The kind folks over at 20th Century Fox and Disney sent me an early screener for their brand-new two-part docuseries now streaming on Disney+, Fire and Water: Making the Avatar Films. Directed by Thomas C. Grane, who previously worked with James Cameron on The Making of True Lies and other behind-the-scenes Avatar projects, this two-parter gives fans an in-depth look at how these groundbreaking films came together.
If you’re a fan of the Avatar franchise in any capacity, this is an absolute treat. It’s not the first behind-the-scenes project tied to these films, but it adds real value to the experience. What you get here is an incredible showcase of how much collaboration, creativity, and sheer hard work goes into bringing these massive productions to life. From developing new technology to months of prep work before filming even begins, the documentary puts a spotlight on the passion and innovation that define the franchise.
While the docuseries touches briefly on Avatar: Fire and Ash, the main focus is on The Way of Water. The marketing might make it seem like there’s more about the upcoming film than there actually is, but what’s here still offers exciting glimpses of what’s ahead. It’s fascinating to see how Cameron and his team designed The Way of Water to pave the way for the future films and how every creative decision builds toward a larger plan.
One of the strongest aspects of this series is getting to see James Cameron himself at the center of everything. He’s an idea machine, surrounded by teams of insanely talented people who bring those ideas to life. Whether it’s engineers designing massive water tanks, prop makers crafting intricate sets, or actors going through intense underwater training, everyone involved clearly believes in the vision. Watching the process unfold gives you a deeper appreciation for what it takes to make a film like The Way of Water possible.
As someone who grew up falling in love with movies through behind-the-scenes footage from Star Wars and other classics, I always appreciate when filmmakers take big swings and try to push the medium forward. Even when there are setbacks or technical challenges, the drive to innovate is what makes these projects special. This docuseries captures that spirit perfectly.
At the end of the day, Fire and Water: Making the Avatar Films is a love letter to filmmaking itself. It highlights a director who’s constantly striving to expand what’s possible, surrounded by a team of artists and technicians who match that passion every step of the way. Whether you’re a longtime Avatar fan or just someone who appreciates the craft of movie-making, this two-part series is absolutely worth checking out.
Rating: 10/10