The New Zealand-based visual-effects studio that began work on the Avatar sequels in 2017 was Weta Digital. On July 31, 2017, it was announced that the Wellington-based company had commenced work on the sequels.
Weta Digital was central to the visual language of James Cameron’s Avatar films. It developed and rendered complex digital environments, creatures, performances, and effects for Pandora, working alongside Cameron’s production team and other specialist companies. Its work helped turn performance-captured acting into detailed computer-generated characters.
The Avatar sequels were developed and filmed as an unusually large, interconnected production. Principal photography for The Way of Water and Fire and Ash began simultaneously on September 25, 2017. While live-action work was later affected by production delays, visual-effects work continued at Weta Digital in Wellington.
The name can cause confusion because Weta Digital and Wētā Workshop are separate New Zealand companies with different specialties. Weta Digital focused primarily on digital visual effects, while Wētā Workshop is known for physical design, props, costumes, and practical creative work. Framestore, Digital Domain, and Industrial Light & Magic are also major effects companies, but they are not the answer to this question.