Thirteen years later, “Avatar” returns to theaters in 4k version

The first sequel to the hit movie “Avatar” will focus on protecting the family and expand the world of Pandora that has enchanted audiences for more than a decade.

“Avatar 2: The Way of the Waters” in James Cameron , is scheduled to hit theaters in December. Before that, the Walt Disney Co is releasing a remastered version of the original 2009 film, in 4k version, starting this Thursday (22).

The first “Avatar” movie focused on a battle for natural resources between human settlers and the blue Na’vi people on a moon called Pandora.

The actor Sam Worthington said that “O Caminho das Águas” features his character, Jake Sully, and Neytiri, from Zoe Saldana like parents working to protect their family from harm.

“This love story has evolved,” Worthington said. “We now have a family, and to be honest, for me, the movie is about protecting the family.”

“Be an immediate family, it works on many levels. It may be family we choose,” she added.

The original “Avatar” is the highest-grossing film of all time, with over $2.8 billion in global ticket sales worldwide. And four more “Avatar” movies are planned through 2028.

Asked if she knew why Cameron took so long to deliver a sequel, Saldana said “it’s his process.”

“He is a craftsman. He does it in his time, through a lot of research,” she said.

Worthington said Cameron wrote a script for “Avatar 1.5” to help him understand what he meant in the second film.

“He’s a man who cares about the story he’s telling, and he’s dedicated much of his life to telling it, sharing it with the world,” said Worthington.

The actor added that “Avatar: The Way of the Waters” will feel familiar to fans, but “it’s not a repeat of the same story.”

Watch the trailer for 2009’s “Avatar”: