As “Avatar: The Way Of Water” continues to soar at the box office, the adage “don’t bet against James Cameron” proves correct. The first sequel to Cameron’s 2009 smash hit likely crosses the $1.5 billion gross barrier today. And with reports that the film is already close to breaking even, the “Avatar” franchise’s future looks secure. But will “The Way Of Water” surpass the $2.923 billion mark of “Avatar,” as Cameron wants? Only time will tell.
But the success of “The Way Of Water” so far virtually guarantees Cameron continues his adventures on Pandora beyond “Avatar 3.” So, what should fans expect from the next installments in the series? According to IndieWire (via Total Film), Cameron told the French newspaper 20 Minutes last month that the next “Avatar” film will feature more Na’vi clans beyond the air and water-based clans of the first two movies. Moreover, this new Na’vi tribe, the Ash People, base themselves on fire and aren’t as forthcoming as the Metkayina clan of “The Way Of Water.”
““The fire will be represented by the ‘Ash People.’ I want to show the Na’vi from another angle because, so far, I have only shown their good sides,” Cameron said in the interview. “In the early films, there are very negative human examples and very positive Na’vi examples. In “Avatar 3,” we will do the opposite. We will also explore new worlds, 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.”
Villainous Na’vi? That sounds like an intriguing premise. But it also sounds curiously like another franchise with a similar name: the Nickelodeon show “Avatar: The Last Airbender.” That show’s narrative features four factions affiliated with the four elements, and the Fire Nation is the most antagonistic of the lot. So, will an earth/rock or nomadic desert Na’vi clan also get introduced in “Avatar 4“? If they do, don’t be surprised if people call out Cameron for lack of creativity (but Cameron’s overwhelming commercial success, not to mention his confidence, should buoy him against criticism like that).
Still, the Ash People’s introduction in “Avatar 3” should make that film even more anticipated than it already is. Set for release on December 20, 2024, that film brings in David Thewlis and Michelle Yeoh to the franchise. Cameron shot “The Way Of Water” and its sequel back to back over five years. As for “The Last Airbender,” the original animated show’s run ended in 2008, but Paramount has three spin-offs in production. Netflix also has a live-action version set for release sometime this year. As for M. Night Shyamalan‘s 2010 live-action film based on the series? Fans would rather forget that one.
Expect more teases about “Avatar 3” as “Avatar: The Way Of Water” continues to dominate the box office.