James Cameron Interview: Avatar 2, How Avatar 4 "Goes Nuts" & More

Over a decade since the release of his groundbreaking film, Avatar, Academy Award-winning director James Cameron is taking audiences back to the breathtaking world of Pandora in the long-awaited sequel, Avatar: The Way of Water. When Avatar was made, the ambitious production called for technology that would go on to revolutionize a number of filmmaking techniques, including performance capture. Thirteen years later, The Way of Water promises to take us to new depths, exchanging the lush jungle of the Omaticaya clan for the vast underwater world where the Metkayina dive.
Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña) now have a family of four, including their adopted daughter Kiri played by Sigourney Weaver. When the humans return to Pandora, they're not just after the location's resources. The Resources Development Administration wants to colonize the entire moon. A hurdle in achieving that goal? Jake Sully. In an effort to keep his people and his family safe from the RDA, Jake makes the difficult decision to flee their home in the forest in search of safety elsewhere.
During his interview with Collider's Perri Nemiroff, Cameron shares what he feels was the lowest point in production for the Avatar sequel in the 13 years since the first film debuted as well as how his greatest concern may have become an asset to the movie's success. The director also reveals who inspired the model for his writing process, and discusses why mapping out the franchise is important, what it would take to pass the Avatar directing reins, and which of the sequels is "a corker."
Check it all out in this James Cameron interview!
#avatar #avatar2 #jamescameron
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[@zidanelionheart]

I love that he admits that he’s trying to do what Peter Jackson did. There’s a reason why LOTR is one of the greatest movie series of all time. After seeing Way of Water….yeah he did it. He absolutely fucking nailed it and I truly believe the next movie is going to be even better and even more crazy!

[@DiamondHand]

If part 4 never gets made he should at least release the script for us to read

[@mwont]

Parts of 4 are already shot. But yes, its fully done.

[@alexvalin9085]

all of these movies are going to make money. I imagine its going to get milked to the bitter end, whether you want it or not.

[@dotdankory]

@@alexvalin9085 i mean, im pretty sure its only gonna go up till avatar 5, and then after that we're only gonna get prequels and tv shows and stuff, like avatar 5 will be the end, no more

[@iesteemyt]

🤣🤣🤣

[@diegoplanes7183]

It shall be made. Movie already made close to 500 millions in 5 days

[@beltenebrosgr1904]

James Cameron is one of the best directors of all time.His "feel" of storytelling in this artform is AMAZING.

[@kevinwalsh8483]

Terminator 2... the man gets a pass for life!!! He doesn't do bad movies to be fair!

[@infobushmd9477]

He is best

[@MMAallday67]

This is the man that gave us Terninator: Dark Fate...

[@beltenebrosgr1904]

@@MMAallday67 He did not direct it! But it makes sense to say that he has a part of the respnsibility for it...

[@MMAallday67]

@@beltenebrosgr1904 Yea. He was involved in it and pushed hard for Linda Hamilton & the wokeness that was in it.

[@alexlazzerly3677]

You can tell from his answers he’s very intelligent and self aware. Man knows what he’s doing.

[@TheVitalij24]

Inteli what? oo ye you know nothing about that.

[@marvin2678]

@@TheVitalij24 he's misandrist and transphobe

[@marvin2678]

Yes misandrist and transphobe

[@drunkdonutboy]

He's a smart guy watch his earlier interviews very inspiring

[@MudroZvon]

He is well prepared. It takes a lot of diligence and hard work to prepare well for a job. He has mastered his profession to perfection over many years

[@johncra8982]

I rarely notice interviewers for having done a good job, but this woman is great. Typically you notice an interviewer bc they're rude or constantly interrupting, and most of the time interviewers don't really seem able to get anything interesting out of the interview so they just sort of fade into the background. But this woman matched Cameron's energy, never interrupted him, did a good job transitioning from his answers to her following questions, and was just pleasant overall in the way she guided the conversation.

[@daninbox]

So excited for Avatar 4.

[@Taquavion_92]

how you excited for part 4 already?! Avatar 2 didn’t even come out yet

[@FabledGentleman]

@@Taquavion_92 Dude you really need to eat more vitamins.

[@whonuofficial]

@@FabledGentleman hahahahahaahahahahahahaaha

[@daninbox]

@@Taquavion_92 Cause watch the interview, apparently it's insane lol. But yes, I'm of course excited for 2 as well. I have tickets for December 19th.

