The Australian premiere of “Avatar: Fire and Ash” has been cancelled in light of the tragic incident involving a deadly mass shooting that took place at Bondi Beach, New South Wales. This decision was made out of respect for the victims of this horrific event, which saw sixteen people losing their lives and over 40 others being hospitalized after two gunmen opened fire on a beachside community just outside Sydney.
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Event organizers released a statement expressing their condolences and solidarity with the affected community, stating, “Our hearts are with the community, the victims, their families and loved ones.” The cancellation not only affected the premiere of the movie but also a press junket that was scheduled to be attended by director James Cameron and star Sam Worthington.
The New South Wales police confirmed in a news release that the incident at Bondi Beach resulted in 16 fatalities and 40 injuries. One of the shooters, a 50-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene after being shot by the police, while the other shooter, a 24-year-old man, is currently hospitalized under police guard due to critical injuries sustained during the incident.
Reports indicated that the two shooters were a father and son duo, with the tragic shooting taking place as the local Jewish community gathered for a Hanukkah celebration by the beach. The victims of the shooting, including both those who died at the scene and in the hospital, ranged in age from 10 to 87 years old, painting a devastating picture of the impact of this senseless violence.
“Avatar: Fire and Ash,” a sequel to James Cameron’s previous film “The Way of Water” and the third instalment in the popular franchise, had its world premiere in Los Angeles on December 1st. The movie tour included stops in various cities such as London, Tokyo, and Milan, with a recent premiere in New Zealand on December 13th. Sam Worthington, who portrays the lead character Jake Sully in the film, is an Australian-British citizen with strong ties to Australia.
The cancellation of the Australian premiere demonstrates the sombre mood and respect being paid to the victims and their families in the wake of this tragedy. The decision to halt the celebratory event underscores the gravity of the situation and serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of such senseless acts of violence on communities. As investigations into the shooting continue, the focus remains on supporting those affected by this heartbreaking event and honouring the memory of the lives lost.