The teaser trailer for James Cameron’s long-gestating and long-delayed sequel – to the point of comedy – Avatar: The Way of Water has released online. The first look was playing in 3D and exclusively in cinemas ahead of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

Set over a decade after the events of the first film, the teaser introduces footage of Pandora’s bright blue water, including some new whale-like animals and stunning landscapes.

Each of the planned four (!) sequels to the 2009 film will centre again on Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), and the lengths the couple will go to to keep their family safe. In this one, Jake Sully lives with his newfound family formed on the planet of Pandora. Once a familiar threat returns to finish what was previously started, Jake must work with Neytiri and the army of the Na’vi race to protect their planet.

Sigourney Weaver and Stephen Lang also return to The Way of Water, with newcomers Michelle Yeoh and Kate Winslet joining the fold.

Cameron’s Avatar remains the top-grossing film of all time at the global box office, so the pressure is on for its sequel to live up to the hype.

Avatar: The Way of Water releases in cinemas on December 16th. Check out the teaser trailer.