When Avatar premiered in 2009, it marked a major step forward in CGI technology, allowing viewers to see the world of Pandora for the first time. With over 10 years to develop new technology, Avatar 2 aims to feature even better visual effects.

Three VFX artists created a video analyzing the CGI in the Avatar

 The Way of Water trailer. They explained that although Avatar 2 had to maintain the aesthetic of the first movie, all of the effects were updated. In particular, the VFX artists examined a close-up shot of a Navi tightening a leather strap near the water. 

In the first Avatar film, it seems likely that Cameron will only improve the visual effects of Avatar 2

 The Way of Water trailers is so advanced that they were mistaken for practical effects. While it is good to have this proof, viewers never needed to worry due to Avatar 2’s director, James Cameron.

 Avatar 2's trailer VFX was probably not accurate to the final film

Avatar 2's trailer VFX was probably not accurate to the final film. When creating movies, visual effects are often one of the last elements completed. Due to this, early trailers tend to have lower-quality CGI than the movies they advertise. 

Avatar 2 will not release until December 16, 2022

Since Avatar 2 will not release until December 16, 2022, it is possible that the CGI in the trailer will be improved before the movie premieres