James Cameron is glad Avatar 2 is bringing people back to theaters

As of this writing, Avatar: The Way of Water is well on its way to making $2 billion at the box office. It’s currently among the top 10 highest grossing films of all time in terms of pure numbers. That list also includes two other James Cameron movies: Titanic and the first Avatar, which is right at the top of the list.

Surely Cameron is happy about that — to start, it means he has the green light to make more sequels — but apparently he’s “not thinking of it in those terms,” as he told Variety. “I’m thinking of it in the terms of we’re going back to theaters around the world. They’re even going back to theaters in China where they’re having this big COVID surge. We’re saying as a society, ‘We need this! We need to go to theaters.’ Enough with the streaming already! I’m tired of sitting on my ass.”

I get Cameron’s enthusiasm, although I think he be simplifying the situation in China somewhat. Also, does he not sit on his ass in the theater? Maybe he doesn’t buy tickets but just sneaks into the back and leans against a wall? Let’s go with that.

James Cameron doesn’t want you streaming, texting during movies

Sticking with the “get off my lawn” vibe, Cameron later gave his opinion on people who text during films in the theater. “They’re missing the point,” he said. “When we go to the movies we make a deal with ourselves to have undivided attention for a couple of hours. It’s about immersing yourself…choosing to commit to that ahead of time.”

Again, I more or less agree with Cameron here…but I also don’t like being told how to watch a movie, so now I’ve got to make sure to text a lot the next I’m in a theater. You did this, James.

Avatar: The Way of Water is in theaters now. The third movie will be coming along in December of 2024.

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