Watch: James Cameron says he could make 10 more 'Avatar' trips to Pandora
Plus he discusses the rules of world-building in the sequels
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It's probably better that I didn't know ahead of time that I was going to sit down with James Cameron this week to talk about "Avatar."
Surprisingly, I've never interviewed James Cameron. I've sat down with his longtime producer Jon Landau before, and I attended one press conference around the time "Titanic" hit home video, but the entire time I was at Ain't It Cool, Harry had Big Jim on lockdown. It was very clear that only one Ain't It Cooler was allowed near the man, and that was Grande Rojo.
As it was, I had about a day's advance notice, and it worked out well that way. I didn't have time to overthink things, and since I had the same six minutes as everyone else, it really wasn't the time to do the grand epic interview that I'm sure I could do with the man. Instead, we were there to speak quickly about about the upcoming theatrical re-release of "Avatar," with nine new minutes of footage included, and also to talk about the future of the series.
As I sat down, I had my Moleskine open on my lap, and Cameron pointed at it. "Why do you get a cheat sheet? I don't need notes."
"I just want to make sure I get to everything..."
"You won't," he said, smiling.
"... and don't forget anything."
"You will." He smiled even more as he said it, and I relaxed, pleased to see how up his post-lunch mood was and pleased to take a little gentle ball-busting from a guy so notoriously demanding of his crews that the official crew shirt on the first "Terminator" sequel actually read "T3: Not With Me" on the back.
I think the resultant conversation was a good one, and I hope someday we have the opportunity to sit down for a real talk at length. I remain just as fascinated and engaged by him as a filmmaker now as I was at 14 when "The Terminator" first appeared in theaters.
Thanks to Fox for putting me in the room, and to Cameron for his time.
"Avatar" returns to theaters and audiences return to Pandora on August 27th.
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Login or create a HitFix account Login SignupRazorback
August 13, 2010 at 7:47PM EST Reply to CommentI would certainly watch more interviews by you. Well prepared and good questions.
Dean
August 13, 2010 at 8:48PM EST Reply to Commentgood job Drew. I pray that one day you'll get that long form chat with the guy.
Rindain
August 13, 2010 at 9:54PM EST Reply to CommentGreat interview - we got some good new info there. I love how he won't be making a "lucas universe" but will stick to Earth and the AC system.
I. S.
August 13, 2010 at 10:54PM EST Reply to CommentGreat use of your six minutes, with something new right at the start -- Del Toro was pushed to do 'The Hobbit' in 3D but resisted because it was "outside his comfort zone", which I think means that he wasn't sure he could get his vision properly on screen. Now with Big Jim on board he will embrace it completely. Interesting stuff.
I've heard that one factor in signing off the sequels is that Worthington and Saldana are holding out for more than the peanuts they got last time. Understandable since they'd both be locked into it for 18 months at minimum.
Avos
August 14, 2010 at 6:04AM EST Reply to CommentGreat interview Drew.
I continue to be baffled as to why some people hate the guy. Cameron has always been a passionate filmmaker, and it always shows imo.
southafricanguy Right there with you Avos, Cameron is one of the few truly passionate sci-fi film makers/geeks out there who is really intelligent/articulate and is crazy smart when it comes to knowing the history of sci-fi.
August 17, 2010 at 10:21AM ESTIt also amazes me when I see so many ignorant people that just dont get Avatar for what it simply is, namely a modernization/updating of the old pulp serial sci-fi classic sci-fi stories like Joh VCarter of Mars...
evan
August 14, 2010 at 4:44PM EST Reply to CommentNow the question is going to be, do Cameron and his characters get lost down a rabbit-hole of his own making, following a path generated not by the essence of his creation but by the means of his own technology? Will AVATAR continue to exist only as a quest to conquer the uncanny valley and realize what lies beyond it, or will it become a story worth revisiting for its own sake?
Fawst Look at Terminator. Now look at Terminator 2. I don't have many worries when it comes to Cameron making a sequel to his own creation!
August 15, 2010 at 6:40PM EST
August 15, 2010 at 8:27PM EST
August 15, 2010 at 8:45PM EST
August 15, 2010 at 9:44PM ESTVlaszlo Avatar's story and where it leads is arguably it's greatest asset, as well as Cameron's most valuable contribution to society through the art of cinema. The Abyss is a too often forgotten classic, but to call Avatar hollow is completely ridiculous given this moment in our history as a species.
August 16, 2010 at 8:28PM EST
August 16, 2010 at 1:26AM EST Reply to CommentI actually breezed in here, only vaguely expecting to get a hint of Avatar news. I'm still in that postpartum depression phase of having a personal geek event actually occur. I followed Avatar veraciously for literal years. Your M/C blog became one of my favorite check in points when everything really heated up. You always expressed appropriate frustration with the ever demanding fanboys who refused to appreciate or even give the chance to something new and beautiful. I was actually present for your post FF09 advance footage screening nerd-rage-in-the-lobby explosion, and it was a sight to behold. Beautiful.
And now here I am with news for me! Another nugget about the geek quest I don't want to end. You used your minutes wisely.
Thanks Drew!
Is it pathetic that this made my rather uneventful day?
southafricanguy Dustin.....what exactly was this nerd rage explosion Drew was involved in, please share/elaborate....
August 17, 2010 at 10:18AM ESTSruli Broocker
August 16, 2010 at 9:24PM EST Reply to CommentCool, Drew! You definitely earned the face time with Mr. Cameron, as one of the few industry guys to react with optimism when the first trailer for "Avatar" hit last summer(http://bit.ly/bvlo8R), and were quick to defend it against the many cynics leading up to its release. I hope you get that longer interview, too.
daq
August 17, 2010 at 1:31AM EST Reply to CommentWrite a comment...
daq
August 17, 2010 at 1:33AM EST Reply to Commentis there any news on when he is going to put out the abyss on bluray. the movie has never been released properly, the dvd is a terrible transfer.