[@coreymckee4844]

Avatar 5 has them going to earth. It was already confirmed by james himself. Probably accidentally not sure. But he definitely hinted at the idea.

[@vandescinema]

Avatar 4 take my money now!! We need pre-sales before the pre-sale!

[@Nerdhaunt]

05:02 No no no don't say that! There is no Avatar without James Cameron

[@jessicablanchard949]

Exactly what I said! He can not leave.

[@charoleawood]

I pick Robert Rodriguez just as Cameron already did when trusting him with Alita.

[@v-trigger6137]

I think Joseph Kosinski would be a good candidate, the guy is very thorough and knowledgeable, as far as cgi and animation stuff are concerned.. otherwise there is always Robert Rodriguez available

[@Manuel-ks9qo]

He clearly said he wants to do all 5 of them, don't worry.

[@iCharltonApp]

Collider really does great interviews.

[@Marvidsen1973]

Excellent questions, well conducted 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@hefeibao]

This ☝

[@blackpanda7612]

Can't wait for Avatar 4. Jon Landau confirmed Avatar 5 is going to earth with the reason for Natiri to experience human culture. What would be awesome though is if she gets killed in her Navi body and gets reanimated in a human body (Zoe) to experience life on earth. That would be epic.

[@randomly_random_0]

@@dragonballgoat546 keep talking

[@mastersteve24]

It's truly an honor to have someone of his genius living in the same time I'm living. Getting to experience his movies is like nothing I have ever seen before. God bless you James! My hope is that you will be able to finish all the movies.

[@maspesasmasperras5554]

You're welcome

[@dahnsenwahnsenyes]

wtf he is fit , of course he will and after that we will see a terminator remake

[@ryangettig274]

That was sweet,Stephen-Season's Blessings on you & James:)

[@Shahaneh]

From what i heard, you haven't experience shit if you haven't seen Avatar 2. Let alone what 3 thru 7 will be like. And Director James Cameron is still learning how to be a great-er Director. Holy shit.

[@4Everlast]

We've lost and will see THE best directors-actors ever die in our generation, such honor yet so sad.

[@chadhoward5976]

This is why he is so legendary! So laid back and humble

[@VanIyke]

Legendary? Yes. Laid back? Yes. Humble? Hahaha. Put a raincheck on that.

[@Tavares_Rhodes]

The movie is was bad hated it so much

[@Cactusfruitsquisher]

@@Tavares_Rhodes okay?

[@defdaz]

Erm.... watch the docos on Terminator and Aliens. ;) Legendary? Absolutely. Laid back and humble. Absolutely not. Although he might have mellowed as he aged. :) Regardless, best director and writer on the planet by a mile.

[@Tavares_Rhodes]

@@Cactusfruitsquisher I was joking 😂

[@gytis321s2]

So Avatar 4-5 will be absolute mind-blowing mindfuck.

[@NathanLorenzana]

I have a sense that even the name of the franchise being "Avatar', which hints at mysticism about the self vs the persona, is where this might be headed, kind of with a Space Odyssey type of depth and mystery... who knows, I'm just hyped at this point, haha.

[@aolson1111]

James Cameron will come up with a real tree of souls for us to plug into.

[@jesseruscitotheitalianstal6199]

I think it's been confirmed that in Avatar 5, the Na'vi will finally go to Earth to see how broken but technology advanced we Humans are as a species. Earth is legit gonna look like the Death star when the Na'vi finally arrive, they're going to be terrified to see that our planet has become more machine than organic.

[@anonymoustangerine]

i remember watching the first movie like 3 times in theaters, it was so amazing and to wait 13 more years for the sequel and see it live up to my expectations was surreal. Cameron is a movie genius and id love to see how he takes this franchise forward

[@SomeOne-mo7uw]

i done the same for the first movie (3 times at IMAX), that was in 2009 & when 3D and "mo-cap" (which was new then with facial capture too) were first used together with a good story that was leaps and bounds ahead of its time - this is NOT leaps and bounds ahead of 2022 - its just 3 hours of 2009 Avatar in water, same music n bad guys!! and story

[@anonymoustangerine]

@@SomeOne-mo7uw i find it hard to value ur criticism if u seriously think the 09 movie was even close to this new one

[@modoodles]

Agreed. I was absolutely floored when I saw the first movie. I think I was like 12 years old and I watched that movie a dozen times. I will definitely do the same with Avatar 2 when it comes out

[@misterpowers5234]

Fantastic, thoughtful, and meaningful questions, Perri! I could see in his eyes that he knew you were an extraordinary interviewer!

