The cast, crew and producers of the third Avatar film, Avatar: Fire and Ash, were greeted by large crowds as they walked the red carpet to Wellington’s Embassy Theatre, highlighting the city’s strong connection to the global film franchise.
Director James Cameron, now a New Zealand citizen, praised the pride and talent of local filmmakers but warned more support was needed to keep major productions in the country, urging the government to revisit screen rebate settings.
The film, which employed up to 1,600 crew over three years and required immense visual effects computing power, showcased Wellington’s technical expertise, according to senior VFX and animation supervisors.
Actors including Sam Worthington and Jack Champion spoke warmly of their time in the capital and the contribution of local crews, as fans packed streets, balconies and nearby vantage points ahead of the film’s New Zealand release on 18 December.
