More Is Better! James Cameron Cranking Out Avatar Sequel Twofer

Oscar-winning filmmaker is gathering up the tribe for two more entries in the 3-D blockbuster franchise

By Josh Grossberg Oct 27, 2010 4:02 PMTags
Zoe Saldana, Sam Worthington, Avatar20th Century Fox

Holy super Smurfs! James Cameron's about to fire up not one, but count 'em, two, Avatar sequels.

Following through on his promise, the King of the World Universe Bank is returning to Pandora to pilot a pair of follow-ups to his box-office-bursting hit.

Let's just hope he avoids the Bad Sequel Syndrome

20th Century Fox is targeting a December 2014 release for Avatar 2 and December 2015 for Avatar 3, with Cameron focusing exclusively on those projects over the coming months. Stars Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana are aboard to reprise their respective roles as parapalegic Marine-turned-Na'vi warrior Jake Sully and his princess girlfriend, Neytiri.

Cameron will get cracking on the scripts in early 2011 with shooting expected to begin by the end of 2011.

"In the second and third films, which will be self-contained stories that also fulfill a greater story arc, we will not back off the throttle of Avatar's visual and emotional horsepower, and will continue to explore its themes and characters, which touched the hearts of audiences in all cultures around the world," Cameron said in a statement. "I'm looking forward to returning to Pandora, a world where our imaginations can run wild."

While he isn't giving any spoilers yet, the director has hinted previously that the second installment might delve into the oceans of Pandora.

Count us in!