'Avatar: The Way of Water': James Cameron tests POSITIVE for Covid-19, won't attend film's Hollywood premiere
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The release of 'Avatar: The Way of Water' is just around the corner and fans cannot wait to return to Pandora once again. However, if there's one man who won't be able to go to the magical place anytime soon, it's James Cameron. The filmmaker, who was set to be present at the premiere of 'Avatar 2' in Los Angeles on Monday evening, will not be attending the star-studded premiere after testing positive for Covid-19.
The news of Cameron getting diagnosed with the life-threatening disease was confirmed by the filmmaker himself during the opening ceremony of 'Pressure: James Cameron into the Abyss' in Los Angeles. Cameron was scheduled to attend the event in-person, but decided to speak via Zoom after testing positive, per The Hollywood Reporter.
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A few moments later, Disney also came out with a statement saying that Cameron won't be attending the Monday evening's Hollywood premiere of 'Avatar: The Way of Water' due to Covid and reassured everyone that he is feeling fine. "Jim has COVID but is feeling fine. He tested positive as part of a routine testing cadence. He will continue to complete his schedule virtually but will not be at the premiere," a Disney spokesperson said.
While attending the opening reception of 'Pressure: James Cameron into the Abyss', the 'Terminator' helmer "apologized" to everyone for not being there and noted that he didn't want to "jeopardize other people" after testing positive. He added, "I want to first of all, apologize to everyone who’s gathered there tonight. I can’t be at my own party. I got tested and sure enough I have COVID, so obviously I can’t be there, jeopardize other people."
The filmmaker has been travelling around the world promoting his movie and attending premieres. Last week, he was in London to attend the World Premiere of 'Avatar: The Way of Water' and went on to be present at the premieres that took place in South Korea and Tokyo, Japan. While coming back from Tokyo, he started to feel "heavy" and that's when he got himself tested. Sadly, the report turned out to be positive.
The news of Cameron contacting Covid comes a couple of weeks after Steven Spielberg contacted the virus right before the Gotham Awards.
As far as the movie is concerned, 'Avatar: The Way of Water' received glaring reviews from the critics who were able to see the movie at the World Premiere and said Cameron has once again proved why he is one of the greatest filmmakers of all time.
Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana return as Jake Sully and Neytiri while Sigourney Weaver and Stephen Lang return as Kiri and Colonel Miles Quaritch. On the other hand, actors such as Kate Winslet, Cliff Curtis, Jamie Flatters, and Britain Dalton join the movie as the new cast members.
‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ is scheduled to hit theatres on Friday, December 16.