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Disney+ Documentary Details Avatar's 'Keyhole' Stroke and Jetpacks for Na'vi Underwater Movement

The newly released special on Disney+ lays out the practical methods behind the Na'vi's aquatic motion.

Overview

  • Fire and Water: Making the Avatar Films is now streaming on Disney+.
  • James Cameron brought in world champion freediver William Trubridge as a stroke consultant to design a custom 'keyhole' freediving stroke for the Na'vi.
  • Trubridge describes the stroke as using hands and feet like paddles with broad sweeping motions through the water.
  • Because actors could not generate enough thrust during the glide phase, the team equipped them with small jet-propulsion units that performers triggered with a switch.
  • Cameron says the cast became very proficient with the system, and GamesRadar+ reports the next film, Fire and Ash, is slated for a December 19 theatrical release.