James Cameron's "Avatar" Sequels Head To Manhattan Beach

The blockbuster king passes on shooting underwater scenes in favor of opening a 580,000-square-foot studio.

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James Cameron's two Avatar sequels are scheduled for releases in 2014 and 2015 and now the record-setting filmmaker has settled upon a new shooting location.

The multi-billion dollar films will head to Manhattan Beach. The city, located in southwestern Los Angeles, is known for its surfing and waves that can get as tall as 12 feet (3.7 m). While Cameron has shot down the idea of shooting underwater sequences for the sequels, he has signed a lease for a 580,000-square-foot studio and office facility, complete with 15 sound stages, that is likely to become the new home of Cameron's production company, Lightstorm Entertainment.

With the studio where the first film was shot currently being renovated, the sequels have been in danger of possible delays. But all's well. Since Cameron is still penning the scripts, and talking about the future of cinema, we'll have to wait to see if lightning can strike some more when the movies hit theaters in the quite distant future. 

RELATED: Avatar 2 Set to Hit Theaters In 2016

[via The Hollywood Reporter]

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