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Image Courtesy: The Wrap
The fate of 'Avatar 4' and 'Avatar 5' is still unknown, but James Cameron's 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' is already blazing through theaters worldwide. The renowned director has stated that the success of the third film's box office performance would determine the development of the two additional sequels that were initially slated for 2029 and 2031. In an unexpected and open statement, Cameron has promised to hold a press conference to discuss the planned storylines for 'Avatar 4' and 'Avatar 5' in order to keep fans informed if the 'Avatar' narrative cannot continue on the silver screen.
Cameron's High Stakes for 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' and the Franchise's Future
James Cameron's 'Avatar: Fire and Ash,' the third chapter of the Avatar franchise, opened in theaters on 19th December, 2025 and has enjoyed strong box office momentum, grossing hundreds of millions globally shortly after release. While not quite matching the record-breaking heights of 'Avatar: The Way of Water'—which grossed over $2.3 billion worldwide—the film continues to draw audiences and could still reach blockbuster totals as the holiday season unfolds.
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Image Courtesy: Collider
The film was also able to make great success in foreign markets, like as India, where it became one of the year's highest-grossing Hollywood productions. However, despite solid numbers, Cameron has openly acknowledged the commercial pressure behind the project, bluntly stating that 'Fire and Ash' must "make enough money to justify doing it again" if Disney and he are to green-light the next two films. Cameron has already highlighted the financial dangers associated with the 'Avatar' movies, stating that he is willing to abandon the franchise completely if the economics don't work out.
He even made a joke about ending the story with a novel rather than more films. His recent comments at press events and interviews make his stance clear: the continuation of the saga is not guaranteed, and the box office performance of Fire and Ash is central to whether 'Avatar 4' (expected 21st December, 2029) and 'Avatar 5' (expected 19th December, 2031) move forward.
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Image Courtesy: Deadline
A Press Conference Promise: What Cameron Plans to Reveal?
In one of the more unprecedented moves from a major franchise director, James Cameron has promised that, if the planned sequels don't get made, he won't leave audiences in limbo. Instead, he'll hold a press conference, similar to a story reveal, to share what the plots of 'Avatar 4' and 'Avatar 5' would have been.
Even if the movies themselves are never made, Cameron told press outlets and entertainment publications that he would present the conference as a means of providing fans with closure by saying, "Here's what we were gonna do."
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Image Courtesy: 3DVF
In order to retain the rich cultural and narrative richness he has developed over decades, he has previously proposed other ideas, such as novelizing the remaining stories himself. Regardless of upcoming big-screen sequels, he wants to make sure that the 'Avatar' tale, at least in some way, reaches audiences, which is reflected in his plans.
With scripts already written and parts of 'Avatar 4' reportedly shot alongside earlier sequels, the creative groundwork for those future films exists—it just now depends on whether 'Fire and Ash' makes the business case strong enough to move forward.
