In a weird way, it is a little bittersweet that Avatar: The Way of Water has finally come to theaters after 13 years since the release of the original. For a while, it just seemed like it didn't exist at all because it was in a constant state of production, with a coming soon light flashing constantly above it.

But when looking at the current state of high-budget productions, that could also just be because audiences are used to the short turnaround times of today's blockbusters being released shortly after their announced production. The immediate satisfaction of the Marvel film schedule, with massive blockbusters followed by massive blockbusters in rapid succession, has created an understanding that the biggest movies don't take long to be made anymore. So when James Cameron spends over a decade on one movie, it just seems like it is never going to come — but that's what separates him from many other filmmakers.

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To put it into perspective, the first Avatar film was released in 2009. The only MCU movies that had been released at that point being Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk in 2008. Since then, there have been 28 MCU movies, and we only just got the second Avatar film. The massive contrast in length of production between the likes of the MCU's schedule and James Cameron's turned the Avatar sequel into what was almost an enigma. Does it, or does it not exist? Why is it taking so long? What could they possibly do to improve the visuals of the first movie? What does James Cameron have planned?

Avatar The Way of Water James Cameron Whaling Vessel

But those aren't unfounded feelings. The production of Avatar and its sequels are much different than anything else movie fans have seen. They are built to be showcases of what cinema can look like, and to do so, they take more time than anything else that can be seen on the big screen. James Cameron and his team have meticulously developed these works, and all that time really pays off. It's what turned movies made by James Cameron into just being considered James Cameron movies. Anything with his name on it is now a cinematic event.

The first film alone took 15 years from writing the initial treatment to theatrical release. Add another 12 years onto that between Avatar and Avatar: The Way of Water, and this franchise has already taken 27 years of Cameron's career. And there are even more sequels on the way — the fifth movie is predicted to release in 2028. In the end, that could be a three-decade-spanning project for James Cameron. Avatar is Cameron's magnum opus, and by the time the potential fifth movie is released, it will have taken up almost half of his life. That's a lot of dedication and time for any filmmaker. James Cameron's career is potentially going to be half Avatar by the time it's all said and done, and it really leaves a question of where Cameron goes from there.

Avatar Neytiri and Jake

Cameron does already have another project lined up to direct: an adaptation of Taylor Stevens' The Informationist. With that said, that was announced in October 2012 with little to no follow-up after its initial announcement. The only information was a statement that production would happen after Cameron finished his Avatar movies — which potentially won't be until 5 years from now.

There still may be a potential for James Cameron to pass it off to another filmmaker to direct, much as he did with Alita: Battle Angel and Robert Rodriguez. That particular team-up wasn't expected, but turned out very welcome. He could even direct another Terminator movie — or not, as some feel the franchise should probably end. Alternatively, he could take up a role much like George Lucas has, in producing, overseeing projects, and even running a production company.

Avatar The Way of Water James Cameron Sully Family

Cameron is a multifaceted filmmaker who has proven himself in more than just filmmaking. He does have a history and knowledge of deep-sea diving and has made documentaries in the past, shortly before the production of his first Avatar movie. He could continue working in that realm of filmmaking, or he might find himself looking up at space rather than down in the ocean. James Cameron seems to be the one filmmaker that plausibly could change the industry through his filmmaking, because he has before. With a multitude of his movies sending the special effects industry leaps into the future thanks to his interest in the vaguely known, Cameron has proved himself an innovator. He's someone who will push the limits of what can be seen on screen.

Whatever James Cameron moves on to at the end of his Avatar movies, we may be seeing the beginning of the end of Cameron's directing career. Even if he retired right now, his resume of two Terminator films, Aliens, Avatar, and more easily enough to make him an all-time great filmmaker. Maybe another 13-year wait is in store to find out.

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