James Cameron on Why He’s Done With the American Dream
After nearly five decades in the US, Avatar director James Cameron shares why he’s no longer drawn to the American democratic ideal. Discover what’s behind his decision to remain Canadian.
James Cameron, the Canadian director best known for the Avatar series, has made it clear he’s not interested in taking up US citizenship, even after spending close to 47 years living and working stateside. In a recent chat with Buzzfeed Canada, Cameron reflected on his early admiration for what he called the “American democratic experience”, but admitted that feeling has faded over time. As he put it:
I did live there for 47 years in Los Angeles, I did think about it for a while. I thought there was a lot of nobility in the ‘American Democratic experience.’ But where the hell did that go? I’m over it. I think Canadians are way over it.
He also mentioned that talk of Canada becoming the “51st state” only cemented his stance, joking that Canadians would “fight until the last moose”.
These comments came as Cameron looked back on his long stint in the US and his ongoing connection to his Canadian roots.
Decades in Hollywood Without Changing Allegiance
Cameron first moved to the US in the late 1970s, settling in Los Angeles where he built his career in the film industry. Over nearly five decades, he worked with major studios and became a key player in Hollywood, all while holding onto his Canadian passport. He’s said before that he considered applying for US citizenship at different points, but in the end, decided against it.
His time in the US saw him direct and produce a string of big-budget films, including Titanic and the original Avatar, both made while he was based in LA. Despite never becoming an American, Cameron’s status didn’t stop him from leading massive studio projects or working at the top end of the industry.
These days, he’s shifted much of his production work outside the US, though his ties to Hollywood remain strong through distribution deals and studio partnerships.
Taking Avatar Global
In recent years, Cameron has moved a lot of the Avatar franchise’s production overseas. The filming for Avatar: The Way of Water and its sequels has mostly taken place in New Zealand, where he’s relocated much of the operation. The films have involved lengthy shoots, international teams, and facilities far from Hollywood.
He’s continued to direct and oversee the franchise from abroad, with more sequels likely on the way. While Cameron spent decades working out of LA, his recent projects show a clear shift towards international production as the Avatar universe keeps expanding.
What do you make of his latest comments? Share your thoughts below.
Avatar: Fire and Ash is currently screening in cinemas, and earlier Avatar films are available to stream on Disney+ in the US.