Sigourney Weaver explains why there are four Avatar sequels
Sigourney Weaver has spoken to Entertainment Weekly about reprising her role as scientist Dr. Grace Augustine in the four upcoming Avatar sequels. Specifically, she discusses why its important that there are four movies, which relates to their important and timely social messages.
“There’s a very good reason why it turned out to be four sequels,” Weaver said. “Having read all four of them, I think they’re absolutely extraordinary and worth the wait. These films are very much about the peril of this beautiful planet, and [James Cameron] is continuing the same themes of greed and callousness of the corporations and plight of the indigenous people. At this point after a long and very satisfying career — I can’t believe it’s been 40 years, but anyway — I’m very excited to be able to work on these four stories. I can really, really appreciate it.”
Pre-production on the four films has been underway in New Zealand since April, and shooting will officially begin on September 25 of this year. With Avatar 2 and 3 shooting simultaneously, and 4 and 5 shortly after, it’s sure to be a wild ride for all involved!
“It’s the most ambitious project by far I’ve ever been involved in, and the most moving, the most astonishing, beautiful,” Weaver added. “I think all of us who get to be a part of it are just in awe when we see the artwork. It’s just incredible to be living now when we can bring this kind of film experience to the public. Because I think as much as ‘Avatar’ changed what people want in a film experience, this goes a hundred times farther.”
Returning cast members include Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Joel David Moore, Stephen Lang and Sigourney Weaver. Cliff Curtis and Oona Chaplin are also joining the sequels. The Avatar sequels will be produced by James Cameron and Jon Landau through their Lightstorm Entertainment. The James Cameron-directed sequels are written by Cameron along with Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver, Josh Friedman, and Shane Salerno.
20th Century Fox and Lightstorm Entertainment recently announced new release dates for all four of the films via the official Avatar Facebook page, saying, “Great to be working with the best team in the business! Avatar takes flight as we begin concurrent production on four sequels. The journey continues December 18, 2020, December 17, 2021, December 20, 2024 and December 19, 2025!”
Released in 2009, the first Avatar film remains the highest-grossing film worldwide with over $2.7 billion in box office gross. It was dethroned by Star Wars: The Force Awakens as the highest at the domestic box office, pushing past Avatar‘s $760 million with a total of $936 million.
