Avatar sequels to be cancelled? James Cameron admits new movies may be called off

The renowned film-maker has been working on four follow-ups to his lauded 2009 smash hit, and they only just went into production this year.

But despite developing extensive material for an Avatar 2, 3, 4 and 5, he has now conceded that the latter two won’t get made if the first two don’t do well enough.

With the first Avatar movie having smashed box office records, however, it certainly seems like they should do pretty well.

“Let’s face it, if Avatar 2 and 3 don’t make enough money, there’s not going to be a 4 and 5,” he told Vanity Fair.

“They’re fully encapsulated stories in and of themselves. 

“It builds across the five films to a greater kind of meta narrative, but they’re fully formed films in their own right, unlike, say, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, where you really just had to sort of go, ‘Oh, s**t, all right, well I guess I better come back next year.’ 

“Even though that all worked and everybody did.”

Preliminary shooting for Avatar 2 began in California in August, and principle photography – taking place simultaneously with Avatar 3 – began in New Zealand the following month.

Avatar 4 and 5 were previously thought to start filming as soon as 2 and 3 wrap, but whether Cameron’s new comments reflect a change in scheduling here remain to be seen.

The first film’s stars Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana and Sigourney Weaver are all slated to appear in both follow-ups, which Cameron will direct himself.

Avatar 2 is slated for release on December 18, 2020.