Eric Saindon, VFX Supervisor at Weta FX, discussed the visual effects techniques utilized in a key scene from Avatar: The Way of Water during a recent episode of the Corridor Crew podcast. The scene features actor Sam Worthington’s character, Jake Sully, wrapping a strap around his hand for a skimwing ride, captured in a kiddie pool for water realism.
Saindon explained that the filming involved stunt double Kevin Dorman, whose arm and hand were prepped for integration with CGI. The practical effects from the lower forearm down, including the strap and some water droplets, were retained and enhanced with computer-generated imagery to complete the shot.
Avatar: The Way of Water, directed by James Cameron and released in December 2022, is the sequel to the original Avatar (2009) and was well-received, grossing over $2.3 billion against a budget of approximately $450 million. The film boasts a critic rating of 76% and a 92% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
What’s Next For The Avatar Franchise?
The next installment, Avatar: Fire and Ash, will arrive in theaters on December 19, 2025. This film will introduce the Mangkwan Clan and will see the return of several characters, including Jake Sully and Neytiri, alongside new characters like Varang, played by Oona Chaplin.
- Why it matters: Understanding the blend of practical effects and CGI can inform businesses in the film industry about efficient production techniques that enhance visual storytelling.
- The latest: Avatar: Fire and Ash is set to be released in theaters on December 19, 2025, continuing the franchise’s exploration of Pandora.
Source: https://www.cbr.com/avatar-the-way-of-water-viral-cgi-moment-explained/
Source: https://www.cbr.com/avatar-the-way-of-water-viral-cgi-moment-explained/