James Cameron Explains Why Avatar Needs Three Sequels

Although the 3D world of Avatar already seems bigger than life, James Cameron wants it to be at least four times bigger.

When the director released the groundbreaking Avatar, it was originally supposed to be the first chapter of a movie trilogy with a sequel planned by 2014. But Cameron recently told Variety the delay is partly due to his chronic perfectionism and we should expect three Avatar sequels instead of just two... eventually.

"The Avatar story arc was originally meant to be a trilogy, but I overwrite, and my writers overwrote as well," Cameron said. "But basically, the first of the sequels cloned itself and became two films, so now it's four films."

Avatar still holds the title of the all-time highest-grossing movie, and Cameron said 20th Century Fox is more than cool with another sequel–as long as he keeps the budget in check. "The studio's very happy with it," Cameron said. "They have an opportunity to make more money, but it's also an opportunity to spend a lot more money, too, so there's a clench factor."

Avatar 2 is expected sometime between 2018 and 2020.