'Avatar 2' news, release date: 20th Century Fox's schedule hints Christmas 2018 launch for film

A promotional photo for "Avatar"20th Century Fox

20th Century Fox has announced release dates for its upcoming movies, and while "Avatar 2" was not on the list, its launch date may have been revealed as well.

An untitled film under Lightstorm Entertainment, which is the production company owned by "Avatar" director James Cameron, occupies the slot for Dec. 21, 2018.

This film is believed to be none other than "Avatar 2," seeing Cameron's connection to Lightstorm is the major giveaway.

Moreover, the filmmaker already said before that their target release date for the sequel is Christmas 2018, although he said that it can be moved if necessary.

"We haven't moved that target yet, but we will if we need to. The important thing for me is not when the first one comes out but the cadence of the release pattern. I want them to be released as close together as possible," Cameron told Variety.

"If it's an annual appointment to show up at Christmas, I want to make sure that we're able to fulfill on that promise," he went on to say.

Before the Christmas 2018 release for "Avatar 2" was settled, there were varying reports about the launch date for the film. There were rumors that Cameron does not want the film to clash with "Star Wars Episode 8," which is going to premiere at around the same date as well.

Cameron is working "Avatar 2" and the three other installments that will follow it all at the same time, which he admitted to be one of the most challenging feats to pull off.

Add to that his vision to have these films in high dynamic range and high frame rates, and ultimately make them a no-glasses 3D experience. Whether or not this will prolong the development remains to be seen.

However, it looks like Cameron really is shooting for a Christmas 2018 launch for "Avatar 2."