We still have more than two years before the first of four planned "Avatar" sequels is set to hit theaters, but according to star Sigourney Weaver, half of those films have finished shooting. And what little the actress can reveal about them so far should certainly pique fans' interest.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Weaver chatted about the status of the follow-ups, which are in the midst of an ambitious -- and unprecedented -- back-to-back-to-back-to-back shooting schedule, led by writer-director James Cameron. The actress told THR that she "just finished shooting two and three," referring to "Avatar 2" and "Avatar 3" (whose names we assume will change as their release dates approach), and is now working on "Avatar 4" and "Avatar 5."

Cameron has already stated that the production will be using the most revolutionary filmmaking technology currently available, and that will be implemented in part while shooting underwater scenes. According to Weaver, she "learned how to free dive" for the films, and "did many scenes underwater which was challenging and kind of cool."

That setting is a key piece of the "Avatar" sequels' puzzle, the actress told THR, and "the water becomes another world." All told, each film is its own story, but the four features unite to become "a big saga."

"They’re amazing," Weaver gushed to THR, echoing previous comments she made about the long-awaited follow-ups to the 2009 original. "There’s a message to not sacrifice everything for greed and conquest. It will take all four movies to really make that message loud and clear for the whole world."

It certainly sounds like "Avatars 2-5" will follow in the first film's footsteps in that regard. Now, the only thing that remains to be seen is whether or not they meet their current release dates.

As it stands, "Avatar 2"is set to premiere on December 18, 2020, followed by "Avatar 3" on December 17, 2021, "Avatar 4" on December 20, 2024, and "Avatar 5" on December 19, 2025.

[via: The Hollywood Reporter, h/t Screen Crush]