[@Fosterdid]

yeah she's the best. I didn't know if anyone on staff could best Frosty, but she is better at making people feel at ease, and Frosty might want to consider retiring his patented "curveball" question about 'what movie would you want them to see and why'---guests commonly get confused or just put-off by it and answer it incorrectly. But anyway good job Collider! Sry for using your comment as a sounding board mister powers lol

[@DanFlashes99]

Perri is always such a passionate, on-point interviewer. Great job

[@jeremypr]

I really enjoy the way Cameron handles interviews, he puts everything into his answers. Great questions delivered with thought provoking answers.

[@sharmathiele6948]

0MG, I'm 72 and thought I was not going to live to see this one, and now your telling me you are going to make 3 more! All I can say is I love AVATAR and I can not leave this earth without seeing them all! So Jim can you put me to the head of the line?

[@human20488]

What life lessons you give to youngesters

[@NathanLorenzana]

@@human20488 To be passionate, yes, very important lessons.

[@ethandudash1073]

This was a wonderful interview! One love Jim and I'm so looking forward to seeing 3,4 and 5!!! Hell yeah

[@Deadpool3203]

I just came out of a screening, Cameron has done it again, terminating his decade-old husk with yet another record-setting sequel that no iceberg is gonna sink🤘🏽

[@dahlionn2119]

Im really excited for it allthough i might wait a bit since the cinemas will probably be full to the brim at first

[@SerafinMx]

Loved that reference from his movie Titanic

[@moncoeur6296]

@@SerafinMx that was a Terminator reference

[@Deadpool3203]

@@moncoeur6296 both were referenced

[@Arezoo298195]

This was an awesome interview. Very interesting questions. I have my ticket for next Saturday. Wish it was coming this weekend.

[@JuxtapositionRed]

"I hope I get to make that film" just goes to show how he really cares about the storytelling process, not just a big cash grab like all the other blockbuster movies

[@DavidOakesMusic]

3 movies in 30 years. Instead of 4 movies every year like MARVEL.

[@JuxtapositionRed]

@@DavidOakesMusic Exactly. Quality over quantity all day

[@dannyr2976]

Cameron's response to what was said about the script notes for Avatar 4 was too funny! I believe these film sequels are gonna be something special!

[@Officialvvalentino]

Best movie I’ve seen in a decade. It’s ahead of its times good.

[@flerbertflubber3842]

I don’t watch many movies, but when I watched the new Avatar, I could tell he made it with passion.

[@_invinciScribe_24]

James is a legend i'm so glad he brought Avatar to life he's an amazing director can't wait to see Avatar 2 ☺️🥰

[@PyroBear1776]

I got the first movie last night and watched it, absolutely loved it. Saw Way Of Water back in December, was awe inspiring and straight up incredible. Now in 2023, little over a year before the seed bearer is due to release. James Cameron hands down best Director ever. To me at least, Avatar popularity has passed MARVEL Please bring back Neteyam!

[@Ramramram786]

There are movies and there are James Cameron movies - he simply transports us to a different planet 🌍 what more to say 🎉

[@quinto190]

Very well said 😄.

[@andyboone1739]

Best questions I've heard in an interview so far. Amazing work!

[@bRichgray]

As always, awesome job, Perri!

[@thedarkknight2221]

Perri as always you have amazing composure, because if I was interviewing James Cameron my hands would be shaking more than a hyperactive 10 year old hopped up on caffeine.

[@Luluita17]

Great interview and great interviewer! Great Q&A's !

[@aaronh8179]

If Jim gets to Avatar 4 it may be one of the most astonishing movies ever made in terms of story structure, but it would beggar suspension of disbelief. Jim, good luck getting to do Part 4 and 5, even 6 and 7. May the force be with you to become the billionaire like Lucas and Spielberg.

[@bofasofa9399]

? Part 4 is already half-recorded and ready

[@platinumpineapple9943]

Heck yea!! Wooo Avatar!!

