James Cameron has Ideas for an ‘Avatar’ Animated Anthology

The director, who is readying third movie, ‘Fire and Ash’ for release, has broached the idea of potential other stories set on Pandora and beyond.

Preview:

James Cameron is considering ideas for ‘Avatar’ animated spin-offs.
He hasn’t developed much yet but has broached the subject with Disney.
Third movie ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ hits screens on December 19th.

When James Cameron talks –– particularly when it comes to the subject of his multi-billion-dollar ‘Avatar’ franchise –– people listen.

So when Cameron recently talked about the potential for animated spin-offs from the movies (the third one, ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ is due later this year), it’s news.

The filmmaker admitted he wasn’t very far in development with any of the ideas, but is certainly considering different options.

What did James Cameron say about ‘Avatar’ animated ideas?

Director James Cameron at D23 2024 presenting 'Avatar: Fire and Ash'. Photo: Disney.

Cameron revealed to Empire that he had discussed with 20th Century Studios owners/'Avatar' backers Disney about the potential for spin-offs:

“ ‘I said, ‘Look, I want to do an animated anthology series that's essentially in the world, but stories that you wouldn't have expected from that world. There might even be an animated feature in there – it might be a feature for streaming, or a theatrical feature.”

He also looked for inspiration for other animated extensions of major sci-fi franchises such as ‘The Animatrix’:

“These are all great examples for how we can add texture and baroque detail to the world of ‘Avatar’. The animated stories could deliver backstory on characters and tangential stuff that happened off-camera within the movies. Who first landed on Pandora? The first expedition. You could go anywhere you want.”

Just don’t go expecting to see it in the next couple of years (because, let’s be honest, Cameron has been busy with the movies). Still, he’s certainly coming up with plans:

“We haven't done much with that yet. We're still gathering our stories and that sort of thing, and I've got to find the boutique filmmakers, the animators, that want to do it.”

Anyone want to work with James Cameron on a spin-off of some of the most famous movies in history? We’re thinking he’ll find one or two willing candidates...

What’s the story of ‘’Avatar: Fire and Ash’?

(L to R) Lo’ak (Britain Dalton) and Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) in 20th Century Studios' 'Avatar: Fire and Ash'. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Jake (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri’s (Zoe Saldana) family grapples with grief after Neteyam’s death, encountering a new, aggressive Na’vi tribe, the Ash People, who are led by the fiery Varang.

The conflict on Pandora escalates and a new moral focus emerges.