James Cameron May Not Direct ‘Avatar’ Sequels Beyond 3rd Movie

'Avatar' director James Cameron and a crew of 55 received special permission to enter New Zealand to film the sequel to his 2009 mega-hit, prompting anger over double standards AFP / JOEL SAGET

James Cameron might be stepping away from the director’s chair once he is done with the third “Avatar” movie.

The esteemed filmmaker, 67, has seemingly hinted at his future plans beyond the upcoming sequels in the sci-fi franchise. Cameron is already done filming the second and third “Avatar” movies since they were shot back-to-back. After doing the two installments together, he could be passing the baton to another director.

“The ‘Avatar’ films themselves are kind of all-consuming. … I think eventually over time — I don’t know if that’s after three or after four — I’ll want to pass the baton to a director that I trust to take over,” he told Empire in an exclusive interview published Monday.

Cameron admitted that he’s in the process of “developing” other exciting things. He also wants to “do some other stuff that I’m also interested in.” However, he has yet to finalize his plans, so he still does not know if he is really leaving the franchise after the third installment.

He noted that more than anything, he was excited for the fourth installment in the movie series. “Movie four is a corker. … I actually hope I get to make it. But it depends on market forces,” he said.

For Cameron, bringing the story to the big screen is a big deal because it tackles themes that are very timely and relevant in real life, such as family, sustainability, climate and the natural world.

“I really hope we get to make four and five because it’s one big story, ultimately,” he explained.

The first “Avatar,” released in 2009, became the highest-grossing movie ever, so expectations are high for the sequel, “Avatar: The Way of Water,” due for release this December.

The second movie is set more than a decade after the first film. It follows the Sully family, composed of Jake (Sam Worthington), Neytiri (Zoe Saldana) and their kids, as they fight to stay alive and endure all the tragedies that come their way, as per Deadline.

The sequel also stars Sigourney Weaver, Michelle Yeoh, Stephen Lang, Kate Winslet, Edie Falco, Jermaine Clement, Giovanni Ribisi and Oona Chaplin, among others.

Meanwhile, details about the third “Avatar” film are still under wraps. Variety has learned, however, that it is eyeing a release sometime in 2024.