James Cameron on Why He Isn’t Committing to Avatar 4 Yet

James Cameron is seemingly not ready to fully commit to Avatar 4, despite having scripts in place for a five-film saga. Following the release of Avatar: Fire and Ash, the filmmaker explained that his decision hinges less on reviews and more on how audiences ultimately respond at the box office over time.

James Cameron gives Avatar 4 update after Fire and Ash

James Cameron admitted to Deadline that he still feels nervous before every opening weekend, regardless of his track record. “I am always on pins and needles before a film opens. It is less about the reviews for me than whether people show up or not,” he said.

This uncertainty directly feeds into the director’s hesitation about moving ahead with sequels. Cameron explained that although he has shot some footage for a potential Avatar 4, mainly involving younger characters, the next arc would involve a significant time jump. He also compared the structure of the saga to Dune. He described the first two Avatar sequels as a paired story like Dune and Dune: Part 2. And envisioned the next films as a separate creative phase.

Speaking about the pre-scheduled Avatar 4 and 5, Cameron said, “I always say ‘if,’ but will it be profitable enough, and only we will know that.” In another interview, he added that with theatrical performance, his vision as an artist also remains central to the franchise’s future. “There’s also part of that decision-making space that’s me as an artist: ‘What do I want to do, regardless of what the economic drivers are?’” (via USA Today).

That internal question has become increasingly relevant as Cameron reflects on where he stands creatively after more than a decade immersed in the Avatar universe. After completing scripts for The Way of Water and Fire and Ash back in 2015 and filming starting in 2017, he described the current moment as the end of a decade-long creative cycle. “For me, it’s been a 10-year cycle, and this is the culmination of a single story arc,” he said. “I could stop now or I could continue in the Avatar world,” the filmmaker added.

Cameron also wants to focus on a new Terminator movie, among other projects. So, while Avatar 4 could happen, there is a possibility for it to be delayed from December 21, 2029.

Source: Comingsoon.net