Horror Icon Pitches To Replace James Cameron for Avatar 4 (if He Doesn’t Return)

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James Cameron has dedicated nearly two decades to the Avatar series, directing three films so far, including the new release, Avatar: Fire and Ash. Disney currently plans to release two more Avatar sequels in 2029 and 2031, but Cameron is uncertain if they will actually happen. Leading up to the premiere of Fire and Ash, Cameron emphasized the need for the films to be profitable and mentioned he has other stories he’s interested in pursuing. If Cameron decides to move on from Avatar, another well-known director is prepared to take the reins.

While promoting his show, The Copenhagen Test, James Wan told Screen Rant he’d be very interested in directing one of the Avatar sequels. He said he’d “love to take a crack at that” if James Cameron offered him the opportunity.

Could Avatar Benefit From a New Director?

James Cameron is so closely associated with the Avatar films that it’s difficult to picture anyone else directing them. The franchise truly reflects his distinctive creative vision, and like his other work, it showcases his dedication to groundbreaking visual effects. Beyond the technology, Cameron’s talent for large-scale action and spectacle is unmatched, and the Avatar movies are a prime example. While many studios produce big-budget blockbusters, Cameron uniquely excels at creating incredibly immersive, over-the-top action sequences, especially when utilizing 3D technology.

Although James Cameron created the world of Avatar, the franchise could benefit from a new director. Fire and Ash currently has the lowest ratings of all the Avatar films on Rotten Tomatoes. While most viewers still enjoyed the visuals, many found the story disappointing. A common criticism is that the film repeats ideas from earlier movies. Some also pointed out issues with the story, like its use of the “white savior” trope, the weak depiction of the Ash People, and the controversial ending involving Spider. A new director could bring fresh perspectives and help the Avatar series evolve.

James Wan would be a compelling choice to direct the next Avatar film. While he’s famous for his work in scary movies like The Conjuring, Saw, and Insidious, he also has experience with large-scale blockbusters. He successfully directed Furious 7 after the tragic loss of Paul Walker, delivering a satisfying film for fans. He also directed Aquaman, which is still the highest-grossing movie based on a DC comic. Wan’s work on both of these films showed he can create exciting action sequences, but also knows how to balance them with heart and humor. Taking over from James Cameron would be difficult, but Wan seems well-suited to the Avatar universe and capable of handling the challenge.

Whether Wan, or another director, will get to direct future Avatar movies depends on James Cameron. If Cameron decides to continue directing, that will likely be the end of the conversation, as he’s more than proven his ability to lead the franchise for as long as he wishes. The key question is whether Cameron’s plans align with Disney’s schedule. With Fire and Ash expected to earn over $1 billion, Disney will almost certainly want to continue the series, and may even want to stick with the currently planned 2029 release date. If Cameron ever chooses to step down, it could create an opportunity for a new director. While Cameron has expressed a desire to direct the remaining Avatar films himself, he also recognizes the need for a backup plan to ensure the franchise can continue smoothly.

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2026-01-04 17:40