James Cameron, celebrated director of the Avatar franchise, recently shared his thoughts on relocating to New Zealand following the release of Avatar: Fire and Ash. Speaking about the move, Cameron contrasted the pandemic response and social climate in New Zealand with that of the United States, expressing why he finds his new home favorable.
Comparison of Pandemic Responses and Social Atmosphere
During an interview on In Depth with Graham Bensinger, Cameron highlighted New Zealand’s handling of COVID-19, noting efforts to completely eliminate the virus multiple times. He pointed out the country’s high vaccination rate, emphasizing,
“After the pandemic hit… [New Zealand] had eliminated the virus completely,”
and added,
“They actually eliminated the virus twice. The third time it showed up mutated, it broke through. But fortunately, they already had a 98% vaccination rate.”
Cameron contrasted this with the United States’ lower vaccination coverage, stating,
“This is why I love New Zealand. People there are, for the most part, sane as opposed to the United States, where you had a 62% vaccination rate, and that’s going down – going the wrong direction.”
The director further questioned the desirability of living elsewhere, saying,
“Are you kidding me? Where would you rather live?”
He described New Zealand as
“a place that actually believes in science and is sane and where people can work together cohesively to a common goal.”
Perspectives on Living in the United States Versus New Zealand
Bensinger offered a different view, calling the U.S. a fantastic place to live. Cameron responded skeptically, asking, Is it? Though acknowledging New Zealand’s natural beauty, Cameron clarified his primary motivation for moving: not for scenery, but for the sanity.
Views on Political Climate and Media Coverage
Cameron, a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, shared that he feels more secure living in New Zealand, where media coverage of Trump is less prominent. He expressed relief saying,
“I certainly feel like I don’t have to read about [Trump] on the front page every single day. And it’s just sickening. There’s something nice about the New Zealand outlets — at least they’ll put it on page three. I just don’t want to see that guy’s face anymore on the front page of the paper. It’s inescapable there, it’s like watching a car crash over and over and over.”
Ongoing Success of Avatar Franchise
Cameron’s recent film, Avatar: Fire and Ash, has joined the billion-dollar club at the box office, continuing the franchise’s financial achievements. However, current projections show that it might not reach the exceptional earnings of the previous installments.
The Broader Impact of Cameron’s Relocation
James Cameron’s decision to settle in New Zealand highlights contrasting societal and political climates between countries. His candid remarks offer insight into how public health strategies and national cohesion influence personal choices among high-profile figures. This move may provoke further discussion on the cultural and scientific values shaping relocation decisions for artists and professionals.
