Age of The Nerd
The ‘Avatar‘ sequels are still a few years away, but James Cameron is currently out and about promoting his new series ‘AMC Visionaries: James Cameron’s Story of Science Fiction‘. In the upcoming 6-part miniseries, Cameron explores the roots of science fiction and it’s impact on popular culture as a whole. With science fiction classics like the first two ‘Terminator‘ movies, and technological breakthroughs with films like ‘Titanic‘ and the original ‘Avatar‘, Cameron has certainly contributed his share of said impact on the sci-fi genre as a whole.
Naturally, the conversation shifted to the ‘Avatar’ sequels, which the director has been hard at work on for the last few years. Throughout the film’s tremendously long pre-production period, details have slowly begun to emerge. But now that the film is finally in production, Cameron seems to be revealing more and more about the project. Speaking at the TCA press tour this week, the director spoke about his philosophy when making such an effects-heavy film such as with the ‘Avatar’ sequels.
Here’s what Cameron had to say (via Collider) below:
I don’t think you advance storytelling, you know. I mean, I think storytelling is always about the basics. It’s about people. And I think that the lesson for me from the first film that I’ve applied to the new films is that the more fantastic the imagery, the more other-worldly, and the more you are pushing out to the edge of what’s possible in terms of bringing imaginative imagery to the screen, the more it has to be grounded in relationship and in truth and in heart. And so I’m hopefully doing that in spades with the new films. I’ve got an incredible cast. I worked really, really ‑‑ I’m always very cognizant of the casting. I’ve worked very hard to cast this, to find some new, young actors coming up that have incredible heart and that are just amazing.
Cameron also noted that:
And, you know, it doesn’t matter how much you dress it up with great production design and great visual effects. If the story is not working, if you don’t connect to the characters, it’s just simply not going to work. Of course, we can’t afford for it not to work, the budget level that we are dealing with. But, of course, you always have to give yourself permission as an artist to fail no matter what the stakes are. You’ve got to try stuff. The least‑safe thing you can do is try to be safe.
I have to say that despite my doubts based on the quality of the story in the first ‘Avatar‘ film, but Cameron’s words are encouraging here. Let’s just hope that the story will be able to match the pristine effects that will surely engulf the final film.
At this point, details are sparse about the plots of ‘Avatar 2‘ or ‘Avatar 3‘, besides the fact that they will take place largely underwater. But we do know that Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Stephen Lang, Joel David Moore, Matt Gerald, and Sigourney Weaver all return for the sequels. Joining them this time will be new cast members Kate Winslet, Cliff Curtis and Oona Chaplin. ‘Avatar 2‘ hits theaters December 18, 2020 and ‘Avatar 3‘ will be released December 17, 2021. make sure to check back as we learn more!
