UPDATE: The highly anticipated Australian premiere of Avatar: Fire and Ash has been abruptly canceled following a tragic mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Bondi Beach on December 14, 2023. Organizers announced the decision today, December 15, out of deep respect for the victims and their families.
In a statement released this morning, event organizers expressed their condolences: “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. Our hearts are with the community, the victims, their families and loved ones.”
The event was scheduled to feature the film’s director, James Cameron, and Australian star Sam Worthington, both of whom were set to attend. A press junket planned for the premiere has also been scrapped.
The shooting incident occurred during a celebration that was meant to mark the first day of Hanukkah, resulting in the deaths of 16 people and injuries to over 40 individuals. Among the deceased was a Holocaust survivor. The New South Wales Police reported that two suspects, a father-son duo, were involved. Tragically, the father was shot dead by police at the scene, while the son remains hospitalized and is under police guard.
“This type of disgraceful activity, the taking of innocent lives is unacceptable to New South Wales. It’s not our way of life,” stated NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon during a press conference.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attack, describing it as “a targeted attack on Jewish Australians,” and emphasized that such acts of violence are an attack on the entire nation. “This is an act of evil anti-Semitism, terrorism, that has struck the heart of our nation,” he said.
The premiere of Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third installment in the groundbreaking franchise, was originally slated for December 19, 2023. The film follows the success of its predecessors, the original Avatar released in 2009 and Avatar: Way of Water released in 2022.
Earlier this week, a premiere event took place in New Zealand, attended by Cameron and Worthington, further highlighting the film’s international appeal. Cameron had shared his pride in the film community during interviews, stating, “I think it represents a lot of civic pride and national pride in the film sector here.”
As the community mourns, the cancellation of the premiere serves as a stark reminder of the impact of violence on society and the importance of unity and support in times of tragedy.
What’s Next: The film is set to premiere in theaters on December 19, but the focus remains on the ongoing investigation into the Bondi Beach shooting and support for the affected families. We will continue to monitor this developing situation.
Stay tuned for more updates as they unfold.
