UPDATE: The highly anticipated Australian premiere of Avatar: Fire and Ash has been abruptly canceled following a tragic shooting incident in Bondi Beach that left 16 dead and over 40 injured. Event organizers announced the decision today, December 15, 2023, expressing their deep condolences for the victims and their families.
In a statement shared with multiple media outlets, organizers declared, “Out of deep respect for the victims of the Bondi shooting, the planned Avatar: Fire and Ash premiere event today in Sydney has been cancelled.” This emotional response comes as the community grapples with the aftermath of the violent attack during a Hanukkah celebration, which has shocked the nation.
The premiere was set to feature acclaimed director James Cameron and Australian star Sam Worthington, both slated to attend. In addition to the premiere, a press junket was also scheduled but has since been called off.
Authorities report that two suspected assailants, a father-son duo, were involved in the shooting. The father was shot dead by police at the scene, while the son is currently hospitalized in critical condition under police guard. The horrific event has drawn widespread condemnation from leaders, with New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon stating, “This type of disgraceful activity, the taking of innocent lives is unacceptable to New South Wales.”
In a press conference, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese denounced the attack as “an act of evil anti-Semitism, terrorism, that has struck the heart of our nation.” He emphasized that an attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian, highlighting the unity of the community in the face of violence.
Originally slated for a theatrical release on December 19, 2023, Avatar: Fire and Ash is the third installment in the iconic franchise, following the success of its predecessors. The original Avatar film debuted in 2009, and its sequel, Avatar: Way of Water, was released in 2022.
Just a day prior to the Sydney premiere, a successful screening took place in New Zealand, attended by Cameron and Worthington, among others. The film, which boasts an impressive cast including Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, and Kate Winslet, was celebrated in its release abroad, but the mood now shifts to mourning and reflection in Australia.
As the nation comes to terms with this devastating incident, the focus remains on the victims and their families. People across Australia are urged to support one another in a time of grief and solidarity.
The situation is still developing, and further updates are anticipated as authorities continue their investigations. Stay tuned for more information as this story unfolds.
