James Cameron, the director of Avatar: The Way of Water, will not be able to attend the Hollywood premiere of his film. According to a report published by Deadline Hollywood, the 68-year-old filmmaker has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
Cameron informed Deadline, “I am in LA, just back from Tokyo, and I managed to pick up Covid on the plane, so I’m isolated and can’t go to my own premiere tonight,” further adding, “The number of people I’ve told over the years, ‘ah, we’ll catch up and I’ll see you at the premiere…well, I guess not. Man proposes, and God disposes.”
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The Avatar series’ second movie has been released after a gap of 13 years. Cameron had been present for the movie’s London premiere, which took place on December 6.
Although Cameron’s health complications will prevent him from being at the Hollywood event, the premiere is set to be attended by returning Disney CEO, Bob Iger, along with members of the cast that includes Kate Winslet, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana, Edie Falco, Sam Worthington, and Jemaine Clement.
Disney said regarding Cameron’s absence, “James Cameron has Covid, but is feeling fine”, further adding, “He tested positive as part of a routine testing cadence. He will continue to complete his schedule virtually but will not be at the premiere.”
Avatar: The Way of Water was set to be released on July 23, 2020, but the same was postponed until 2022 due to the coronavirus. However, despite the film nearing its December 16 release, coronavirus is still affecting its plans by keeping the director from the Hollywood premiere.
Cameron has already announced that he wishes to expand the Avatar franchise, and has plans for the release of three more films, in 2024, 2026, and 2028.