[@emachanworlds]

how to tease film 4, he's so smart :) hope the serie will continue

[@tomgu2285]

I hope to man. I realy want to see what he planes with the 4th one.

[@Amplamente]

@@tomgu2285 Avatar 4 : Battlefield Earth

[@echoless3484]

I've watched Avatar: TWOW 4 times, and im on my way to my fifth, best movie ever

[@Jushwa]

4:30 he did it with Robert and Alita turned out amazing Im sure he would be able to hand it off with guidance if he needed to.

[@hiawa23]

James Cameron is my alltime fav director, as his movies are some of my favorites, but what he did in the new Avatar, he has exceeded his best work. In 3D it was like sex to my eyes. It was incredible. Thank You!

[@gabrielmoro3d]

This was a great interview. Very well handled.

[@nareshsonwalarts]

There was an interview segment where he told that it took so much time making it because When his team started discussing sequels he just emphasized only on HOW The first movie became so huge rather than asking for new scripts for a year or two

[@chicknskin2135]

Great interview, Great Questions not like other interviewers asking the same simple questions. Keep up the good work!

[@thebatman4279]

I'm curious to see how this franchise pans out. Will be interesting to see how he expands the world of Pandora.

[@DavidOakesMusic]

Yes. But I really hope they stop at 5. I don't want it to become a cinematic universe.

[@RetroCrisis]

I really really really hope it we manage to get to part 4!!!

[@yourgodfather]

Interviewer is really great...!! Nice job 👍

[@hii9918]

Thank you for this awesome interview.

[@AdamSno]

Great interview, she's fantastic and deserves it!

[@rtylerlucas]

Great interviewer. Genius director

[@neilvarma]

Perri !! Amazing job. You’ve proven consistently you’re the best. And I’m excited for avatar 2!!

[@user-dc7jf4qc3z]

This song and this haven is very suitable, there is a 99.9% chance that it will make you feel. So addictive.

[@thereggie3634]

I am 100% on board for more and more Avatar!

[@dahlionn2119]

I recently watched the collectors cut of Avatar and i gotta say the Extra scenes really add to the story

[@AVATARJayden]

Wow you guys captured every single thing that Jim said good job

[@stepheng1984]

Fantastic interview Perri, great questions

[@NinoWalsh]

Great interview, Perri!

[@Greg_Blavet]

Great questions from the interviewers, it's refreshing

[@Spartan-pd7by]

Wow, great interview! Been looking forward to this film for sometime and excitement is through the roof now. Thanks, Perri!

[@AVATARJayden]

Collider is amazing I didn’t know you guys had a KZbin channel I read your articles and I will watch the vids now

[@chris_jorge]

What great interviewer!!! Bravo!!

[@jojosoni]

Great questions and great answers. Can't wait for the movies 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@tsenam3247]

Long live sir Cameron🙏🙏🙏keep entertaining the world through ur cinematic masterpieces again n again👌👌👌v love u deeply sir💓

[@jlg395]

Great interviewer. I'd watch more from her.

[@ColliderInterviews]

Check out Perri's interview series, Collider Ladies Night! kzbin.info/aero/PLayt6616lBcl3mEc5slajdWou4hTSm3sa

[@shabbirkhan5049]

How amazing is he! I liked the interviewer also...

[@davidforman8593]

Great interview questions!

[@constantine8963]

James Cameron is one of the 5 most important directors of the 20-21st century

[@m3mario]

Well, for my part, I’m watching “The way of water” 5 times. Let’s hope Avatar 4 gets made.

[@fw1421]

Going to see Avatar has been the first time I’ve been in a theatre since 2019. But I still wore a mask the entire time. It was worth it! I loved the first film and Jim didn’t disappoint with the second. Worth the wait. I’m glad there’s still theatre’s to see them in,it wouldn’t be the same on my home TV. I don’t like 3D films but Avatar 2 was amazing!

[@adamsterdam9049]

Love the interview! Perri had great questions.

[@red2lucas]

Great interviewer. Good questions.

[@peto1986]

Beautiful questions thank you!

[@col3776]

I’m already ready for 4! And who the hell else is going to direct these, better be James💯

[@zenithquasar9623]

I hope he gets to because his directing is near perfect!

[@kerencardenasr]

Great questions!!

