James Cameron at 71: “I’m Healthy Enough to Direct Avatar 4”

According to Cinemadrame News Agency, In a new interview with Empire magazine, James Cameron says he is physically fit enough to direct Avatar 4 and Avatar 5. The third installment in the franchise, titled Avatar: Fire and Ash, will be released next December.

In 2022, Cameron told Empire he might hand over directing duties on the fourth Avatar and beyond to another filmmaker—but now he says he no longer has such plans.

The filmmaker, who will soon turn 71, says:
“There’s no reason for me not to direct. I’m healthy, I have no issue with carrying on. I don’t want to rule it out. I have to go strong to withstand the workload for another six or seven years. Maybe I won’t be able to… [but] if I can, I’ll do it.”

Cameron notes that he has previously passed on directing duties for other films. He originally intended to direct Alita: Battle Angel, but ultimately handed the director’s chair to Robert Rodriguez, while closely overseeing the project as a producer. Of Rodriguez, he says: “He respected what I had written.”

Cameron’s other projects include Ghosts of Hiroshima and The Devils, which may affect his ability to direct the Avatar sequels.

He previously told People that while he will not direct Avatar 6 and Avatar 7, he has mapped out their stories:
“We’ve fully written five films, and I have ideas for six and seven, though at some point I’ll hand over the reins. That’s just the way of things. But the point is, we’re having fun with what we’re doing. We love it. We’re working with amazing people.”

Avatar: Fire and Ash is set for release on December 19, 2025, with Avatar 4 following in December 2029 and Avatar 5 in December 2031.