Thirteen years after James Cameron’s visual spectacle Avatar created history on the big screen by becoming the highest-grossing movie of all time, its sequel, Avatar: The Way of Water, is all set to make a splash at the cinemas. Here’s everything you need to know before watching Avatar: The Way of Water which releases on December 16.

Where do the events of Avatar: The Way of Water take place?

The events are set in Pandora, a moon of Polyphemus, located 4.3 light years from Earth.

What is an Avatar?

Avatars are genetically-engineered human-Na’avi bodies that can be controlled remotely. They have been designed to look like the natives of the planet Pandora.

Who are the Na’vi?

The Na’vi are the native inhabitants of the planet Pandora. They’re blue in colour and about 10 feet tall. They live on the tree of souls — the Omaticaya — and worship Eywa.

Why did humans colonise Pandora?

Pandora is rich in a mineral called Unobtanium. An organisation called the Resources Development Administration wants to mine the rare mineral because it can solve the energy crisis on Earth.

How does Jake Sully come into the picture?

Jake Sully (played by Sam Worthington) is a paraplegic former US Marine who’s sent on a mission to Pandora. His twin brother was involved in the Avatar project but died on Pandora. Sully was expected to take his place. The RDA, however, wanted Jake to befriend the Na’vis and convince them to give up their home tree. He was also tasked with providing intel about the natives to the company.

Did Jake betray humans in Avatar?

During his stay with the Na’vi, Jake came to recognise their rich cultural and spiritual heritage. He understood the significance of Eywa and Omaticaya and realised that humans were exploiting the indigenous folks. He also fell in love with Na’vi princess Neytiri (played by Zoe Saldana) and decided to fight alongside them against humans.

Will Jake and Neytiri be back in Avatar: The Way of Water?

Yes. Jake is the protagonist of this film. He is now the chief of the Na’vi, while Neytiri is the High Priestess. They are married with children.

At which point in the Avatar storyline does the sequel pick up from?

Avatar: The Way of Water is set more than a decade after the events of the previous film. Jake and his family are forced to leave their home and explore new terrains. The scene shifts from the forest to the ocean. The family has to fight against the evil forces to keep each other safe. An old enemy will be back in a new form in this film to exact revenge from Jake.

Who are some of the old characters from Avatar who will be seen again in the sequel?

Apart from Jake and Neytiri, Sigourney Weaver, who played Dr Grace Augustine in Avatar, will return in the sequel. Her character died in the first film, and she will be playing Jake and Neytiri’s daughter, Kiri, in this movie. Stephen Lang, who played the villain Colonel Quaritch in Avatar, will also be seen in a new ‘avatar’ in the sequel.

Are there any new characters in Avatar: The Way of Water?

Kate Winslet has joined the cast of Avatar 2; she will be seen as Na’vi warrior Ronal. Michelle Yeoh and Vin Diesel are also part of this movie. Jake and Neytiri have three children — Neteyam (Jamie FLatters), Lo’ak (Britain Dalton) and Tuktirey (Trinity Bliss) — and an adopted daughter, Kiri. A human boy named Socorro (Jack Champion) also wishes to be part of the Sully family.

Where can one watch Avatar: The Way of Water?

The film is releasing at cinemas in India on December 16 in 2D, 3D, 3D SCREEN X, 4DX 3D and IMAX 3D.