It’s no secret that James Cameron wants the world of Pandora in his “Avatar” franchise to look as realistic as possible. But it’s not all about digital verisimilitude for the director; it’s a practical feature in casting, too. Hence one of the reasons why Cameron shot “Avatar: The Way Of Water,” “Avatar 3,” and part of the upcoming fourth film at the same time: he didn’t want young actor Jack Champion to have a growth spurt on him in between films.
The Hollywood Reporter reports (via an EW interview) that Cameron wanted to avoid any awkward transformations on Champion’s part, something he deems the “”Stranger Things” effect.” “Otherwise, you get — and I love “Stranger Things” — but you get the “Stranger Things” effect where they’re supposed to still be in high school [but] they look like they’re 27,” explained the director. “You know, I love the show. It’s OK, we’ll suspend disbelief. We like the characters, but, you know.” Champion was just 13 when “The Way Of Water” started shooting in 2017. Now 18, he’s a lot taller, but he’ll look the same as in “The Way Of Water” when “Avatar 3” hits theaters in December 2024.
Champion described “The Way Of Water” as a “time capsule” for him in a recent interview with THR. As it would be, for someone growing up in front of a movie camera. “It’s cool to see my teenage years onscreen, but I can still get immersed in the world of Pandora,” said Champion. He also praised Cameron and the bond they formed during their nearly five years of filming together. “He’s just a cinematic genius,” Champion continued, “After so many years, he has kind of become like a father figure to me.”
“Avatar: The Way Of Water” continues to ride the wave at the box office, now climbing over $600 million globally. Will it reach and surpass its 2009 predecessor? It’s still too early to tell, but the film’s off to a solid start after only one week.
