Announced during CinemaCon, THR has reported that director James Cameron has announced that four "Avatar" sequels are on the way. The first sequel is expected to be released at Christmas 2018, with another installment following for Christmas 2019 to 2021. Each sequel is being envisioned as a standalone that will, together, create a saga.

Cameron touted the project as a "truly massive cinematic process," mentioning that he's been working with screenwriters on the films for the last few years.

"I've been working the last couple of years with a team of four top screenwriters," said Cameron, "to design the world of Avatar going forward: The characters, the creatures, the environment, the new cultures." He added: "So far, the art I'm seeing, is in pure imagination, really far beyond the first film. It's going to be a true epic saga."

Released in 2009, "Avatar" grossed $2.8 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film in the world. The film's domestic record of $760 million was beaten by "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," which earned $935 million in the United States.