Avatar: The Way of Water is still bringing in big numbers at the global box office, and while it's too soon to say whether the sequel will reach the same heights as its 2009 predecessor, the franchise's future looks bright. Avatar 3 has already been shot so we're getting that whatever happens, and filmmaker James Cameron has now revealed some interesting new details.
After showing us a whole new side of Na'vi culture in The Way of Water, the director says the third instalment is going to turn the spotlight on yet another of Pandora's indigenous tribes.
Asked what fans can expect, Cameron tells 20 Minutes (via SFFGazette.com), "Different cultures from those I have already shown. The fire will be represented by the 'Ash People.'"
"I want to show the Na’vi in a different light because, so far, I have only shown their good sides," he continued. "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're certainly intrigued by that prospect, as the recently released sequel didn't break as much new ground as we'd have liked. However, in an effort to really move this sci-fi series forward, Cameron says the threequel will also take us to planets beyond Pandora as we continue exploring this future.
"We will also explore new worlds, while continuing the story of the main characters," Cameron promises. "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 is received, if it finds its audience."
We've already heard that there are plans to shift the action to Earth, though it didn't sound like that was something we'd get to see until the fourth Avatar movie. While The Way of Water felt a little filler at times, it's clear the filmmaker has plenty of ambitious ideas for this story as it continues playing out on our screens.
Avatar 3 is currently set to be released on December 20, 2024.