James Cameron to attend star-studded Avatar: Fire and Ash premiere at Wellington’s Embassy Theatre

The Wellington theatre that was thrust into cinematic limelight when it hosted the 2003 world premiere of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King is set to stage another star-studded premiere.

It was announced today that the Embassy Theatre, situated at the Eastern end of Courtenay Place, will host the New Zealand premiere of Avatar: Fire and Ash on Saturday December 13.

The companies behind the franchise, 20th Century Studios and Lightstorm Entertainment, confirmed that director James Cameron would be in attendance “as well as special guests and filmmakers”.

Fire and Ash is the third film in the Avatar series, created by Oscar-winning filmmaker Cameron.

The plot of the science fiction film takes audiences back to Pandora in “an immersive new adventure with Marine turned Na’vi leader Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), Na’vi warrior Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), and the Sully family”.

The film also stars Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Oona Chaplin, Kate Winslet, Cliff Curtis, Edie Falco, Jemaine Clement and Giovanni Ribisi.

The film was shot in Aotearoa, filmed simultaneously with Avatar: The Way of Water beginning in September 2017. Filming wrapped in late December 2020. The film’s theatrical release has been subject to nine delays.

In 2013 the New Zealand Government signed a memorandum of understanding with Lightstorm Entertainment and Twentieth Century Fox to ensure three Avatar films were made in New Zealand. The agreement required one world premiere to be held in Wellington and at least $500 million to be spent on production activity in New Zealand, including live-action filming and visual effects.

Provided the films fulfilled the requirements set out in the memorandum, the production qualified for a rebate of 25%.

The Avatar franchise began with the eponymous film, released in 2009, which is the highest-grossing motion picture of all time. With the first film and its four sequels having a combined budget estimated at $1 billion, the franchise is one of the most expensive franchises ever created. It has grossed more than $5.2b worldwide.

As well as the Aotearoa premiere, the promotional tour for the film will include events in Hollywood, Paris, Tokyo, Sydney and London.

Avatar: Fire and Ash opens in New Zealand cinemas on December 18. The fourth and fifth instalments of the franchise are expected to be released in December 2029 and December 2031.