James Cameron, currently focused on delivering his upcoming Avatar sequels, has revealed plans to develop an action-horror film titled The Devils, based on Joe Abercrombie’s novel. Despite having three more Avatar films scheduled for release, Cameron has acquired the rights to The Devils through his production company, Lightstorm Entertainment, signaling his interest in branching into a distinctly different genre. He shared his enthusiasm for the project in a recent interview, emphasizing the fun and intensity the story offers.
Cameron Describes The Devils as an Intense Mix of Horror and Fantasy
The Devils centers around a squad of special forces monsters enlisted to combat a terrifying threat: flesh-eating elves threatening Europe. Cameron described his reaction to the novel with enthusiasm, recounting,
“I was literally reading parts of the book out loud to my wife, Suzy,”
—James Cameron
“And it dawned on me: ‘I like this book so much, I should just buy it.’”
—James Cameron
The director characterized the book’s tone as wild and unpredictable, stating,
“The whole thing is off its tits. It’s nuts,”
—James Cameron
This high-energy horror-action fantasy stands in sharp contrast to Cameron’s previous work, notably the thoughtful themes he explored in Avatar.
Contrasting Themes: From Serious Drama to Pure Entertainment
Cameron openly acknowledged that The Devils diverges from the reflective tone of his other upcoming project, Ghosts of Hiroshima, a historical drama focused on the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki from the Japanese perspective. He explained the distinct motivations behind each film:
“It doesn’t have the kind of conscience that Avatar
does, but I don’t think if that’s a bad thing,” he continued. [Hiroshima] is a movie you do because you have to. The Devils is a movie you do for fun.”
—James Cameron
While Ghosts of Hiroshima reflects on a heavy historical subject matter, The Devils offers Cameron a chance to explore a more fantastical, adrenaline-fueled story.
Development Timeline and Future Prospects of The Devils
Although Cameron is actively working on the Avatar sequels, which will continue until at least 2031 with the release of Avatar 5, his plans for The Devils appear to be long term. Discussions have suggested the possibility of Cameron handing off directing responsibilities for the final Avatar installment, similar to how he delegated directing for Alita: Battle Angel to Robert Rodriguez. This could potentially accelerate the schedule for The Devils.
For now, fans may need to wait until the next decade for The Devils to materialize, unless Cameron opts to entrust the project to another director. His creative energy remains absorbed by the expansive Avatar universe, but the excitement surrounding this new horror-action film signals a fresh direction for the filmmaker’s next chapter.
James Cameron’s Expanding Film Landscape and Remaining Questions
The announcement of The Devils follows Cameron’s pattern of exploring a wide range of cinematic styles and stories, from epic science fiction and ecological themes in Avatar to historical drama and now supernatural horror. It remains to be seen how Cameron balances these ambitious projects and what impact The Devils will have on his legacy.
As the release date for Avatar: The Seed Bearer approaches on December 19, anticipation builds not only for the conclusion of Cameron’s current saga but also for the unexpected creativity promised by The Devils. This project could open a new creative avenue, distinguishing itself as a bold departure in the director’s illustrious career.
