Is James Cameron about to leave Pandora for good? As we approach the release ofAvatar: Fire and Ashesthe director no longer hides his concern. If the film fails at the box office, it could draw a line under Avatar 4 And 5leaving in suspense the future of the most cherished saga in cinema history.
In a series of recent interviews, Cameron takes a sharp turn. Asked about the colossal budget of this new opus, he doesn’t beat around the bush: “It’s a fucking fortune, which means we need to earn two to be profitable.”
A film under pressure to make the saga survive
The challenge is significant. With more than 400 million dollars invested, Fire and Ashes will have to attract millions of spectators in a complicated post-Covid context for theaters. According to Cameron, theatrical attendance is barely 75% of its 2019 level. Add to that competition from streaming and a certain skepticism about repeat sequels, and the equation becomes formidable.
“We tend to dismiss sequels unless it’s the third part of The Lord of the Rings and we want to know what happens to each character.”
The director recognizes that Fire and Ashes will have to generate solid profits to convince Disney to finance the next two chapters. “I am confident that this film will be a commercial success. The question is: will it be profitable enough to justify further production?”
James Cameron: ready to end it all
If there’s one thing Cameron no longer hides, it’s his fatigue. “Yes, absolutely, of course. If this is the end, so much the better.” He recalls that he has been immersed in the Avatar universe for almost thirty years. The idea of getting out doesn’t scare him, even if he already mentions a plan B: writing a book to complete what he won’t have time to film.
But this pessimism is not shared by everyone. Sigourney Weaver, back in the role of Kiri, strongly believes in the sequel. “I’m not going to answer that question because I’m in denial.” The actress is banking on fan loyalty and multiple viewings: according to her, this is what will unlock the green light forAvatar 4.
Kiri narrator of Avatar 4: the revelation of Sigourney Weaver
It is also an unexpected detail which reignites interest in the sequel. In full promotion, Sigourney Weaver revealed some crucial information: “So, Kiri is the narrator of the next film. So I really have to do these films.”
A strong script choice which could provide a unique perspective on the universe of Pandora, and strengthen the emotional bond between spectators and its characters. In Fire and Ashesit is Lo’ak, the son of Jake and Neytiri, who serves as narrator. Passing the baton to Kiri in the next installment would allow Cameron to give a more intimate voice to the story.
But for this, it will first be necessary that Fire and Ashes keeps its promises at the box office. Without this, the entire Avatar odyssey could end… in ashes.