Introduction to the Avatar Franchise Expansion
According to director James Cameron, the world of Na’vi could expand to the small screen, which recently opened its plans for the franchise with an anthology series and possibly a feature. This move comes as the highly anticipated publication of December 19th, Avatar: Fire and Ash, is about to be released.
Exploring New Storytelling Avenues
Speaking to Rich before the publication, the three-time Oscar winner discussed how Avatar – already expanded in video games and a theme park in Walt Disney World – could explore further background story, an idea that he has already shaped with Disney. Cameron expressed his desire to create an animated anthology series that delves into unexpected stories within the world of Avatar.
The Vision for an Animated Anthology Series
"I said, ‘Look, I want to make an animated anthology series that is essentially in the world, but stories that they would not have expected from this world," explained Cameron. "It could even contain an animated feature – it could be a feature for streaming or a theater feature." This series would offer a unique opportunity to add texture and baroque details to the world of Avatar, much like other successful animated adaptations.
Drawing Inspiration from Other Franchises
Cameron cited other examples of animated adaptations that came from existing films, such as The Matrix: Animatrix, where they explored the Matrix world in new and exciting ways. These examples demonstrate how animated projects can enhance the original story and provide additional background information about characters and events. The possibilities for Avatar are endless, and Cameron is excited to explore them.
The Developmental Stage of the Animated Entries
In light of the follow-up examination until the gigantic 2022 The Way of the Water, Cameron used a significant part of the filmmaker period, and the animated entries are still in early developmental stages. "We haven’t done that much yet," he said. "We still collect our stories and something like that, and I have to do the boutique filmmaker, the animators who want to do it."
The Future of the Avatar Franchise
A first trailer for Fire and Ash was released last week after it debuted in advance on silver screens with The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Combined, the Avatar films have kept $5.24 billion, with the first entry of 2009 remaining the highest-grossing film ever with $2.92 billion. As the franchise continues to grow and expand, fans can expect new and exciting stories to emerge, including the potential animated anthology series and feature.
