Exclusive: AVATAR 2 And 3 Update From A Source *AND* A James Cameron Update!

Let's start with the tantalizing email I received from one of my AVATAR sources about what we can generally expect from AVATAR 2: Water. I'll just let you read his info below, but it's pretty much right on track with what my expectations have been all along. Then we'll go over Cameron's recent interview talking AVATAR...

Here's my source's email (emphasis is mine):

"Jim is probably going to kill himself making this, no I'm not joking. This is going to be the very definition of ambitious film making. The jump will be like Terminator 2 Judgement Day was to The Terminator.

All you need to know is... water. Lots of water. Lots of things in the water. A key component, but by no means the only one. Those who loved the first, will be equally amazed at what they haven't seen. The lengths to which R and D are going, is monumental, but that is just an one aspect, this is pushing on all cylinders. Avatar was just an introduction to a world and an idea, going forward will be where the world is explored and explained, but perhaps not the only one. Which brings challenges in itself, worlds are unique. Not everything in that universe will be so beautiful and picturesque. That is a key word I think, universe.

We always picture ourselves as the invaded, but never the invaders in cinema. If you take a look at the real world, that may not be such a realistic stance, if we were capable of it, we most likely would put profit and resources over planetary systems and ecosystems. We do it here on Earth all the time, and just look at the results.

James Cameron is a genius, I hate that word, but there is no other word to really describe him.

You all need to start getting excited, because I'm telling you, He'll be back."

So the real news here is the source confirmation that water is heavily involved, the AVATAR universe is about to open up and Cameron is not slowing down in the research and development areas of his work. So of course I'm thinking 48 or 60 frames per second, some cool new performance capture technology and perhaps having Cameron himself strapped high above the volume shooting his scenes! Why do I say that? His company, Cameron Pace Group shot CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: WORLD'S AWAY where he did actually strap himself in a harness 80 feet off the ground for some shots. I could very easily see a harness being used for 360 wraparound shots that involve actors swimming underwater. Says Cameron: "Put me in a body harness with a camera and I'm fine. Free rock climbing, however, is something you will never see me do. Ever!"

Here's what Cameron had to say about AVATAR 2 and 3 recently while publicizing the disc release of WORLDS AWAY 3D:

Can you give us some scoop about your upcoming little film called "Avatar 2"
Cameron: "Oh believe me, it's not that little! It's not exactly a little, intimate drama. I'm working on 'Avatar 2' and 'Avatar 3.' I was talking the other day with Peter Jackson and said, 'You had it easy dude. You had the books when you did the second and third 'Lord of the Rings.' I have to create my own books in my head and extract a script from it. I'm deep into it and I'm living in Pandora right now. There is that start up torque where you feel it's coming to you. Then you build up momentum. That's when it gets fun. The characters talk and it's writing itself. I'm almost there right now. It's building fast."

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Tell us a little bit about your life. For example, what is your writing process? 
Cameron: "As a writer, I need isolation. I'm calling you from New Zealand right now where I'm writing on a little farm. When you live in a special world like Pandora, you have to live in that world."

Do you ever feel the pressure of topping yourself? And do you have a release date you can share with us for "Avatar 2 and 3?"
Cameron: "Pressure, no. It's a little daunting because sequels are always tricky. You have to be surprising and stay ahead of audience anticipation. At the same time, you have to massage their feet with things that they know and love about the first film. I've walked that line in the past, so I'm not too worried about it. At the same time, I definitely have to deliver the goods…As for a release date that will be determined by when I get the script out. No pressure!"

Stay tuned for more! I've got my ears to the ground on this and I'm begging for a concept board shot as soon as I can get it! :-)

Cameron Interview Source: Play Goes Strong via Bleeding Cool

Exclusive Update: Alfonso Cuaron Lining Up For STAR WARS Ep VIII? Simon Pegg Going STAR WARS On Us?

You all know by now that we have some great sources embedded in key franchises - one of which is the mighty STAR WARS universe. Well the same source that gave us the exclusive that the third STAR WARS trilogy is going to happen, in 3D, without Lucas directing, that it will focus on the Skywalker offspring, and that the trilogy will follow in the original trilogy's tone is back.

So what's cooking now? How about Alfonso Cuaron getting up close and personal? I mentioned Episode VIII, but it could be Episode IX as well (or both for that matter). I would LOVE to see a STARS WARS movie directed by Cuaron. So many people are going to have the light turned on as to how brilliant a director he is after they see GRAVITY this year.

Anyway, I won't further spoil the spy info - so read on and we'll discuss afterwards!

READ ON...

As far as I know Episode 7 was then, and is now, focusing on the Skywalker's offspring. As I told you before, I believe duel personalities develop, akin to Anakin and Obi Wan, and Luke and Vader in the first trilogies, which as far as I am aware, is the driving force behind the new trilogy. Things may change however, but I doubt it, this has been long in the making.

