During Industry Turmoil, James Cameron Honors French Cinema at 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' Premiere in Paris, Commends Jon Landau and Criticizes Generative AI: 'Actors Are Irreplaceable'

Just hours after Netflix announced its acquisition of Warner Bros., James Cameron made the European premiere of Disneys Avatar: Fire and Ash in Paris a celebration of film culture. Speaking to an audience equipped with 3D glasses at La Scene Musicale, Cameron explained his choice of France for the European launch.

I wanted to honor the country with the highest concentration of cinephiles per capita, he said. In France, supporting the arts is seen as a moral duty. He shared the stage with Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Bailey Bass, Trinity Jo-Li Bliss, and Sam Worthington.

Cameron emphasized that Avatar relies on performance capture rather than generative AI. Youll witness the most advanced imaging technology in the world. We dont use generative AI, and were not replacing actors, he stated, earning enthusiastic applause. He noted that capturing the performances for both Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) and Avatar: Fire and Ash took 18 months.

The director also paid tribute to his late collaborator Jon Landau, highlighting the producers enduring influence on the Avatar films and Titanic. We pushed ourselves to complete this movie in a way he would have been proud of, Cameron said.

On the red carpet, Sam Worthington reflected on how acting within performance capture has remained true to the craft since the first Avatar movie. The acting itself hasnt changed; its pure performance with another person. Everything else around it has evolved, but the essence of the work is preserved, he explained.

Sigourney Weaver, who originated the role of Dr. Grace Augustine and now portrays 14-year-old Kiri, linked the films environmental themes to her real-life activism. The movie shows the impact of human and corporate actions on other creatures. Its a lesson in respect for all species, she said. Weaver also expressed excitement over a potential return to the Alien franchise, acknowledging early-stage development on the project.

Avatar: Fire and Ash is scheduled to premiere in French cinemas on December 17, with local theaters hoping it will help revitalize the box office after a slow 2025.

Author: Chloe Ramirez