The first Avatar focused on land, the second on sea, and the third will do something similar and introduce a new classical element to the franchise, according to director James Cameron, who was asked by 20 Minutes in a recent interview as to what audiences can expect in Avatar 3 and revealed that they will probably be seeing a new, villainous type of Na’vi, inspired by fire.
“…cultures different from those I have already shown,” Cameron replied when asked about the next movie in the franchise following 2022’s Avatar: The Way of Water. “The fire will be represented by the ‘Ash People.’ I want to reveal the Na’vis from another angle because, for the moment, I have only shown their good sides.”
“In the early films, there are very negative human examples and very positive Navi’s examples,” the director explained. “In Avatar 3 , we’ll do the reverse. We will also explore new universes while continuing the story of the main characters. I can say that the last parts will be the best. The others were an introduction, a way to set the table before serving the meal. But, obviously, everything will depend on how Avatar 2 will be received, if it will find its audience.”
Cameron goes on to suggest that he remains keen on directing every Avatar movie, despite previous reports that suggested he might be giving the keys to someone else, stating that he is a “control freak” who feels personally responsible for the investment that he prompted Disney to make, which was “huge.”
I’ll give you an example: Disney had spent $4 billion to acquire the rights to the Star Wars universes. So these movies had to make money even though George Lucas was no longer behind the franchise. In the same way, I asked the studio to commit financially to an aesthetic and a universe. It is my duty to think about the future: what would happen if I fell ill or if someone close to me was unwell and I had to retire? I have to plan everything so that the story can continue without me, even if in the best of all possible worlds, I will continue to direct everything. I am the only one who knows the smallest details of this universe. I am a control freak and giving up control is not in my nature.
According to the latest numbers from Box Office Mojo, Avatar: The Way of Water has made $1,482,683,420 since its release in December 2022 ($457,483,420 from domestic audiences, $1,025,200,000 from international audiences).
A 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray of Avatar: The Way of Water will reportedly be released in April 2023.