James Cameron has acquired the rights to adapt The Devils, a dark fantasy novel by Joe Abercrombie, after completing the final film in his Avatar series. This new project marks a distinct shift from his previous work, following the release of Avatar: Fire and Ash, scheduled for December 19, 2025.
Details on Cameron’s Latest Film Endeavor
The Devils, published earlier this year, is set in a grim, fantastical version of medieval Europe, focusing on a motley group of outlaws and creatures escorting a princess to claim her throne in the city of Troy. Cameron describes the novel as radically different from his Avatar films and his upcoming adaptation of Ghosts of Hiroshima. He explained,
It doesn’t have the kind of conscience that Avatar does, but I don’t know if that’s a bad thing. [Ghosts of Hiroshima] is a movie you do because you have to. The Devils is a movie you do for fun.
His enthusiasm led to the purchase of the book rights after he found himself reading aloud passages to his wife, Suzy Amis, stating,
I was literally reading parts of the book out loud to my wife Suzy [Amis]. And it dawned on me: ‘I like this book so much, I should just buy it.’
Current and Upcoming Projects in Cameron’s Career
Now completing the third installment in his high-grossing Avatar saga, Cameron is giving fans their first look at Avatar: Fire and Ash through an exclusive trailer. This chapter will expand the story of Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña) by introducing the Ash People, a formidable Na’vi faction ruled by the merciless Varang (Oona Chaplin). Two more sequels are planned with expected release dates in 2029 and 2031, though it remains uncertain if these will wrap up the series. In addition to the films, Cameron is exploring an animated anthology series set within the Avatar world. After concluding the Avatar projects, Cameron aims to bring Charles Pellegrino’s Ghosts of Hiroshima to the screen, focusing on the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945.
The Significance of Cameron’s Adaptation Plans
James Cameron, the second-highest box office grossing director after Steven Spielberg, is known for blending technological innovation and strong storytelling. His latest commitment to adapt The Devils signals an interest in exploring darker, more unconventional narratives beyond the epic sci-fi and historical themes he has recently pursued. This project could provide a fresh, entertaining departure by embracing the novel’s twisted, medieval horror elements. Audiences can anticipate a unique cinematic experience once Cameron moves from the expansive world of Pandora to a stark, fantastical version of medieval Europe.
