‘Avatar’ sequel crew prepare for take two

AVATAR producer Jon Landau says he and his team are returning to New Zealand as production resumes on the long-awaited sequels to the 2009 blockbuster.

Production of the films was put on hold in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

But Landau, who is based in the US, wrote on Instagram on Friday that ‘‘we couldn’t be more excited to be headed back to

New Zealand next week’’.

He shared a photo of one of the sets from the movie: ‘‘Check out the Matador, a high speed forward command vessel (bottom) and the Picador jetboat (top) – can’t wait to share more.’’

It was not immediately clear whether Landau and his crew would be subject to New Zealand’s quarantine or managed isolation requirements for arrivals into the country, which would see them spend two weeks in a hotel.

The New Zealand Film Commission said productions would be subject to quarantine for border entry.

‘‘If a border exception is applied to a production, those arriving would be required to follow the strict standard twoweek quarantine procedures,’’ said CEO Annabelle Sheehan.

Allowing a ‘‘small number of