'Avatar' headed back into theaters for a limited time

James Cameron's 2009 epic "Avatar" is headed back to theaters ahead of the Dec. 16 release of its long-developed sequel, "Avatar: The Way of Water."

According to a new trailer, the original film will run for a limited time in both 3D and traditional formats.

The movie has been remastered in 4K High Dynamic Range, meaning the bleeding edge digital effects will appear as they were "meant to be seen" on the big screen, according to the trailer.

Given the time passed since the original film's debut, the rerelease might give some fans their first taste of the movie in theaters.

2009's "Avatar" has made more than $2.8 billion in theaters worldwide to date.

The Academy Award-winning movie stars Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldaña and Stephen Lang, who will return for "Avatar: The Way of Water" in December. Joining them for the sequel will be "Titanic" star Kate Winslet, big-screen legend Michelle Yeoh and Emmy winner Edie Falco, among others.

A third "Avatar" film, which finished shooting in April, will arrive in 2024; the fourth and fifth chapters are scheduled for 2026 and 2028.