James Cameron, the visionary filmmaker behind the groundbreaking “Avatar” franchise, has recently dropped tantalizing hints about the future of Pandora. In an exclusive interview with People magazine, Cameron revealed that he’s already brewing ideas for not one, but two more sequels beyond the upcoming “Avatar 5.” Brace yourselves, Na’vi enthusiasts, because the universe of Pandora is about to expand even further.
The Visionary’s Blueprint
Cameron, who has been immersed in the world of Pandora for over a decade, confirmed that he has concepts locked in for both “Avatar 6” and “Avatar 7.” These potential films would extend the franchise well beyond the theatrical release of “Avatar 5” in 2031. However, there’s a twist: Cameron hinted that he might pass the baton to a new director for these installments.
“We’re fully written through movie five,” Cameron shared. “And I’ve got ideas for six and seven, although I’ll probably be handing the baton on at that point. I mean, mortality catches up. But we’re enjoying what we’re doing. We’re loving it. We get to work with great people.”
Cameron’s commitment to the “Avatar” universe remains unwavering. When asked why he continues to explore this fantastical world, he drew parallels with other iconic creators: “People are always asking us, ‘So why did you just keep working in the same…’ Why did [George] Lucas keep working in the same thing? Why did [Gene] Roddenberry keep working in the same thing? Because when you connect with people, why would you squander that? Why would you start over with something else that might not connect?”
The Neytiri Connection
Fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that the franchise will continue, even if Cameron steps away from the director’s chair. The next three “Avatar” movies are already in the pipeline, with Disney eagerly anticipating their release. And while Cameron’s legacy project has captivated audiences worldwide, it’s not just him steering the ship.
Zoe Saldaña, who portrays the fierce Na’vi warrior Neytiri, recently spoke to Collider about the upcoming sequels. “Avatar: The Way of Water,” which hit theaters in December 2022, became the third-highest-grossing film in history, raking in a staggering $2.3 billion worldwide. The original 2009 “Avatar” still holds the top spot with $2.9 billion.
Saldaña teased that things are about to get wild: “‘Avatar 3,’ it’s going to be amazing, and ‘Avatar 4′ and ‘5,’ it just gets crazy. [James Cameron has] blown our minds. This is his legacy project. We all thought it was ‘Titanic,’ and it turned out that ‘Avatar’ is his legacy. For us to be a part of something so groundbreaking and trailblazing, it’s like it’s a legacy for us, too. So I’m excited to go back. We go back to work next week, so I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone.”
A Time Jump Ahead
Cameron previously let slip that “Avatar 4” features a significant time jump for the characters. Purposefully shooting “Avatar 3” and chunks of “Avatar 4” concurrently with “The Way of Water,” he ensured age continuity among the beloved inhabitants of Pandora. “We see them, and then we go away for six years and we come back,” Cameron explained about the time jump in “Avatar 4.”
As the saga unfolds, fans can rest assured that the magic of Pandora will go on…
