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James Cameron Confirms Michelle Yeoh for Avatar 4, If Franchise Continues

Director James Cameron has confirmed that actress Michelle Yeoh will appear in 'Avatar 4' and potentially 'Avatar 5', provided the franchise continues beyond the third film. He revealed that her character is a Na'vi named Paktuelat, marking her debut in the Avatar universe. Cameron noted the production of future films hinges on the financial success of the upcoming 'Avatar: Fire and Ash'. Yeoh has expressed immense enthusiasm for working with Cameron, having already completed several weeks of filming for her role.

Key Points: Michelle Yeoh Set for Avatar 4, Says James Cameron

  • Yeoh's role confirmed for Avatar 4
  • Future films depend on Avatar 3's success
  • Yeoh to play a Na'vi named Paktuelat
  • Avatar 4 & 5 to be shot back-to-back
  • Yeoh filmed for weeks, praises Cameron
2 min read

James Cameron says Michelle Yeoh will appear in future 'Avatar' films "if we make 4"

James Cameron confirms Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh will appear in Avatar 4 & 5 if the films are made, revealing her Na'vi character details.

"Michelle is definitely going to be in 4, if we make 4. - James Cameron"

Washington, DC, January 15

Filmmaker James Cameron has confirmed that Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh will "definitely" appear in future Avatar films, provided the franchise moves forward beyond its third instalment, according to People.

During the promotions for 'Avatar: Fire and Ash', Cameron said Yeoh is set to appear in 'Avatar 4', and potentially 'Avatar 5', if the films are greenlit.

"Michelle is definitely going to be in 4, if we make 4," Cameron said, while acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding the franchise's future. "The movie industry is depressed right now. 'Avatar 3' cost a lot of money. We have to do well in order to continue."

Cameron added that if the fourth film proceeds, the fourth and fifth instalments would be shot back-to-back, similar to Avatar: The Way of Water and Fire and Ash, and would unfold as "one big story."

The director also revealed that Yeoh will portray a Na'vi performance-capture character named Paktuelat, marking her long-awaited on-screen debut in the Avatar universe, according to People.

Yeoh has been associated with the franchise since 2019, when the official Avatar X account announced her casting as Dr. Karina Mogue. In 2021, producer Jon Landau shared a photo of Yeoh on set during the filming of Avatar 3. However, Cameron later clarified that she would not appear in the third film.

"That got a little bit misreported," Cameron told Entertainment Weekly in 2024. "She will be coming in soon to do her part, which is an interesting, fun character."

He explained that much of the work on the later films had been planned years in advance, noting that parts of Avatar 4 were filmed early due to the young cast. "We had to shoot them all while they were still young," he said, as quoted by People.

Cameron also praised Yeoh's contribution to the franchise, calling her a longtime movie star who has since become a "huge, huge phenomenon."

Yeoh has previously confirmed her involvement, stating that she had already filmed for several weeks. "It's James Cameron! Come on! I would be the tea lady for James Cameron!" she joked, while praising the director as a "walking genius," as reported by People.

Avatar: Fire and Ash is currently playing in theatres.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Honestly, I love the Avatar visuals but the story is getting repetitive. They keep announcing new stars for future films that may not even happen. First finish Avatar 3 properly, then talk about 4 and 5. Feels like they're just building hype.
A
Arjun K
Cameron is a master, no doubt. But the budgets for these films are insane. He says the industry is depressed, yet he spends billions on VFX. Maybe focus on stronger scripts? The environmental message is good, but the story needs to match the spectacle.
S
Sarah B
The planning here is fascinating. Shooting parts of Avatar 4 years in advance because of child actors? That's next-level production management. It shows why Cameron's films are events. The wait will be worth it.
V
Vikram M
Michelle Yeoh saying she'd be the "tea lady" for James Cameron is so humble and funny! 😂 True respect between legends. Hope the films do well so we get to see her performance. The character name Paktuelat sounds interesting.
K
Karthik V
As a film tech student, I'm more interested in the performance-capture tech they use. Yeoh is a phenomenal physical performer. Combining her skills with Cameron's tech will create something magical for sure. The future of cinema is here.

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