James Cameron Has Ideas for Final ‘Avatar’ Films but Won’t Direct Them
Legendary director James Cameron recently revealed to People magazine that he already has ideas for ‘Avatar 6’ and ‘Avatar 7,’ expanding the franchise beyond the previously announced conclusion with ‘Avatar 5’ in 2031.
The Oscar-winning director is currently in post-production for Avatar 3 and still has about half of Avatar 4 left to film. Disney has three more Avatar films slated for release, with Avatar 5 still in the conceptual phase. Cameron shared, “We have finished the script for the fifth installment, and I’ve already got ideas for the sixth and seventh. Although I might not direct those films, I mean, I’m just enjoying what we’re doing now. I love this process and working with such amazing people.”
Despite the possibility of Cameron not directing the final installments, it’s clear the Avatar franchise will continue.
For fans concerned that Cameron’s career is becoming entirely consumed by this series, the Titanic director explained: “People always ask us, ‘Why do you keep working on the same project?’ But when you have the ability to connect with so many people, why waste that? Why would I start something else that I might not feel as connected to?”
Zoe Saldaña, who will return as Neytiri, mentioned that the series will become increasingly “crazy” as it progresses. “Avatar 3 is going to be amazing, and parts 4 and 5 are almost crazy,” she said. Saldaña humorously added, “James Cameron has astonished us. This is his legacy. We all thought Titanic was it, but Avatar is truly the defining mark. Being part of something so groundbreaking and pioneering is like having our legacy too. I’m thrilled to come back. We’ll be returning to work next week, so I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone again.”
Cameron previously hinted in a People interview last year that Avatar 4 would feature a significant time jump for the characters. He intentionally filmed Avatar 3 and parts of Avatar 4 alongside Avatar 2: The Way of Water to maintain continuity in the characters’ ages.
Speaking about the time jump in Avatar 4, Cameron said, “We’ll see them, and then time will leap six years forward before picking up again.”
Avatar 3 was initially scheduled for release in 2024, but Disney has postponed it to December 19, 2025. Avatar 4 is expected to premiere on December 21, 2029, followed by Avatar 5 on December 19, 2031. Based on this timeline, the final Avatar film will be released 22 years after the first installment in 2009.
Saldaña humorously noted on Instagram after last year’s release date changes: “Great! I’ll be 53 when the last Avatar comes out. You know, I was 27 when we filmed the first one.”
Producer Jon Landau mentioned in an interview with Empire last year that Avatar 3 will introduce the Ash People, described as “a fiery volcanic race” led by Varang, played by Oona Chaplin, Charlie Chaplin’s granddaughter.
Landau also stated at the time, “There are always good and bad people. The Na’vi are no different. Usually, people don’t see themselves as bad. What makes someone become bad? There might be factors we can’t reveal yet.”
Landau also shared with Gizmodo last year that Avatar 5 will, for the first time, bring the series to Earth. “We’re bringing the Na’vi to Earth to broaden their horizons, and Neytiri’s, about what exists on our planet,” he said.
