Burbank, California - The long-awaited sequel to James Cameron's game-changing 2009 movie is finally upon us. Avatar: The Way of Water debuts this week, but will the follow-up film be a success? The future of the Avatar franchise depends on it.

The ground-breaking science-fiction film Avatar, which introduced the world to the inhabitants of Pandora, set the bar for movie making.

It became the highest-grossing film of all time until it was surpassed by Avengers: Endgame in 2019, and won three Oscars for its stunning visual effects, cinematography, and art direction.

Now, nearly 13 years later, the wait is over as its second installment is nearly here.

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Set more than a decade after the events of the first film, Avatar: The Way of Water follows the journey of the Sully family, with Sam Worthington reprising his role as Jake and Zoe Saldaña returning as Neytiri.

Jake and Neytiri, along with their children, find themselves up against a new enemy threatening their natural paradise and leads to more battles as they fight to stay alive.

Though the highly anticipated film's trailer has teased more cinematic goodness and breathtaking visuals, will the big-budget flick live up to its predecessor's huge legacy?

The world premiere of the sequel was held in London on December 6. And with its actor buzz, glowing early reviews, and having already nabbed a Golden Globe nomination, it seems that the new Avatar may be a hit in its own right. And its producers are holding their breath.

The lucky few who were able to witness early showings of the bum-numbing three-hour-long movie have given the upcoming sequel widespread acclaim on Twitter.

Critic Jeff Nelson wrote, "Avatar: The Way Of Water is a visual marvel with mesmerizing beauty in every frame. James Cameron's sequel thrives when it explores new terrain, crafting bigger and better emotional stakes. The definition of epic."

Fellow critic David Sims gave similar high praise for the film, tweeting, "AVATAR: THE WAY OF WAER absolutely owns bones. I was slapping my seat, hooting, screaming for the Na'vi to take out every last one of those dang sky people."

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Not only are the early reactions likely huge relief for Disney studios, who is hoping to recoup its $350 million-plus budget at the box office, but it's also perhaps good news for future Avatar films.

The film's acclaimed director Cameron spilled to The Hollywood Reporter that the franchise's future depends heavily on the success of the upcoming sequel.

Fans can return to Pandora to see what adventures lay ahead when Avatar: The Way of Water hits theaters December 16.