James Cameron Leaving ‘Avatar’? Director Uncertain About THIS Despite Success
James Cameron might let go of the "Avatar" franchise soon.
"Avatar" immediately became a threat to other franchises soon after its first film was released in December 2009. From there, it set records that no movies have ever set yet.
However, it might lose its showrunner soon.
After the success of the first movie, Cameron decided to continue the franchise with four more films. The first on his plan is "Avatar: The Way of Water," which is set to arrive on Dec. 16, 2022.
The director is yet to announce the third installment, which was filmed back-to-back with the upcoming "Avatar" film. But it was confirmed to premiere in December 2024.
For the remaining fourth and fifth installments, Cameron delivered a heartbreaking update as he said he might not be the one to run them.
In a new interview with Empire magazine, Cameron noted how "Avatar" films have been all-consuming. The award-winning director also expressed his desire to focus on other projects he is developing, which could affect his future as an "Avatar" director.
"I think eventually over time - I don't know if that's after three or after four - I'll want to pass the baton to a director that I trust to take over, so I can go do some other stuff that I'm also interested in," he continued. "Or maybe not. I don't know," he said, as quoted by The Hollywood Reporter.
Regardless of his standing in the franchise, Cameron expressed his excitement to see the next storylines. Per the showrunner, the themes of the "Avatar" movie are important to him - from sustainability to climate.
In the end, Cameron said he still hopes to create even movie four. But still, his participation will depend on market forces.
"Avatar" Smashed Records — Literally
Although it has been a decade since the first "Avatar" film was released, it remains unforgettable to fans since it set the records no movie ever did yet.
It remains the highest-grossing movie of all time and the fastest movie to earn $1 billion through $2.5 billion.
As of press time, "Avatar" still reigns at No. 1. Per Box Office Mojo, "Avengers: Endgame" snatched the title in July 2019. But after China reissued "Avatar" on its theaters amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it earned "Avatar" earned $12.3 million. This already put the competition in favor of "Avatar" with $2.802 billion in total sales.
Meanwhile, "Avengers: Endgame" fell into second place with $2.797 billion.
