“Steven was so memorable in the first film, we’re privileged to have him back,” director James Cameron said in a statement. “I’m not going to say exactly HOW we’re bringing him back, but it’s a science fiction story, after all. His character will evolve into really unexpected places across the arc of our new three-film saga. I really look forward to working with such a gifted actor, who’s also become a good friend.”
The release of the first sequel will be in December 2016, with the second to follow in December 2017, and the third a year later. Sam Worthington said last week that he would start filming this time next year.
Avatar 2, 3, and 4 will be produced by Cameron and Jon Landau through their Lightstorm Entertainment banner. Writers Josh Friedman (War of the Worlds), Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver (Rise of the Planets of the Apes), and Shane Salerno (Savages) are all currently penning the individual sequels.