The focus is on the original trilogy in regards of reverence and tone. Remember I told you before that the tone was important, well I believe they are really taking that seriously. From everything I know, they're focusing on that directly. Remember everything has the ability to change drastically, as Star Wars right now apart from the twin trilogies is a huge blank canvas. However, the trilogies ongoing narrative will continue to focus on that particular branch, whereas the stand alone movies, will fill and expand the voids in between in multiple timelines, and have potential to then be franchised themselves in regards to the worlds they open up.

Yoda, Palpatine, Jabba, Boba, Plagueis etc.

I believe they are very clued into what fans would and wouldn't like, and considering Mr Ford himself may not be done with his character yet, I wouldn't start picketing Lucasfilm about young Han Solo movies being made just yet. Which I was led to believe couldn't be further from how they want to move forward creatively anyway.

Harrison Ford has been approached, he has not turned it down, and is from everything I hear, very interested in returning to the role of Han Solo again, but is not signed as was reported recently. Negotiating may be a better choice of words right now. Hope it shakes out.

Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher were also approached a long time ago, as was ford, and a few other key players. I would all but guarantee, they will be in Episode 7, and I would be confident that Ford will return too. If the universe aligns correctly.

J.J. Abrams name was brought up to me numerous times, but only in reference to re-brand and ground up respect for world building that the franchise was looking to take back then. Very sneaky. Interesting to see he was offered the most coveted and feared gig in cinema history. Ultimately he is the perfect choice to direct episode 7, and set up the franchise to steward through the first trilogy. The names I mentioned to you before, remember them (EDITOR'S NOTE: my source's director list can be found here). Alfonso Cuaron especially. Trust me.

J.J. Abrams mystery cube or whatever he is calling it today, is in full effect, Star Wars news is going to be very thin on the ground for the foreseeable future, but expect Simon Pegg to be involved in some capacity. Can't say why, but lets just say I have a strong feeling about that.

Star Wars fans, Kathleen and J.J have your interests at heart.

So, very interesting!! And what is Simon Pegg doing with STAR WARS? Ideas? Is he jumping with Abrams in some fashion? Clearly he is deep in STAR TREK but being the miracle worker that Scotty is, apparently Pegg is needed in the STAR WARS universe as well!

And Cuaron? Hopefully that happens. As of right now it is in the works, so fingers crossed! More exclusive STAR WARS, AVATAR and HOBBIT info when I get it!

EXCLUSIVE: More Secret Details Revealed From My Original STAR WARS Source! SKYWALKER Returns Again!!

Ok guys, by now you know of my history with this particular source and the stellar information that has been given us about STAR WARS way back in 2009. We remain in touch to which I am deeply grateful. Again this source has spoken up about what we can now expect from the Disney / Lucasfilm tandem in the coming years, and it is all very, VERY exciting.

Here is what my source has told me, some segments and some word for word, from his email I just received:

"Disney now has the power to make STAR WARS films, and everything else in the Lucasfilm archives. The movies I told you about are indeed the primary focus. Luke Skywalker is a primary focus, as are many of the original trilogy cast. Disney also realised that George Lucas and STAR WARS are one and the same, so George will certainly have a voice on any angle taken, in fact I believe it's one of many stipulations. However he will no longer have creative control, and as I said before George was already looking at other creative talents to bring his canon to life back before Disney and Lucasfilm really started negotiating (or at least to the best of my knowledge)..."

Hit the jump for more...

UPDATED: PROMETHEUS Earns A PG-13 After Three Editing Attempts?

**Same Day Update: I am now alerted to a gentleman by the name of invictus_005 who claims to have impersonated someone to get this information from the MPAA. More and more dubious to me.

This is far from official yet as these things can be so easily created by fans, but for what it's worth it seems that Fox has earned a PG-13 rating from the MPAA. It took three editing attempts apparently.

I received this image from a source I am unfamiliar with and he uses the code name "John Rambo". So I cannot vouch for this information.

Personally I would have liked to have seen PROMETHEUS with an 'R' and perhaps that really is the case - if this thing is from someone's imagination.

You decide if you want to believe this, but I'm sure the answer is just around the corner as PROMETHEUS' release date is fast approaching. A few quick Google searches turned up nothing for this Executive Director, Sharon Manecki from the MPAA.

EXCLUSIVE: Update On Ridley Scott's Ultra Secretive PROMETHEUS!!

Hey guys! Got an exclusive update from one of my inside sources and in this case it is in turn from a source of his own, so take all of this with a grain of salt. But know this, my source here is one of my top taps of information so I am always excited to hear from him! Man I hope this is all true...

**WARNING POTENTIAL SPOILERS BELOW!!!
Do not read further unless you want to risk a pristine viewing experience of Ridley Scott's PROMETHEUS.

This is directly taken (mid email) from my source (emphasis is mine):

Be aware, there is a campaign of disinformation that is going to be used about this upcoming movie, I do not know that if inadvertently I am being used, however, the manner in which the conversation came about, I seriously doubt it.

