Avatar star says James Cameron's films can take more creative risks than Marvel.

Sam Worthington said Avatar productions face fewer outside pressures than Marvel films, and the franchise has grossed about $6.7 billion worldwide with Avatar: Fire and Ash earning $1.488 billion.

Sam Worthington told The Independent on Sunday that James Cameron's Avatar films have more creative freedom than Marvel productions because they do not face the same outside pressures. He described making the films as feeling like an independent movie, where the studio, press and community expectations do not dictate how scenes are made. The Avatar franchise has earned around $6.7 billion worldwide since 2009, and the latest entry, Avatar: Fire and Ash, brought in $1.488 billion. James Cameron has said theatrical viewing is changing as streaming expands, and some footage for the fourth Avatar film has already been shot while the future of films four and five remains uncertain. Key points: - Sam Worthington said Avatar productions feel like independent movies and do not have the same outside pressures or expectations from press, studios or community. - He said that lack of pressure allows the cast and crew to "play and create" and take more risks during production. - The Avatar franchise has grossed about $6.7 billion globally, and the original 2009 film still sits above $2.9 billion in lifetime box office. - Avatar: Fire and Ash opened Dec. 19, 2025 and has a reported global box office of $1.488 billion. - James Cameron commented that theatrical attendance is contracting while streaming expands, and some of the fourth film has already been filmed even as plans for additional sequels remain in flux. Summary: Worthington's comments highlight a distinction he draws between Avatar's production approach and the franchise-driven model associated with Marvel films. Cameron's remarks about shifting audience habits and the partial shooting of the fourth film mean the long-term plan for further sequels is undetermined at this time.