In 2009, James Cameron aimed to surpass his own Titanic box office triumph with a groundbreaking CGI spectacle, Avatar. The film shattered records, earning a staggering $2.9 billion. Avatar introduced a cinematic revolution, showcasing the enchanting moon Pandora, adorned with lush landscapes and captivating creatures.
The narrative unfolds as former Marine Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) joins a corporate mission to extract the valuable mineral unobtanium, leading to a conflict with the native Na’vi population. Sully’s journey takes an unexpected turn as he falls in love with Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña) and chooses to defend the Na’vi against corporate exploitation.
The much-anticipated sequel, Avatar: The Way of Water, released in December 2022, promises to delve into the ocean’s wonders with Cameron’s signature cinematic brilliance.
While you await Avatar’s sequel, here are 15 facts about James Cameron’s bluest film.
| Fact | Detailed Description |
|---|---|
| Sam Worthington’s Audition for Avatar | Sam Worthington, initially living in his car, auditioned for the lead role in Avatar after director James Cameron chose to cast a newcomer over established stars. Despite his challenging living situation, Worthington impressed Cameron, securing the role and later earning a starring role in Terminator Salvation. This marked a turning point in Worthington’s career, highlighting the unconventional journey that led him to a major Hollywood breakthrough. |
| Matt Damon’s Missed Opportunity | Matt Damon, initially offered the role of Sully in Avatar, had to decline due to commitments to the Bourne series. This decision cost him a staggering $603 million, the approximate earnings the film generated. Damon humorously reflects on this missed opportunity, showcasing the financial stakes and the irony of turning down a movie that would become the highest-grossing of all time. |
| James Cameron’s Wait for Technology | James Cameron had a detailed treatment for Avatar in 1994, but technology limitations delayed the project. It wasn’t until advancements in CGI, inspired by Gollum in The Lord of the Rings, that Cameron felt confident in bringing his vision to life. This fact emphasizes the intersection of creative vision and technological readiness that shaped the film’s production. |
| Jurassic Park Sound Effects | Avatar borrowed animal noises from Jurassic Park, using sounds from dinosaurs like Brontosaurus and T. Rex for creatures on Pandora. This connection to another iconic film adds a layer of familiarity to the alien world, creating an interesting crossover of auditory elements in the sci-fi genre. |
| CGI Cigarettes in the Film | The cigarettes smoked by Sigourney Weaver’s character were CGI, a testament to the extensive use of computer-generated imagery in Avatar. This decision allowed for creative flexibility, as Weaver mimed smoking while the cigarettes and smoke were added digitally. Cameron’s choice sparked discussion on on-screen smoking and its portrayal in movies. |
| Dr. Seuss Cameo | Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax makes a cameo in the film, symbolizing environmental themes. The inclusion of this book subtly reinforces the movie’s pro-environmental message, using a well-known work to convey the impact of corporate greed on nature. |
| Executive Pressure to Cut Environmental Themes | Fox executives asked Cameron to tone down the “tree-hugging, hippie crap” in the final cut, fearing it might affect the film’s success. Cameron’s insistence on retaining the environmental themes reflects his commitment to conveying a profound message, despite concerns about its commercial impact. |
| Cultural and Religious Influences in Avatar | Avatar draws inspiration from Christian, Hindu, and Hebraic traditions. The term “avatar” originates from Sanskrit, while Na’vi elements nod to Vishnu and Hebrew references. Cameron’s consistent use of religious symbolism in character names adds a layer of depth to the film’s narrative. |
| Chinese Mountain Renaming | China renamed a mountain to Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, inspired by the film’s floating mountains. The government briefly pulled the movie, fearing its influence on citizens who had experienced displacement for economic growth. This instance showcases the real-world impact of Avatar on cultural perceptions and landmarks. |
| Cameron’s Old Boss as Visual Artist | A visual artist for Avatar was Chuck Comisky, who had previously hired James Cameron as an art director. This unique reversal of roles highlights the enduring professional relationships in the film industry and how individuals may collaborate across decades. |
| James Horner’s Instrument Inventions | Composer James Horner invented instruments for Avatar’s score, combining elements to create otherworldly sounds. This dedication to crafting unique musical elements showcases the commitment to creating a distinct auditory experience for the film. |
| Linguist’s Creation of Na’vi Language | Linguist Dr. Paul Frommer crafted around 1000 words for the Na’vi language, teaching the cast and hoping for fan interest. Despite no operas yet, fans have engaged with the language through apps and websites, reflecting the growing trend of fictional language enthusiasts. |
| Cameron’s Nail Gun Rule | James Cameron enforced a rule of nailing cell phones to the wall if they went off during the shoot. While an apocryphal story on many sets, the rule was confirmed by Sam Worthington, highlighting Cameron’s theatrical approach to maintaining on-set discipline. |
| Na’vi and Human Avatar Distinctions | The Na’vi avatars in Avatar can be distinguished from humans by their four fingers and lack of eyebrows. This small detail adds a layer of realism to the film’s portrayal of the avatars, offering a visual cue for audience members. |
| Avatar-Inspired Cirque du Soleil Show | Cirque du Soleil created Toruk—The First Flight, inspired by Avatar, showcasing acrobatic acts and large-scale puppets. This unique collaboration between a film and a renowned performance group highlights the enduring cultural impact and creativity sparked by Avatar. |
