Entertainment Desk:

James Cameron has confirmed that Avatar: Fire and Ash will have a longer runtime than Avatar: The Way of Water, which was already an epic three hours and 12 minutes. Speaking to Empire magazine, the filmmaker explained that the decision stemmed from having too many compelling ideas packed into the second film’s first act.

“The [film] was moving like a bullet train, and we weren’t drilling down enough on character,” Cameron said. “So I said, ‘Guys, we’ve got to split it.’” As a result, Fire and Ash will take more time to explore its characters and story.

Despite its length, the Avatar franchise has thrived at the box office. The original Avatar (2009) remains the highest-grossing film of all time, while The Way of Water holds the third spot. Amanda Silver, who co-wrote Fire and Ash with Cameron and Rick Jaffa, emphasized that the story demanded more breathing room. “These movies are a lot more than just propulsive plot and gorgeous spectacle,” she said. “I mean, these are real characters.”

Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldaña will return as Jake Sully and Neytiri, while plot details remain under wraps. However, Cameron has teased an exciting journey ahead, telling The Hollywood Reporter, “It’s really cool. You’re going to love it.”

The director also reaffirmed his commitment to the franchise’s future, confirming he will helm Avatar 4 and Avatar 5, slated for release on December 21, 2029, and December 19, 2031, respectively. “They’re cracking stories. They’ve got to get made,” he said. “If I get hit by a bus and I’m in an iron lung, somebody else is going to do it.”

Avatar: Fire and Ash is set to hit theaters on December 19, 2025.