James Cameron’s anime influence extends beyond his blockbuster films, revealed through his close friendship with Guillermo del Toro. The two filmmakers once shared a home and a passion for anime, which sparked a lasting creative exchange. This bond was highlighted recently during Cameron’s visit to the iconic Video Club store in Paris while filming for France’s Criterion Closet, a series by Konbini Video.
Del Toro reflected on their relationship, saying their connection was immediate and profound from the start.
Instantly we liked each other. I don’t know why he liked me. I know why I liked him, because he is a genius.
Guillermo del Toro, Director
Introducing Each Other to Influential Anime Series
Living under the same roof for an extended period allowed Cameron and del Toro to share their favorite anime. Cameron introduced del Toro to the anime Patlabor, a seminal work from the late 1980s featuring futuristic police forces using robots called Labors to fight crime, created by manga artist Masami Yūki and directed by Mamoru Oshii. In return, del Toro introduced Cameron to Battle Angel, an anime that profoundly impacted the filmmaker.
Del Toro recalled their time together:
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
Battle Angel’s Long-Standing Influence on Cameron’s Work
The influence of Battle Angel on Cameron’s career is clear, as he pursued a live-action adaptation for nearly two decades. This ambition finally materialized in 2019 with the release of Alita: Battle Angel, directed by Robert Rodriguez. Cameron’s dedication to bringing this anime to a Hollywood audience demonstrates the significant role anime has played in shaping his creative vision.
Patlabor’s Legacy and Its Role in Cameron’s Anime Appreciation
Patlabor, or Mobile Police Patlabor, holds a critical place in the anime canon and in Cameron’s exploration of the genre. Following a unique premise centered around a special police division in Tokyo equipped with giant robots, the series blends futuristic technology with human drama, capturing Cameron’s imagination as well as del Toro’s.
Cameron’s Vision for Avatar and Its Mythological Depth
While Cameron continues to echo his anime appreciation, del Toro also revealed Cameron’s enduring passion for Avatar, a franchise that has grown into a sprawling mythology. Del Toro has seen all three Avatar films, including the upcoming installment. He shared high praise, comparing Cameron’s work to legendary American myth-makers like George Lucas and Frank Baum.
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,
Guillermo del Toro, Director
I can’t say anything about [the third], but I can say there are very few Americans who have created an entire mythology. You have [George] Lucas. You have the entire Wizard of Oz mythology with Frank Baum. Jim is creating that with Avatar, and he’s going to take you places.
Guillermo del Toro, Director
Anticipation Builds for Avatar: Fire and Ash
Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third film in the series, is set to debut in theaters on December 19. Cameron’s continuous refinement of the series, driven by his unique inspirations including anime like Battle Angel and Patlabor, suggests this installment will push the boundaries of cinematic storytelling. Fans and critics alike await its release amid a growing appreciation for how anime has shaped Cameron’s creative approach.
