‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ finally gets its Disney Plus release date, but there’s a twist

We all saw Avatar: The Way of Water as James Cameron intended over the last winter season: on the biggest screen possible. Now we’re about to see it as nature intended: on our tiny phone screens. That’s right, Disney Plus has finally revealed when we can expect to view the sci-fi sequel phenomenon on streaming.

Avatar: The Way of Water is officially coming to Disney Plus on June 7. As well as the full three-hour, 12-minute film, those for some reason looking for even more Pandora-set screen time will be able to enjoy bonus content featuring filmmakers, cast, and crew. What’s more, in a rather unique situation, subscribers to a certain other rival streaming service will likewise be able to watch the movie, as Avatar 2 drops on Max the very same day.

The double-dip is most certainly due to a streaming deal put in place between 20th Century Fox and Max before the former was acquired by Walt Disney in 2019. As such, a film that was shown in theaters for nearly three months, grossed $2.32 billion at the box office, and became the third highest-grossing movie of all time will also have the chance to get in front of double the number of phone screens and living rooms. It only makes sense. 

Although June 7 marks the film’s official Disney Plus (and Max) debut, the movie has been available to stream as far back as March 29. At that time, the sequel was bogged down by the familiar tidal wave of complaints it received the first time around back in 2009, which ranged from its exorbitantly long run time to its cookie-cutter storyline. This time, however, the complaints have doubled. 

Indeed, despite its astronomical financial success, the film has occupied a mysterious realm of ambiguity. People either love it or they hate it, like most other insanely popular films. There is no shortage of opinions, just like there will be no shortage of moviegoers tuning in to watch the sci-fi spectacular now that it’s available to stream from our tiny little phone screens. 

Whether you like it or not, Avatar: The Way of Water will be available to stream on Disney Plus starting June 7. Oh, and on Max – don’t forget Max.