James Cameron hints that Avatar sequels will be a ‘family saga’

James Cameron has dropped some hints about the long delayed sequels to Avatar (2009). Speaking with Variety, Cameron has suggested that Toruk, which is a Cirque du Soleil prequel to Avatar (on at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn for a few more nights), contains clues about the themes of the movie sequels.

He tells us that, although the plot of Toruk – which is named after the huge, dragon-like creatures seen in Avatar – won’t tie into the movies, it will overlap thematically. “The storyline in the sequels really follows Jake and Neytiri and their children,” he said. “It’s more of a family saga about the struggle with the humans.” Cameron served as a consultant on Toruk.

The first sequel to Avatar is targeting a Christmas 2018 release. However, Cameron did go on to say the following at the end of the interview:

“We haven’t moved that target yet, but we will if we need to. The important thing for me is not when the first one comes out but the cadence of the release pattern. I want them to be released as close together as possible. If it’s an annual appointment to show up at Christmas, I want to make sure that we’re able to fulfill on that promise.”