Cameron stated, "In the second and third films, which will be self-contained stories that also fulfill a greater story arc, we will not back off the throttle of 'Avatar's' visual and emotional horsepower, and will continue to explore its themes and characters, which touched the hearts of audiences in all cultures around the world. I'm looking forward to returning to Pandora, a world where our imaginations can run wild."
Avatar is currently the highest grossing film of all time with earnings of $2.8 billion. Fox Filmed Entertainment chairmen Jim Gianopulos and Tom Rothman said, " 'Avatar' is not only the highest grossing movie of all time, it created a universe based on the singular imagination and daring of James Cameron, who also has raised the consciousness of people worldwide to some of the greatest issues facing our planet. We had no greater priority, and can feel no greater joy, than enabling Jim to continue and expand his vision of the world of 'Avatar.' "
Both Fox and Cameron are looking at a December 2014 release for the sequel, and a December 2015 release for "Avatar 3".