[@batmanfanizationreborn6055]

Good questions and listening james is just fascinating, he is strict and hard to work with but he is a genius

[@ToyFiend]

Man, this interview makes me even more excited. I can't imagine James Cameron won't give us some space battle action in this saga. That's what I'm waiting for.

[@helloiamfocus]

I hope James gonna life at least for 20 more years, i could not hold on life without the 3 and 4 movie

[@Yeodoongiiie]

This franchise form now on is going to take my entire 30’s hahaha I’ll be 40 when it’s all over 😭

[@AdityaDixitYT]

Not sure if Perri's eyes were swelled up by excitement on hearing James Cameron's studio story about Avatar 4, but I'm pretty sure mine were.

[@mattceccotti]

great questions!

[@SOLIDSNAKE.]

Such an inspiring man.. I'm ready to watch multiple times

[@isabelmalagon2010]

I'm so excited to watch them !!

[@zenithquasar9623]

I love Cameron's work. I think he really is at the top of his craft. But, I really hope he took more risks with the script in the up coming sequels. This one, though amazing technically, was typical in writing yet again. I hope he explores some of the threads he hinted at in this film in the future films.

[@enthusiaststraw7196]

Hope you will be there for all the parts...🥰

[@mohammedfaiisal]

If part 4 ends in a cliff hanger to set up a brilliant part 5 finish then I'm ready for that. It could end up like infinity war and end game where because it ended in a cliffhanger, everyone wanted to and needed to watch end game to find out what happens

[@williamwallace4080]

No Jim, you have to direct all 5. No one else can do it better than you.

[@PranavRajagopal]

Excited to see Avatar 2!

[@farrelmukhesh]

I luv Perry's little wink there on how planning all the scripts should come first before even shooting.. cough cough star wars cough cough

[@warrengday]

GREAT INTERVIEW

[@kieranr2610]

He said about potentially handing over it over to someone else in the future to finish the series but I really think he should do the full 5 if they are lucky enough to do it and as long as he stays in good health. He started it 13 years ago and has come all this way to make the sequel and write out the other 3 films ahead so it would be a shame not to see him finish bringing the world he has created to the big screen

[@DavidOakesMusic]

I don't know how he wouldn't finish 5. 3 is finished. 4 is half finished. he only has one more film to make. He's only 68. Ridley Scott is mid 80s and still going.

[@PhantomDeth]

There's no way Cameron is handing off these films.. He will want to finish his 4 films up to 5 and that will be it.. Leave it be at that point when he is done.

[@creategreatness8823]

As soon as Spider-Man made nearly $2B...it was pretty clear theaters were back. Top Gun: Maverick confirmed it half a year later. Avatar will confirm it again.

[@Vinnnnnnnnnn123]

Guess the message is for us humans to understand that whales, dolphins and other mammals and animals also have deep spiritual consciousness and we should not kill them just for our personal gains and should others become too corrupt and greedy like the sky people. We should all join hands to save our mother earth before it's too late. I see you James Cameron❤️

[@QueLindoFilms]

Excellent questions from Perri

[@kutuluu]

His name is James, James Cameron, The bravest pioneer. No budget too steep, no sea too deep, Who's That? It's him, James Cameron

[@damionmurray8244]

Here's my theory on how Avatar 4 will play out...we come to find out that all planets have a 'soul'...Pandora has Eywa...and by the time we get to Earth (rumor been going around that's where we'll ultimately end up by the final film)...we find out that Earth too has soul...'Gaia'...but it's dormant...and the Navi helps humanity to reconnect and reawaken Gaia...ushering in a new age...wait that sounds like a manga I read somewhere...

[@cubanpete2079]

I'm excited!!! 5 films?

[@sclogse1]

There IS a lot of talent out there. The director for the new Raiders film has great chops, the director of Skull Island surprised us all with a special look and great editing...but you have to be inspired to work on these huge productions, or you're just going through the motions.

[@bendean8530]

I’ve never been more excited for a movie.

[@Itsjrob_]

How could you hate on this man ? Cheers to James man way of water was gorgeous Film to me

[@Cooltrain]

3:06 Damn the way Jim tells that story...

[@mnu1497]

Relevant questions make this interview interesting

[@prdimuzi]

Wow these movies sound amazing

[@bryan.chamberlin]

“Humble James Cameron” is my favorite James Cameron