LATEST NEWS
Fox Announces Three 'Avatar' Sequels to Hit Theaters Starting in 2016
by Ethan Anderton
August 1, 2013
Yesterday brought a small update for the gestating Avatar sequel with James Cameron enlisting the help of War of the Worlds and "Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles" writer Josh Friedman to work on the script. Other than that, we've been waiting for any clear indicator of when production might begin on the follow-up to the 2009 blockbuster. While we heard there would definitely be two sequels coming, there were rumblings that three films might be in the works. Well, Deadline has word that Fox is definitely making three more Avatar films with James Cameron at the helm, and there's writers lined up for all of them.
Friedman is writng one sequel, and the other two will fall in the hands of Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver (Rise of the Planet of the Apes) and Shane Salerno (Armageddon, Savages), who was working with Cameron on the remake of Fantastic Voyage. Also, all three films will be shot back-to-back, just like Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy did in New Zealand over a decade ago with production beginning in 2014. That means the first sequel won't arrive until December 2016, the second in December of 2017 and the third (you guessed it) in December of 2018. Here's what Cameron had to say about the plan:
“Building upon the world we created with 'Avatar' has been a rare and incredibly rewarding experience. In writing the new films, I’ve come to realize that Avatar’s world, story and characters have become even richer than I anticipated, and it became apparent that two films would not be enough to capture everything I wanted to put on screen. And to help me continue to expand this universe, I’m pleased to bring aboard Amanda, Rick, Shane and Josh — all writers I’ve long admired - to join me in completing the films screenplays.”
Honestly, as someone who enjoyed Avatar for its beautiful landscapes, impressive special effects and solid action, I can't say I'm positively thrilled about three more films in the series. Yes, Avatar was entertaining, but it certainly wasn't a mind-blowing piece of cinema. With a derivative story and forgettable human characters, it just felt flat. Maybe with all this time Cameron has fleshed out the universe and story since he doesn't have to focus on developing new technology as much. Fox is surely happy to have three sequels to the highest grossing movie of all time, but we'll have to wait and see how this franchise pans out.
27 Comments
1
Make it stop. Awful movies and washed up director.
DotaD on Aug 1, 2013
2
Ya, that James Cameron is just washed up. Extremely intelligent comment.
racquetmanpartdeux on Aug 1, 2013
3
Ha that's funny cause he's in love with the ocean.
N. on Aug 1, 2013
4
yay...I guess.
Xerxexx on Aug 1, 2013
5
It will be interesting to see where Cameron goes with the story. So much of the 1st film was an introduction to the world and it's inhabitants along with getting Jake assimilated into the Na'vi culture. I'm on board no matter what he does. Whatever it is, it will be exponentially more interesting than the plague of boring-as-hell comic book films that have taken over theaters in the last few years.
racquetmanpartdeux on Aug 1, 2013
6
I sure hope he knows what he's doing....
N. on Aug 1, 2013
7
*back to back to back. Don't censor me, you Nazi.
Gram gram thank you mam on Aug 1, 2013
8
I never understood how Avatar was so popular, it was a mediocre film at best.
IamSlave on Aug 1, 2013
9
Three D.
DAVIDPD on Aug 1, 2013
10
What happened to trilogies?
DavideCoppola on Aug 1, 2013
11
May we and Cameron have enough life to watch this endless sequels?
John on Aug 1, 2013
12
Mr Cameron! we don't like to dive in panora's blue ocean! for god sake,please leave avatarz!
Eddy on Aug 1, 2013
13
Avatar was it a good movie?? Nope! But the CGI is amazing! Do we need more of this story, come on James go back to your manga project.
Monk on Aug 1, 2013
14
Yes James Cameron because the world is in great need of Avatar sequels, yes let's do ore Blue Pocahontas, Rise of the Blue mohicans! *Sarcasm level: Over 9000!* He's wasting his career...
Fidel Reyes on Aug 1, 2013
15
Damn! What a bunch elitist trolls on here. You'd think Jonah Hex 2 was being forced on you like the torture in Clockwork Orange. Get over yourself! If crap sequels can be made for "The Matrix" and "Pirates of the Caribbean" (both franchises were the original is the only worthy one) and crap like Transformers gets 3 movies and counting, then Avatar, which is far better than any Transformers garbage, can do a sequel. Yes the story was hardly compelling since it was just "Dances With Wolves" in space, but it was still a beautiful movie worthy of a sequel especially now, as Ethan said, more on the story can be worked on since they got the look and effects figured out. Either way, cut the arrogant only-for-show crap.
LightningB on Aug 1, 2013
16
true..
Avi on Aug 1, 2013
17
This is true, but you cant really use examples of other crap sequels to justify another crap sequel, that just fuels the ridiculously low standards hollywood has brought upon us.
Cody W on Aug 2, 2013
18
Oh Boy. At least it will push out some new filming techniques.
DAVIDPD on Aug 1, 2013
19
Well, that's four films too many. I'm still a firm believer that this was just an experimental film, and was told from the villain's perspective: Scumbag Sully
Pabster on Aug 1, 2013
20
GREAT NEWS. Cameron is the king of making sequels that surpass the originals both technically and in terms of narrative and character strength. The fact that he is bringing in other writers to play in his world is also a good sign, in my opinion. BRING IT ON! Also...is there any confirmation that all 3 films are sequels? Or is it '2 sequels and a prequel' like previously rumored/talked about?
Chris Groves on Aug 1, 2013
21
Avatar was awesome! you guys don't know what your talking about. James Cameron has a knack for immersing us into the world of his movies. I'm looking forward to the sequels. Although 2 would have been fine, 3 is a bit much.
Richie on Aug 1, 2013
22
He would only do such a dramatic thing, in the event that these sequels would be as equally visually stunning or more so than the original. And if so, in that regard then... I say fuck, bring us on a hell of a ride James. Though PLEASE let the stories be more impressive than visuals this time lol. Even if they weren`t you know james is gonna make brains pop soon enough haha.
mmmmmmmmmm on Aug 1, 2013
23
it's a sad day in history! No more original stuff from the genius who brought us aliens 2,and the terminator movies! What a complete waste of time! Yes he is fallen for power and money of the Hollywood moguls! RIP
Avi on Aug 1, 2013
24
I cant't believe this: Space Pocahontas 2, 3 and 4.
terrible reactor on Aug 2, 2013
25
Honestly I wouldnt mind 2 hours of Navi versus human battles.
Cody W on Aug 2, 2013
26
I dunno I think this guys best movies are behind him now. Just not an interesting movie. The story seems recycled from other movies and overly long. Probably good for very young kids experiencing something like this for the first time.
Christopher Philip Cinquegrano on Aug 4, 2013
27
all of you are dicks who says that avatasr is pokahotnas ...
maugrim on Aug 5, 2013
New comments are no longer allowed on this post.
FEATURED POSTS
FOLLOW FS HERE
Follow Alex's main account on Twitter:
Add our posts to your Feedly › click here
Get all the news sent on Telegram 
LATEST TO WATCH