Intense audition test Avatar stars had to do to see ‘if they could survive’ the film

Three stars from Avatar: The Way of Water have opened up about the intense audition test they had pass to see 'if they could survive' the film.

Most of you will have heard about Kate Winslet breaking records by learning to hold her breath underwater for a whopping seven minutes and 14 seconds.

But she's not the only cast member who went through rigorous training in order to create the majestic ocean scenes in James Cameron's highly-anticipated sequel.

Much like the entire process of creating an Avatar film, even the audition process was not your run-of-the-mill setup.

We know this thanks to Bailey Bass, Trinity Jo-Li Bliss and Jamie Flatters, who make their debut in the franchise as Tsireya, Tuk and Neteyam respectively.

LADbible were lucky enough to catch up with the actors about what it's like to star in the follow-up to the highest grossing movie of all time.

Disney

Though they are now at the respective ages of 19, 13 and 22, filming for The Way of Water started back in 2017, meaning their auditions must feel like a lifetime ago.

But they still remember it well, with Bailey telling us that the teenage actors had a different experience to Trinity as she was so young at the time of casting.

"It was across a couple of months and it was interesting," explained Bailey, later adding, "All of us had to do a free diving test.

"[This included] treading water, swimming laps... we had to dive down 12 to 16 feet and collect rings."

She went on to explain: "We had to hold our breath for one minute, just to see if we were good applicants to be a part of the film," before Trinity said, "[To see] if you could survive the training."

Disney

Although it wasn't quite so intense for Trinity, who was just seven years old at the time, the whole process for her took quite a while, having started in February that year.

"I finally got cast in June," she said. "So February to June was my audition process."

Despite the intensity of auditioning and the subsequent training, Cameron and the crew were sure to create a safe and comfortable environment for all of the actors who took part in the film.

And despite the oceanic scenes being shot in a tank - without the wonders of Pandora around them - Trinity noted how the set pieces were pretty damn cool.

Elaborating on this, Jamie highlighted the creation of the Tulkun, large whale-like creatures that are connected to the oceanic Pandora community called the Metkayina.

Without going into too much detail (no spoilers here), the actor pointed out one scene that was particularly memorable.

"Just the fact that they have to make this sort of scale whale-like creature and we're in a water tank, and they've got a wave machine and its simulating crashing waves against you," he said.

Disney

"I just remember that day because also it's such a unifying thing for all the young cast for a scene that we all had to work on together - the natural chaos in it is hilarious."

It's safe to say the scene came together beautifully, as did the rest of the film - it truly is a feast for the eyes, not to mention a cinematic triumph.

If you'd like to see for yourself the movie that's been 13 years in the making, Avatar: The Way of Water drops in cinemas on 16 December. Popcorn at the ready!