Ever since Avatar charged its way into theaters and broke every box office record out there (easily surpassing Titanic), there’s been speculation and “semi-news” about a follow-up or at least more movies set within the same world James Cameron created.
Talk is great and all, but apart from confirmation that we’ll get Avatar 2 at some point, we’ve not had anything concrete about any other Avatar-related projects… until now. We’re hearing word that Cameron is going to be writing a prequel to Avatar but it’s not for the big screen.
Don’t let disappointment get a hold of you, what Cameron’s doing still sounds cool…
MTV News recently caught up with Avatar producer, Jon Landau, who talked about Cameron’s plans to write an Avatar prequel novel. But Landau reminds us that there’s a clear difference between a novel and a novelization, the latter being a retelling of what happened in the movie. Landau says Cameron wants to, “write a novel that is a big, epic story that fills in a lot of things.”
Why is Cameron including any ideas he has in a prequel book instead of putting it in a movie? Well, as Landau explains, “[We] won’t have time to do [these stories] in the movie, or maybe in sequels… [So the novel will] give a foundation for the world.” So what would the Avatar prequel novel include? Landau continues:
“It would be something that would lead up to telling the story of the movie, but it would go into much more depth about all the stories that we didn’t have time to deal with — like the schoolhouse and Sigourney [Weaver's character] teaching at the schoolhouse; Jake on Earth and his backstory and how he came here; [the death of] Tommy, Jake’s brother; and Colonel Quaritch, how he ended up there and all that.”
The history of Weaver’s character’s school for the Na’vi kids was something I wished that I could learn more about. There were more pressing matters at hand, of course, not least of which was an army of soldiers trying to destroy the Na’Vi’s home planet. But a prequel (whether in book or movie form) is the perfect place to explore the previously unexplored.
Of course, if you’re more interested in what’s to come as opposed to what came before, make sure to check out the interview done by a couple of “Press Team” youngsters we posted recently, which features Cameron talking about the planned Avatar 2.
But getting back to what Cameron is doing with the prequel novel: this will be the first time James Cameron has written a book. He’s written more than a few screenplays over the years for his most revered movies – including The Terminator, Terminator 2, Titanic and, of course, Avatar – but this would mark his first novel.
However, fear not as Landau explains Cameron is used to that type of writing – “I don’t think Jim has ever written a novel before, but his first step of writing a script is often in a novella format… So this is just expanding that, and I think that he’ll be very adept at it.” Eager fans will be happy to know we’ll likely see the Avatar prequel before the end of this year.
As a huge fan of Avatar (sorry to you haters, I loved it) I look forward to seeing dimensions get added to this fantastical world that Cameron has conjured. Of course if I could choose freely I would just want a movie sequel, but even a novel prequel is of interest to me.
Would you be interested in reading a prequel novel to Avatar? Should Cameron devote his time to it or get on with making a sequel?
Source: MTV News
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Its true I wasnt a big fan of Avatar,
But I Think this is a GREAT idea!
I wish more creators would do this.
I will definitely be reading it. Followed the movie for years, now its time to follow the book.
I'll buy it if he writes it. There's so much background that wasn't properly explored due to time restraints that a novel can patch up nicely. Bring it on James, and be wordy!
I loved it as well, Ross. And that's awesome that it could be out before the end of the year!
Bane
If you're going to make a movie there shouldn't be a need to write a book to explain more of it. It shoulda all be covered in the movie itself or possibly in a sequel. Plus the only people who will read this are the true Avatar fanboys. This won't appeal to the mass.
As I said, I am not an Avatar fan but I am interested in the book.
I like It when writers flesh out their chracters.
The book WILL sell.
No Question.
It won't do as well as the movie. Why'd people go see the movie? Hype and 3D. Books aren't in 3D. It won't do that well.
Obviously it won't do as well as the movie, NO book OR movie will. And how can you say that the movie should explain everything? Some of the best movies are based off of books and don't explain anywhere near as much as the book does. It's impossible.
It's a good idea but i think avatar just disappointed me too much to justify buying the book.
A movie that beaks box office records must be more then just hype and 3D
It's cool he's doing this, but some of these expositional elements are in the original script, and I kinda wish he kept a few of them in. They would have bolstered the story and immersiveness/depth of the film, and it probably would have only added 20 minutes or so. Oh well. I might end up reading this prequel book though.
It's cool he's doing this, but some of these expositional elements are in the original script, and I kinda wish he kept a few of them in. They would have bolstered the story and immersiveness/depth of the film, and it probably would have only added 20 minutes or so. Oh well. I might end up reading this prequel book though.
—STOP worshipping your screensavers! —They CAN'T save you!
—STOP worshipping your screensavers! —They CAN'T save you!
I will buy the book when it comes out. I enjoyed the movie and have watched it on DVD many times alresdy. I think the prequel book will give more insight into what was not in the movie. I would like to know about jakes brother, the school and how it came to be and about how Jake got hurt and where. Can’t wait for book to come out.
When oh when will the proposed book be announced. I can’t hold my breath much longer. I’m already blue in the face.
I am truely glad he is taking this direction and i think avatar the movie 3 should also come in a book format, this will force people to read something, regardless of the content.
This is culturally inspiring and a great move since this will make fans pick upsome reading material and absorb it the old fashioned way, which seems to stick more to one’s brain.
Love the idea of a sequel and i hope they really really explore that planet, it has endless potential. Write the prequel, then make the prequel movie for 2015, then avatar 2, then 3 as a book and release movie yr and a half later to make them READ. Im not a reader myself and i know i would have to pick it up to find out. Ill quit my rant, thanx and enjoy