Ridley Scott's sci-fi movie, currently going by the name Prometheus, is going to be a very large and intense story, with a scope that is epic, the final act is where the movie switches gears and shifts into Aliens territory. Pinewood houses an exact replica of the H R Giger Space Jockey command post. You may notice in the original Alien that the Space Jockey had a puncture on its considerably large chest, where the xenomorph broke out through the flesh of the creature and broke through the biomechanical armor it wears. You may also notice how big the Space Jockey is in relation to its human counter parts in the film. So imagine how big the baby must be, which is yet to grow. Then imagine quite a few of these. If you can do that, you got a pretty good grasp on the final act. And do not be expecting the traditional look either, these are very different creatures that will keep the general architecture of the xenomorph, but will have a considerably different look, and do very perverse things.

However, before all of this I hear that the story is not only reminiscent of 2001, but is also trying to push the boundaries of what a modern tent pole science fiction movie could be. This is all I can share, but trust me, you seriously need to start being excited about this project, because not only is this I am assured, not nostalgia for nostalgia reasons, but a whole new spin on that old chestnut.(Editor's note: I am definitely excited about this project! As many of you can attest I'm sure :-)

The story is a very closely guarded secret in Hollywood, and while it is not a direct prequel "officially" it has more than just passing ties towards the Alien saga's canon. You will have all the things that worked in the Alien canon, and very new and fresh and some controversial ideas presented, sexuality is dealt with quite directly. There may even be a robot or two. And the ship, which I am told is the current titles name, Prometheus. Highly original, both in concept and design I hear.

Man I can't wait to hear and see more about this project! We all know what Ridley Scott is capable of, and this is his beloved ALIEN universe!! It is beginning to sound like we are about to get everything we have ever wanted in a prequel.

So what do you think of the inside info? Do you think it's true or "true rumor"? :-) Most of it holds water with me so time will tell. I assume that the prequels revisit the ALIEN star system Zeta 2 Reticuli.

Personally I think we may be shocked at what is in this movie. Seriously shocked. I think there may be elements of sexuality never before explored in a major tentpole sci-fi before. My opinion of course, but look out. I am sooooo hoping for a 'hard R'.

James Cameron's BATTLE ANGEL Update: A 14 Year Old ANGEL OF DEATH!! Tests Continue!!

Jim here. Got some news from one of my top sources in the Cameron camp and man oh man does BATTLE ANGEL ever sound Kick. Ass.

On what is happening right now for ANGEL:
Make no mistake this is the movie your website will be pursuing in time to come. The tests are "Beautiful" and "Complex" beyond your wildest dreams. Stunningly beautiful, considering the fact that some are old(ish). Imagine this for a second. A cyborg chick "the Angel of Death" taking out "a lot" of other part man, part machine type "people".

We do indeed plan on staying with Cameron believe us! AVATAR is the training ground for BATTLE ANGEL and I can't wait to see the ideas he has for it.

On what those tests contain:
Now picture the "Angel of Death" looking like a child. a 14 year old. Now imagine this, this little girl goes through these guys like butter. Did you see the KICK-ASS trailer? Well imagine that girl via the Matrix via Ghost in the shell, via AI. "Remember the True Lies bathroom brawl?" Well take out Arnold, and "copy and paste" Bruce Lee on acid via the Terminator. as seen through the eyes of a sweet innocent 14 year old cyborg girl. And all of this done via the mind of James Cameron, Holy shit what is not to love? The lights flicker and shit hits the fan. Awesome stuff.

With performance capture and CG anything is possible. That includes using an underage actor in very VERY violent scenes. This would be cutting edge stuff and who better to pull it off?

On Angel's future: You will be hearing the phrase "Angel of death" a lot in time to come. At least judging from the level of involvement now. I bet Angel will go green soon. The only thing I can see setting back Angel is Avatar. And you know why that is don't you.

ANGEL OF DEATH is a potential alternative title as it is what she is also known as. But I think BATTLE ANGEL will stick. AVATAR has potential sequels written all over it of course and that may be the next project for Cameron depending on studio and audience pressure after the massive response to AVATAR is felt. But you can count on BATTLE being made, big time.

Obviously casting for Angel is key. I am curious to know who you think would make a great Battle Angel? Choices are limited as the character is only 14 years old, but I have a few ideas. I had heard rumors that Cameron already has his Angel - but that was some time ago. Haven't heard anything since.

And we know from a MarketSaw exclusive interview with designer James Clyne that there is a VERY real possibility of BATTLE having some gladiatorial aspects of future sports and a wide social gap of the "have and have nots". And further that BATTLE ANGEL will have many different looks (new faces, bodies, and outfits) as she evolves in the movie. We learned from yet another MarketSaw exclusive interview with Mark Goerner that the movie follows and even amplifies Kishiro's original vision of BATTLE ANGEL.

Other stereoscopic 3D projects to watch that may closely resemble BATTLE ANGEL are APHRODITE IX and Spielberg's GHOST IN THE SHELL. All of them have young female cyborgs kicking some serious butt. Interesting how they line up after something that catches Cameron's eye.

I am thrilled to learn that Cameron is still doing tests for BATTLE. These tests are very, VERY secure - but we have the best sources on the planet so YOU get the updates! Stay here with MarketSaw for the latest and greatest on all things James Cameron AND 3D.

Second photo courtesy of Allison Rose. The model is Riki Le Cotey.