Director James Cameron has big plans for the future of the Avatar franchise. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at the 51st annual Saturn Awards, Cameron revealed that he already has ideas for the sixth and seventh films in the series, even though Avatar 3 has yet to hit theaters.
Cameron expressed his enthusiasm for the project, mentioning that they are fully written through movie five, with plans for the subsequent installments. However, he acknowledged that he might pass the baton to someone else at that point, citing the inevitability of mortality. Nonetheless, he remains committed to the franchise and the opportunity to work with talented individuals.
Drawing inspiration from iconic franchises like Star Wars and Star Trek, Cameron aims to make Avatar an enduring universe that captivates audiences for years to come. He emphasized the significance of world-building and investing his heart and energy into the project to create a lasting cultural impact.
Fans can expect the release of Avatar 3 in 2025, followed by Avatar 4 in 2029, and Avatar 5 in 2031. The films will continue the captivating stories set in the immersive world of Pandora.
Cameron addressed the curiosity surrounding his dedication to the Avatar series and explained why many creators choose to expand on established universes. Comparing his approach to that of George Lucas and Gene Roddenberry, Cameron highlighted the importance of building connections with the audience and not squandering the opportunity to tell more stories within the same universe.
Producer Jon Landau echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that Cameron already has a wealth of stories prepared for the sequels. The creative team took the time to carefully plan and lay out the narrative arcs across all four forthcoming films.
Avatar's previous installments achieved tremendous success, with the first two movies becoming the highest-grossing films of all time. Cameron views this as a testament to humanity's innate empathy and desire for connection and beauty. While many science fiction films tend to focus on dystopian themes, Cameron believes in delivering a message that emphasizes positivity, beauty, and connection, which has resonated with audiences around the world.
Released in 2009, Avatar captivated global audiences with its groundbreaking visuals and epic storytelling. The long-awaited sequel, Avatar: The Way of Water, premiered in 2022 and continued to captivate, earning over $2.3 billion in box office revenue.
While Cameron and Landau have remained tight-lipped about the specific details of the upcoming sequels, Cameron hinted at unexpected plot developments in Avatar 3 during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. He expressed a desire to take audiences to places they couldn't have anticipated, promising another leap that will leave viewers enthralled.
As fans eagerly await the next installments in the Avatar saga, one thing remains clear: James Cameron's commitment and passion for the project ensure that this visionary world will continue to inspire and captivate audiences with its messages of beauty, connection, and hope.
