The previous two “Avatar” films were huge hits, bringing in a lot of money for the studio and the legendary director. But even James Cameron has noticed that more and more people are staying home and not going to the movies as often as they used to.
"Audiences have changed their habits when it comes to entertainment. They are increasingly choosing streaming and convenience, rather than the experience of actually watching a movie on a big screen," he says.
The first “Avatar” came out in 2009 and is the highest-grossing film to date. The sequel “Avatar: The Way of Water” came out in 2022 and is third (Avengers: Endgame has stolen second place and Cameron’s “Titanic” is fourth).
"We can't stop the trend. All I can do is try to make sure the audience has the best experience possible," says Cameron.
A long story
He sees the previous and new Avatar films as one long story. “Fire and Ash” begins shortly after the great battle between the Na'vis (the inhabitants of the planet Pandora) and the soldiers from Earth.
Not surprisingly, they later return on a quest to kill the Na'vi, but also to hunt the large underwater animals that are now threatened with extinction. Another and very violent Na'vi tribe also enters the plot.
It's a film about grief and loss, and about moving on and trying to break the downward spiral of hate. We see it everywhere in the world today.
The environmental message is important to Cameron.
When I tried to sell the script for the first “Avatar,” the head of the film company said, “It’s a good script, but can’t you take out all that tree-hugging?”
“Absolutely not, that's why I want to make the film,” I replied. It's an honor for them that I got my way.
A predecessor
Cameron states that “Avatar” was a pioneer. Never before had a blockbuster film addressed the environment in such a way.
There was nothing we could point to. And today, everything about the environment is just getting worse and worse. It's eerie.
Cameron has said there will be five “Avatar” films, his actors say they have read all the scripts. He himself laughs when the question comes up.
Let me use a metaphor: would you ask a woman who is just giving birth when the next child is coming? Hardly. But the fact that there is a curiosity about a sequel is a good sign.
"Avatar: Fire and Ash" has its Swedish cinema premiere on Wednesday.
Gunnar Rehlin/TT
Facts: James Cameron
TT
Age: 71.
Lives: New Zealand.
Family: wife, Suzy Amis, four children.
Previously directed, in selection: "Terminator" (1984), "Aliens - the Return of the King" (1986), "The Abyss" (1989), "Terminator 2 - Judgment Day" (1991). "True lies" (1994), "Titanic" (1997), "Avatar" (2009), "Avatar: The way of water" (2022), "Avatar: Fire and ash" (2025).
