Avatar 2’s Most Viral CGI Moment Detailed by Visual Effects Experts

Top professionals in the field explain how amazing live-action visual effects and CGI technology were combined to create one of the most stunning scenes in the entire series.

While on the Corridor Crew podcast, VFX Supervisor Eric Saindon from Weta FX explained how they created the memorable scene featuring Sam Worthington’s Jake Sully securing a strap around his hand before his initial skimwing flight. Saindon remembered Jim [Cameron] stating, “I can film with an actor for an hour on set and get the action I need. Or I can spend three months working with you all to perfect everything.” Saindon shared that Cameron opted to film the scene directly, and they actually did so in a small pool.

Saidon then detailed how the shot was done using practical effects. Actor Kevin Dorman acted as a stunt double, and his arm and hand were painted to blend with the effects later on. The scene was filmed on set inside a plastic kiddie pool, which ensured the water effects and movement looked perfectly realistic.

After that, the process involved utilizing the usable footage from the live-action shot and then completing the rest of the scene with computer-generated imagery to ensure a seamless match. “We retained [from approximately the lower forearm] downwards, the strap on his hand, and a small amount of water between his fingers. Everything else was created using CGI,” Saidon explained.

Directed by James Cameron, who also co-wrote the story with Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver, The Way of Water returned viewers to the incredible alien world of Pandora in 2022 for a new, breathtaking sci-fi experience. The film performed exceptionally well in cinemas, earning over $2.3 billion despite costing approximately $450 million to produce.

The film was highly praised by both critics and viewers. It earned a 76% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, based on over 450 verified reviews. Audiences also loved it, giving the film a 92% approval rating, measured by the platform’s user-based popcorn meter.

What’s Next For The Avatar Franchise?

Moviegoers are excitedly anticipating the arrival of , which promises to reveal a completely new facet of Pandora. The narrative will now center around the Mangkwan Clan, also known as the Ash People – a Na’vi group we haven’t seen before. They’ve abandoned the traditional beliefs and customs of their people, instead creating a society known for its intense violence and destructiveness.

The movie will feature Sam Worthington as Jake Sully, with Zoe Saldaña, Stephen Lang, and Sigourney Weaver all returning to play Neytiri, Colonel Miles Quaritch, and Kiri, respectively.Fire and Ash will also introduce Oona Chaplin as Varang, the leader of the Ash People. She sees a chance to ruin the Metkayina Clan’s beautiful home by joining forces with Colonel Quaritch and his soldiers.

Avatar: Fire and Ash is set to arrive in theaters on Dec. 19.

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2025-09-29 16:10