James Cameron is pictured with legendary European director Costa Gavras at an exhibition organised by the French Cinematheque in April 2024: Stephane de Satukin / AFP
Avatar director James Cameron has called Donald Trump’s re-election “horrific” and “disgusting”, comparing it to a never-ending car accident. In an interview with The F-ing News podcast, he expressed his disappointment with the US political course and confirmed that he will soon officially become a New Zealand citizen.
“I see a move away from anything that can be called decency. America is losing its essence, becoming an empty idea, and they are emptying it out as quickly as possible for their own benefit,” Cameron said.
The director lives and works most of the time in New Zealand, where he is filming the sequel to the Avatar franchise. Although he admits that he is not sure whether he feels safer there, he is encouraged that the local media is not making Trump the top story of the day.
“At least they’ll put it on page three. I just don’t want to see his face on the front page anymore,” Cameron said.
He also said that the process of obtaining New Zealand citizenship required serious effort and investment:
“If you move, you have to invest in this country, be a part of it, earn your place,” the director said.
Cameron is currently completing post-production on the third film in the Avatar series, Avatar: Fire and Ash, which will be released in December 2025.
