According to TVBS News Japan on 13/1, director Cameron stated he filmed some scenes for Avatar 4 between 2017 and 2020, featuring Michelle Yeoh. She takes on the role of a Na'vi named Palakpuelat, brought to life through performance capture technology.
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Malaysian action star Michelle Yeoh. Photo: Michelle Yeoh's Instagram |
The announcement of Michelle Yeoh's involvement comes amidst uncertainty regarding the release of subsequent film installments. Industry experts attribute this to escalating production costs and the volatile global film market, driven by the rapid growth of online platforms.
The Avatar film series was conceived and developed over many years, with complete scripts through part 5. Due to logistical factors, particularly the age of the young cast, the team pre-filmed certain segments of Avatar 4 during the production of earlier installments.
In several interviews, director James Cameron stated the franchise's future depends on the commercial success of the thu ba installment, Fire and Ash, and production costs. "I could immediately make parts 4 and 5, or take a break to work on a more personal project. But mot thing is certain: I will not stop directing and storytelling," he told IGN.
Avatar: Fire and Ash has an estimated production budget of 400 million USD and is currently approaching 1,3 billion USD globally, nearly reaching its break-even point. However, this figure is lower than Avatar: The Way of Water, which grossed 2,3 billion USD. With each installment, the Avatar series' revenue has gradually decreased, though it still maintains high levels compared to the overall market. Cameron believes that if Avatar 4 can be made with a lower budget, around 300 million USD, Disney would still have a basis to continue investing.
Released in 2009, Avatar surpassed Titanic to become the highest-grossing film of all time. It spearheaded a revolution in 3D cinema technology. For the past 13 years, Cameron has not directed any other feature films, instead dedicating significant time to researching technology and preparing scripts for the subsequent Avatar installments.
The Way of Water and Fire and Ash were both scripted by Cameron, Rick Jaffa, and Amanda Silver. Initially, the team planned mot project, but Cameron felt there were many compelling details, leading him to divide the story into hai parts. Part 4 is slated for release on 21/12/2029, and the final installment, Avatar 5, is scheduled for 19/12/2031.
Michelle Yeoh, 64, was crowned Miss Malaysia in 1983. She then moved to Hong Kong to pursue acting, making her mark with action and martial arts roles in leading titles such as: Police Story 3, Supercop, Memoirs of a Geisha, and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Critics consider Yeoh one of the most established Asian actors in Hollywood. Over her more than 40-year career, she won her first Best Actress Oscar in 2023 for her role in Everything Everywhere All at Once.
Cat Tien (according to TVBS News Japan, World of Reel)
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