Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Condition To Star In Avatar Explains Why He Still Hasn’t Joined The James Cameron Franchise

Arnold Schwarzenegger has addressed the possibility of appearing in an Avatar movie, but only if a particular condition is met first. Schwarzenegger and Avatar director James Cameron have worked together three times, and have become friends in the process. As a result, it may not be surprising that the two have discussed the upcoming Avatar sequels. Cameron directed the first two Terminator movies as well as True Lies, all of which starred Schwarzenegger. All three of their past collaborations were successful, but it has been over 30 years since the two worked together.

James Cameron's career has had a massive impact on Hollywood since his films with Schwarzenegger. His use of CGI in the Terminator franchise was groundbreaking, and his Avatar movies reached $2 billion at the box office each. Terminator was the movie that started Schwarzenegger's career as a 1980s action star, making him a household name. The Avatar movies are defined by their highly detailed ecosystem, but, as they both contain intense action sequences, it would be logical for Cameron to cast Schwarzenegger in an Avatar sequel. However, Schwarzenegger has one condition that still seemingly hasn't been met.

Arnold Schwarzenegger Would Be Up For Avatar "If A Role Made Sense"

Schwarzenegger Was Rumored To Have Been Cast As A Villain In Avatar 2

Rumors that Schwarzenegger will be in an Avatar movie have been circulating for years, but Schwarzenegger will only join the film if the casting makes sense. The actor has visited the Avatar set many times, describing Cameron as "a tech genius and a film genius" on the Arnold's Pump Club app. He said that he would appear in an Avatar sequel "if a role made sense," but that he and Cameron wouldn't force a collaboration just because they are friends. Schwarzenegger described a forced collaboration as "cheesy," so, it seems Cameron and Schwarzenegger are waiting for the right role.

A compelling new antagonist could be what attracts Arnold to Avatar and could lead to Schwarzenegger playing a rare villain role.

Before it was released, Schwarzenegger was rumored to have been cast as "a bad guy human general" in Avatar: The Way of Water. Although the actor has experience in sci-fi and action movies, he almost always plays heroic characters. The rumor went nowhere, as Stephen Lang reprized his role as Avatar's Colonel Miles Quaritch inside a new body. Quaritch will likely return as an antagonist in Avatar: Fire & Ash. Quaritch might need reinforcements, likely justifying more villains. A compelling new antagonist could be what attracts Arnold to Avatar and could lead to Schwarzenegger playing a rare villain role.

James Cameron Has Avatar's Story Mapped Out, But Will Arnie Be Part Of It?

Schwarzenegger Says The Avatar Movies Are Two Of His Favorite Movies

There's still plenty of time for Arnold Schwarzenegger to join the Avatar franchise. James Cameron has announced that there will be seven movies in the Avatar franchise and has mapped out the story up to and including Avatar 5. Cameron has hinted that the story will take the characters to new locations, with a new race of people representing fire. Audiences already know the next Avatar movie will be called "Fire And Ash." As the Na'vi avatars only vaguely resemble their human counterparts, there is room for Schwarzenegger to play just about anyone.

Avatar Series, Release Dates, Current Status, Critical Reception Title Year Status Rotten Tomatoes rating Avatar 2009 Released 81% Avatar 2: The Way Of Water 2022 Released 76% Avatar 3: Fire And Ash 2025 Post-Production - Avatar 4 2029 On Hiatus - Avatar 5 2031 In Development -

Schwarzenegger has openly discussed his appreciation for the series. Although the first Avatar wasn't among the ones he's named in 2017 when Schwarzenegger listed six of his favorite movies, he recently told a fan in Arnold's Pump Club that the Avatar movies are two more of his favorites. The actor even admitted that he had cried during Avatar 2. Schwarzenegger's clear appreciation for the Avatar series could make him joining a future Avatar movie more likely, as he seemingly just needs a role that would be a good fit to sign up.

Arnold Schwarzenegger Would Make A Great Addition To The Avatar Franchise

James Cameron Would Likely Play To Arnie's Action Movie Credentials

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Schwarzenegger is virtually inseparable from his imposing physique and action movie roles, but his acting ability is often underrated. Though Schwarzenegger's best roles often have similarities, like his pun-based sense of humor, he has played many different characters. Predator's musclebound military commander is a far different character than Junior's pregnant man. Since many Avatar characters are the computer-generated Na'vi race, it is possible that if Schwarzenegger were to appear in the franchise, he might not be recognizable until he spoke. Whether he plays a typical "action" role or an unexpected character, Schwarzenegger would be an asset to an Avatar sequel.

Related Casting 10 Recurring James Cameron Actors For Avatar's Next 3 Sequels James Cameron will be continuing to direct the Avatar movies into the future, and these 10 frequent collaborators should join the franchise.

Cameron is no stranger to directing action scenes. If Schwarzenegger were to appear in an Avatar sequel, it would likely play to his strengths and action movie experience. As the two are friends already, the role would likely be a true collaboration and potentially allow Schwarzenegger more creative input. Casting Schwarzenegger in an action and sci-fi movie has a long history of success, and would be a fun return to both Schwarzenegger and Cameron's roots. Arnold Schwarzenegger would be perfect for an Avatar sequel, and can hopefully find the role he wants in Cameron's plans.

Source: Arnold's Pump Club