Director James Cameron officially announced today that principal photography for Avatar 4 has commenced at Stone Street Studios in New Zealand. Breaking away from the underwater and forest settings of the previous installments, Cameron teased that a significant portion of the fourth film will take place on Earth. This move is intended to show the stark contrast between the dying home planet of the humans and the vibrant world of Pandora, adding a new layer of environmental urgency to the multi-decade saga.

The production is utilizing an upgraded version of "deep-learning" motion capture technology, which allows for even more realistic facial expressions in real-time. Returning cast members, including Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldaña, have reportedly begun their first "volume" sessions today. This announcement comes just as Avatar: The Seed Bearer (Avatar 3) enters its final post-production phase ahead of its scheduled December 2026 release, ensuring that the franchise remains a dominant force in global cinema for the next decade.

Industry analysts suggest that the decision to bring the story back to Earth is a bold narrative shift designed to keep the franchise fresh. Disney has also confirmed that a new line of immersive "Avatar" experiences will be integrated into their California theme parks to coincide with the film's production. With the previous films breaking nearly every box office record, the start of filming for the fourth chapter has already sent shockwaves through the global entertainment market.