Renowned filmmaker James Cameron has dedicated an impressive span of time to the expansion of the Avatar franchise, prioritizing it over nearly all of his other filmmaking endeavors. In fact, it has been nearly three decades since he directed a film that was not part of the Avatar series. This is an extraordinary commitment to a singular cinematic universe, yet Cameron shared with Rolling Stone that he feels this choice is justified, as he believes that these films contribute positively to the world around us, far beyond simply generating substantial revenue.
“For the past 20 years, I’ve found ways to justify the creation of ‘Avatar’ movies based on more than just financial success; I hope they serve a higher purpose,” Cameron expressed. “They can foster connections among people. They can help us rediscover our inherent connection to nature and instill a sense of respect for the environment and all living things.“
He elaborated further, stating, “Do I believe that films hold the key to solving our human dilemmas? Not exactly; I understand their limitations since audiences often seek entertainment without the desire to confront challenging themes. I consider ‘Avatar’ a Trojan horse strategy; it draws viewers into engaging entertainment while subtly influencing their thoughts and emotions.“
Following the anticipated release of Avatar: Fire and Ash later this year, Cameron is finally prepared to explore projects outside the Avatar universe, such as The Devils and Ghosts of Hiroshima. However, his journey in the world of Pandora is far from over. He recently mentioned his eagerness to take on directing duties for Avatar 4 and Avatar 5 himself, despite earlier suggestions that he might hand the reins to another director. “There’s no reason to pass it on,” he stated. “I’m in good health and ready to continue. I won’t dismiss the possibility. I need to maintain the vigor and energy required for this level of work for another six or seven years. You understand? If I can manage it, I’ll take it on myself.“
The highly anticipated Avatar: Fire and Ash is set to be released in theaters on December 19.
