James Cameron confirms fate of Avatar series beyond The Way of Water

"I can't wiggle out of this."

By Justin Harp

6 Jan 2023

Karwai TangGetty Images

James Cameron has addressed the status of Avatar: The Way of Water sequels following recent box office success.

The filmmaker had said last year that three proposed future sequels could be scrapped depending on the box office haul of The Way of Water — but, since then, the movie has made more than $1 billion worldwide.

During an appearance on Who's Talking to Chris Wallace? on CNN and HBO Max this week, Cameron took a light-hearted approach in discussing the future of the franchise.

"It looks like just with the momentum that the film has now that will easily pass our break even in the next few days, so it looks like I can’t wiggle out of this, I’m gonna have to do these other sequels," he quipped.

The director went on: "I’m sure that we’ll have a discussion soon with with the top folks at Disney about the game plan going forward for Avatar 3, which is already in the can – we’ve already captured and photographed the whole film so we’re in extended post-production to do all that CG magic.

"And then Avatar 4 and 5 are both written. We even have some of four in the can. We've begun a franchise at this point."

20th Century Studios

In fact, Cameron's producing partners have confirmed that the entire opening sequence of Avatar 4 has been filmed as well, so it looks like there will be plenty more adventures in the world of Pandora.

The Way of Water is currently the highest-grossing film of 2022, and has had numerous critical accolades as well. Next week, it will compete for Best Motion Picture – Drama and Best Director at the Golden Globes.

Avatar: The Way of Water is now playing in cinemas worldwide. The first film is streaming on Disney+.