 6, 2022

#AvatarTheWayOfWater is a feast for the eyes. Visually, @JimCameron takes us to a place that’s the stuff of pure dreams. But #Avatar also packs an emotional wallop with its family-centred story. A dazzling adventure that is a passionate testament to the theatrical experience. pic.twitter.com/frUYybqMvj
— Mark Daniell (@markhdaniell) December 7, 2022

READ: ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ Runtime Clocks in at Over 3 Hours

Set more than a decade after the events of the first film, Avatar: The Way of Water begins to tell the story of the Sully family, the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive, and the tragedies they endure.

Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Stephen Lang, Joel David Moore, CCH Pounder, Giovanni Ribisi, Dileep Rao, and Matt Gerald reprise their roles from the original film, with Sigourney Weaver returning in a different role. New cast members include Kate Winslet, Cliff Curtis, Edie Falco, Jemaine Clement, and Brendan Cowell.

Directed by James Cameron, Avatar: The Way of Water is scheduled to be released on December 16, 2022, distributed by 20th Century Studios and the film will also be released in RealD 3D, Dolby Cinema, IMAX, and IMAX 3D formats.