Michelle Yeoh Set for Na’vi Role in Future Avatar Films, Cameron Unsure on Sequels
James Cameron has revealed Michelle Yeoh is lined up to play a Na’vi in Avatar 4 and 5, but the fate of the sequels remains up in the air as the industry faces tough times.
James Cameron has let slip that Michelle Yeoh is on board to play a Na’vi character named Palakpuelat in the next instalments of the Avatar saga—if they actually get made. In a recent chat with TVBS News Japan, Cameron was upfront about the uncertainty hanging over the future of the franchise. He pointed out that the film industry is in a bit of a slump at the moment, and the third Avatar flick cost a fortune to put together. The director made it clear that the ongoing success of the series is what will determine whether the next chapters go ahead.
Yeoh, who’s just wrapped up her work on Wicked and is gearing up for a lead role in Prime Video’s Blade Runner 2099, is set to take on the performance-capture role of Palakpuelat. Cameron said,
‘Michelle Yeoh is definitely going to be in Avatar 4, if the film is made.’
He added that while the plans are in place, nothing is set in stone just yet, given the current climate in the business.
Sequels in Limbo
The fourth and fifth Avatar films were first announced around the time Avatar: The Way of Water hit cinemas. The release dates are pencilled in for December 21, 2029, and December 19, 2031, but Cameron admitted he’s not entirely sure they’ll make it to the big screen. The director didn’t mince words about the financial risks involved, especially with the industry facing a rough patch and budgets ballooning for big productions like these.
Despite the uncertainty, the Avatar franchise is still pulling in massive numbers. The latest entry, Avatar: Fire and Ash, has smashed through the $1 billion mark worldwide, showing there’s still plenty of interest from punters. This ongoing popularity could be the deciding factor in whether the next films get the green light.
Yeoh’s Expanding Sci-Fi Portfolio
Michelle Yeoh’s involvement in the Avatar universe adds another big-name credit to her already impressive sci-fi resume. After finishing up on Wicked, she’s set to star in the upcoming Blade Runner 2099 series for Prime Video. Her role as Palakpuelat will see her stepping into the world of performance capture, joining the ranks of other stars who’ve brought the Na’vi to life on screen.
For now, fans will have to wait and see if the next chapters of Avatar make it out of development. With the industry in flux and budgets under scrutiny, nothing’s guaranteed. But with Yeoh on board and the franchise still raking in cash, there’s every chance we’ll see more of Pandora in the years to come.