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Sequel dominator: Unraveling James Cameron's rise to the throne as 'Avatar' director

James Cameron famously uttered the phrase "I'm the king of the world" upon "Titanic" winning Best Picture in 1998. Now, with the release of "Avatar: The Way of Water" 13 years later, and alongside "Aliens" and "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" in the list of Cameron-directed sequels, he can...

Titled Sequel Mastery: A Look at James Cameron's Dominance in Sequels After 'Avatar' Success
Titled Sequel Mastery: A Look at James Cameron's Dominance in Sequels After 'Avatar' Success

Sequel dominator: Unraveling James Cameron's rise to the throne as 'Avatar' director

In a world where seven-year gaps between sequels have become the norm for blockbuster franchises, James Cameron's "Avatar: The Way of Water" is making a splash in U.S. movie theaters, premiering on December 16, 2022.

This latest installment in the Avatar franchise is not a simple repetition of the original, but rather a new take on the franchise. The film introduces a new clan with its own distinctive society, featuring young children trying to relate to older siblings and warrior parents.

Cameron, who is known for pushing the boundaries of filmmaking, has not approached sequels as just another product. Instead, he has aimed to offer something unique. In a recent interview, he summarized his approach to sequels by saying, "You give the audience comfort that the things they liked about the first movie are going to be there, but they're going to be shaken up or jumbled in a way that you don't anticipate."

The film's main couple has a family, and the dynamics between them are explored. The film is rated PG-13.

In the realm of science fiction, Cameron's name is synonymous with innovation. His work on "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" marked an enormous leap in the world of computer-generated visual effects with its shape-shifting fluid robot. In this sequel, he transformed the initial bad guy into the hero, introducing a new and different mechanized threat.

Cameron's impact on the industry is undeniable. Stan Winston, who made the special makeup effects on "Terminator 2", stated that Cameron is the ultimate leader in this sector.

"Aliens", another Cameron masterpiece, is more of a rip-roaring thriller than horror. Sigourney Weaver's Ripley becomes an action hero and a surrogate mother, adding a deeper emotional element to the film. The complex bug-like characteristics of the alien creatures make for an unforgettable viewing experience.

"Avatar: The Way of Water" follows in the footsteps of these groundbreaking films, possibly moving the goalposts again in digital filmmaking. The film does not aim to make Cameron the "king of anything," but rather establishes him as a specific kind of industry leader.

This article, published by CNN on December 19, 2022, does not contain any advertisements. The film is rated PG-13.

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