James Cameron‘s AVATAR sequels did not have to look far to find an actor to play the villain. Stephen Lang, who played Colonel Miles Quaritch in the first film, will be returning as the same character for all three AVATAR sequels which begin production next year. Despite being killed at the end of AVATAR, Cameron will undoubtedly find a creative way to resurrect the character from the dead.
Lang appeared in an ambiguous role in the short-lived FOX series TERRA NOVA that was more than a little reminiscent of his AVATAR role. When it was rumored that Sigourney Weaver‘s character would probably return for AVATAR 2 it left the door open for others to follow suit. James Cameron explained how Lang will fit into the three sequel films:
“Steven was so memorable in the first film, we’re privileged to have him back,” Cameron said. “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.”
Cameron has been hard at work developing new film technology to capture other elements of Pandora for the AVATAR sequels. He has tapped WAR OF THE WORLDS writer Josh Friedman to write one; RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES‘ Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver to write another; and SALINGER writer/director Shane Salerno for the third. In addition, a series of novels have been commissioned to flesh out the rest of this massive story.
While AVATAR had some script issues, it was still a fun movie to watch and the 3D was spectacular. Lang stole the film as he chewed the scenery like none other and will surely be the highlight of the next three films.
AVATAR 2 is slated for a December 2016 release with the third and fourth films coming each Christmas through 2018.
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