Acclaimed director Guillermo del Toro has openly lauded the upcoming Avatar 3 film, calling it a “pure masterpiece.” Set to release on December 19, 2025, Avatar: Fire and Ash will continue the Na’vi tribe’s struggle as they face the new threat of the Ash People, allied with their longstanding adversaries led by Colonel Miles Quaritch. Del Toro’s admiration for James Cameron’s work, especially the Avatar series, highlights the visionary scope behind the franchise and his confidence in the saga’s future impact.
During an appearance on the Konbini Video Club series — where filmmakers discuss favorite movies — del Toro selected the original 2009 Avatar and praised Cameron for creating a complex sci-fi mythology. He emphasized how Cameron’s long-standing vision has matured into something rare in American filmmaking, comparing Cameron’s mythology-building to that of George Lucas and Frank Baum.
“He’s been dreaming about that since I met him. He was already talking about Avatar in the ’90s. So, we talked about it. He dreamt about it.
“I’ve seen the three Avatars. They are absolute masterpieces. I know where it’s going, and I think it’s going to surprise a lot of people. I can’t say anything about [the third] but I can say there are very few Americans that have created a full mythology. You have [George] Lucas. You have the whole Wizard of Oz mythology with Frank Baum. Jim is creating that with Avata, and he’s going to take you places.”
– Guillermo del Toro, Director
Del Toro’s Longstanding Support and Friendship with James Cameron
Guillermo del Toro’s admiration for James Cameron’s work extends back decades and includes a close personal friendship. The Academy Award-winning filmmaker praised the second film, Avatar: The Way of Water, on social media, calling it “a staggering achievement” filled with
“majestic vistas and emotions at an epic, epic scale.”
The two directors have been close since the early 1990s, when Cameron was developing Terminator 2: Judgment Day and del Toro was seeking distribution for his debut, Cronos. Del Toro described their bond as brotherly and recounted how they shared interests like anime, with Cameron introducing him to Patlabor and del Toro introducing Cameron to Battle Angel.
“Jim is my brother. We became brothers about 20, no, no, 30-something years ago. I met him in 1991 or 1992. Instantly, we liked each other. I don’t know why he liked me. I know why I liked him because he’s a genius. I lived in his house for a long time. We would watch anime together. He introduced me to Patlabor. I introduced him to Battle Angel.”
– Guillermo del Toro, Director
James Cameron’s Critical Role Beyond Filmmaking
Del Toro shared a deeply personal story illustrating Cameron’s importance beyond their creative collaboration. When del Toro’s father was kidnapped in Mexico in 1997, Cameron played an instrumental part in the negotiation process. Though some rumors suggested Cameron loaned money, del Toro clarified that Cameron actually paid for the negotiator’s services upfront and even wanted to escort the ransom exchange with US Marines, demonstrating his adventurous spirit.
“He also was helpful with the kidnapping of my father. People say, ‘Oh, he loaned him a million dollars.’ No, no. He hired the negotiator, a quarter of a million dollars. He paid for the negotiator. We paid him back. But the day they took my dad, I called him, and he said, ‘I’m sending a negotiator from the UK. Follow his instructions.’ And he was instrumental. And then he wanted to fly the ransom with the US Marines. Jim likes adventure. And that’s why he goes to the bottom of the ocean and all that, while I go to the burger stand.”
– Guillermo del Toro, Director
About Avatar: Fire and Ash and Its Leading Cast
Avatar: Fire and Ash will continue to expand the narrative of the Na’vi tribe as they face the Ash People allied with their old enemies. The returning cast includes Sam Worthington as Jake Sully, Zoe Saldana as Neytiri, Sigourney Weaver playing Kiri, and Stephen Lang reprising his role as Colonel Miles Quaritch. This film aims to build further on the rich mythology and emotional depth established in the previous two installments.
James Cameron’s meticulous world-building and ambitious storytelling reinforce the tremendous anticipation surrounding this installment, with Guillermo del Toro’s high praise reinforcing expectations that the film will mark another milestone in sci-fi cinema.
The Broader Significance and Anticipation for Avatar 3
Guillermo del Toro’s endorsement of the Avatar trilogy, especially the upcoming third film, underscores James Cameron’s unique ability to create immersive mythologies that resonate deeply with audiences. By positioning Avatar alongside defining American mythologies, the director highlights its potential cultural impact.
With a release date now set, fans and filmmakers alike await Avatar: Fire and Ash to witness how Cameron’s vision continues to evolve. Del Toro’s perspective offers hope that the film will both honor the legacy of its predecessors and push boundaries in storytelling, further elevating the Avatar saga to new heights.
