According to Forbes' latest estimate on 15/12, Cameron's net worth currently stands at approximately 1,1 billion USD, primarily stemming from the commercial success of films he wrote, directed, and produced. This achievement makes Cameron the fifth Hollywood billionaire, joining filmmakers Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Peter Jackson, and Tyler Perry.

Director James Cameron at the "Avatar 3" premiere in Paris, France on 5/12. Photo: AFP

Unlike many other names on the list, Cameron reached this milestone solely through cinema, not relying heavily on company acquisitions or revenue streams outside the industry. Starting his career in the 1980s with The Terminator and Aliens, Cameron quickly built a reputation as a meticulous director, willing to push budgets and technology to their limits. These creative gambles often came with commercial pressure, but most yielded results beyond expectation. The total global box office revenue for his films is approximately 9 billion USD, according to Forbes.

One pivotal moment in Cameron's career was Titanic (1997). Despite production costs exceeding 200 million USD and media skepticism, the film grossed approximately 1,8 billion USD in its initial release, becoming the highest-grossing film of all time then. The project also brought Cameron an estimated 150 million USD in profits.

This success paved the way for Avatar, his next ambitious project. After years of developing new technology, the film debuted in 2009, creating a sensation with nearly 3 billion USD in global revenue. By holding intellectual property rights, Cameron profited not only from the box office but also from licensing agreements, merchandise, and theme parks. Forbes estimates his income from the first Avatar alone exceeded 350 million USD before taxes and expenses.

The second installment, The Way of Water (2022), grossed 2,3 billion USD, adding approximately 250 million USD to Cameron's earnings through a direct revenue-sharing agreement. With the upcoming Avatar: Fire and Ash, Forbes predicts he could earn at least an additional 200 million USD if the film achieves high box office success.

In numerous interviews, the director has repeatedly denied being a billionaire. He argues that the figures are based solely on assumptions about his agreements with producers, emphasizing that most of his income has been reinvested in creative endeavors over several decades.

Cameron often cites financial factors to defend and advance his vision for the Avatar series. When proposing to expand the franchise to five films, he once convinced the studio by arguing it was an opportunity to create multi-billion-US dollar blockbusters. On Discussing Film, he asked: "Is there any point in questioning an opportunity to make another two-billion-US dollar film?"

Beyond filmmaking, Cameron also invests in environmental conservation, imaging technology, and ocean exploration. He currently resides in New Zealand, owns significant land, and participates in various initiatives concerning climate, sustainable agriculture, and virtual reality technology.

Even at 71, Cameron states his creative ambitions remain undiminished. He is planning the fourth and fifth installments of Avatar, acknowledging that each project incurs massive budgets. According to him, without the financial success of previous films, these projects would not be feasible.

Cat Tien (according to Forbes)