The first “Avatar” unfolded across lush rainforests. The second involved the oceans. So what kind of biomes will the next three films in the epic sci-fi saga be set against – deserts, grasslands, an icy polar landscape?
Previously producer Jon Landau teased that the fifth film in the series will involve a return to Earth, which still leaves a third and fourth film to cover. Now, filmmaker James Cameron has teased the third film’s new ‘tribe’ and it sounds like it could involve a volcanic setting.
Speaking with French outlet 20 Minutes, Cameron was asked what fans can expect from the third film. In the interview, Cameron offers the first details about the ‘Ash People’, a new Na’vi culture that may be the most brutal and nastiest of the ones living in Pandora’s biosphere.
Cameron says the aim of the sequels is to show cultures “different from those I have already shown”, and that includes this new tribe. He says (translated):
“The fire will be represented by the ‘Ash People.’ I want to reveal the Na’vi from another angle because, for the moment, I have only shown their good sides. In the early films, there are very negative human examples and very positive Na’vi examples. In Avatar 3, we’ll have the opposite.
We will also explore new universes while continuing the story of the main characters. I can say that the last parts will be the best. The others were an introduction, a way to set the table before serving the meal. But, obviously, everything will depend on how Avatar 2 will be received, if it will find its audience.”
Though Cameron previously hinted at potentially handing over the directorial reins to someone else for the latter sequels, here he makes it sound unlikely, saying whilst he has planned “everything so that the story can continue without me,” in the best-case scenario he says he “will continue to direct everything” and admits he’s a control freak and “giving up control is not in my nature”.
The comments come as “Avatar: The Way of Water” just became the highest grossing film of 2022 internationally. “Avatar 3” is tentatively scheduled for a December 20th 2024 release, with fourth and fifth films planned for 2026 and 2028 respectively.
