James Cameron can’t help himself but to take digs at the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His latest barb sees the Avatar: The Way of Water director stating that his film’s visual effects are better than what audiences saw with Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame.
Cameron was asked by ComicBook.com (via Variety) whether Marvel’s special effects had served as motivation when making Avatar: The Way of Water. He pivoted to how comic book movies have led to more talent overall in the area. “The rising tide of technique raises everybody together,” Cameron said.
But then Cameron took his shot at Marvel while also boasting about the Avatar sequel. “That said, Weta FX, as it’s called now, is the best. Right? Industrial Light and Magic does great work, but when it comes to the kind of emotive facial stuff that we’re doing… Thanos? Come on. Give me a break,” Cameron said. “You saw [Avatar: The Way of Water]. It’s not even close. It’s what Weta did.”
Interestingly enough, Cameron began the video interview by explicitly stating he wouldn’t diss the Marvel or DC universes. He even added that he “loves those movies.”
But this isn’t the first time Cameron has had strong words for Marvel–and DC for that matter. In October, the filmmaker said superhero movies lack emotional maturation for the main characters.
“When I look at these big, spectacular films, I’m looking at you, Marvel, and DC, it doesn’t matter how old the characters are, they all act like they’re in college,” Cameron told the New York Times. “They have relationships, but they really don’t. They never hang up their spurs because of their kids.”
Cameron has been making the press rounds in the leadup to Avatar: The Way of Water premiering December 16. For instance, he’s not worried about “trolls and naysayers” predicting that his film will flop.
Early tracking estimates point to Avatar: The Way of Water making around $150 million to $170 million opening weekend in the United States. That would be a notable increase from the original’s debut of $77 million.
That said, Cameron has said that the Avatar sequel is the “worst business case in movie history.”
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