James Cameron is determined to reveal the conclusion of the Avatar saga, regardless of whether fans have the chance to revisit Pandora on the silver screen. The latest installment, Avatar: Fire and Ash, is currently showing in theaters. Meanwhile, the anticipated fourth and fifth films are scheduled for release in 2029 and 2031, respectively. However, Cameron has been somewhat evasive regarding the actual production of these sequels.
Despite this uncertainty, scripts for the upcoming films are already written, with actors having read and expressed enthusiasm for them, even participating in some filming. If, for any unforeseen reason, these sequels do not come to fruition, Cameron promises that he will share the intended storylines with the public. "Here’s the deal," he stated in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. "If we can’t make parts 4 and 5 for whatever reason, I’ll hold a press conference to disclose what we had planned. How does that sound?"
While this might sound humorous, it's worth noting that Cameron typically approaches his projects seriously. On the flip side, Disney may not be thrilled about him divulging significant plot details without any financial compensation. This isn’t akin to a casual storytelling session. Previously, Cameron had considered the option of narrating these tales through literature if the films didn't materialize, emphasizing that such mediums could richly convey the story. However, he expressed skepticism about the viability of publishing books today, stating, "There’s no business model for books anymore. People aren’t reading as much."
Nonetheless, we believe these concerns might be unfounded. Avatar: Fire and Ash has debuted quite successfully, raking in approximately $153 million domestically and around $544 million worldwide within just over a week of its release. While it may be falling slightly short compared to its predecessor, Avatar: The Way of Water, it is still projected to surpass the $1 billion mark, which would significantly bolster the chances of the fourth and fifth films moving forward.
Additionally, since the scripts for these sequels are already complete, the most challenging aspect—deciding on the story—is already accomplished. The primary hurdle now lies in Disney's willingness to invest nearly $1 billion into the production and marketing of both films and in securing Cameron's commitment while he juggles other projects.
We should expect to learn early next year whether Cameron and Disney will proceed with Avatar 4 and 5. For now, at least we can take comfort in knowing that if these films don’t see the light of day, Cameron will eventually provide insights into their narratives—be it through a press conference, a publication, or even an underwater diving adventure. With James Cameron, the possibilities are endless.
