Now that we've seen the success Avatar had in theaters when it was released in 2009, it's hard to believe anyone would tell director James Cameron to change aspects of the film. The adventure epic currently holds the top spot for the highest-grossing movie of all time worldwide (through a back and forth with Avengers: Endgame), with an astounding $2.84 billion at the box office.

Avatar is massively successful; however, Cameron admits the studio executives behind the film had some issues with the movie during the developmental process. During an interview with the New York Times, the 68-year-old filmmaker discussed his quarrels while making the film and why he had to remind the studio that he directed Titanic. "I think I felt, at the time, that we clashed over certain things," Cameron admits, saying, "For example, the studio felt that the film should be shorter and that there was too much flying around on the ikran — what the humans call the banshees. Well, it turns out that's what the audience loved the most, in terms of our exit polling and data gathering."

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The ikran or banshees are dragon-like creatures native to Pandora in Avatar, and they were featured in several scenes as they soared through the sky with their riders. Cameron continues, "And that's a place where I just drew a line in the sand and said, 'You know what? I made Titanic. This building that we're meeting in right now, this new half-billion dollar complex on your lot? Titanic paid for that, so I get to do this.'" Ultimately, the studio's gamble paid off as Avatar became a hit with audiences, smashing box office records. Avatar is set to receive five films in total, with the second installment in the franchise, Avatar: The Way of Water, arriving later this year.

James Cameron Says They've Improved the Creative Process Since Avatar

Avatar Way of Water 2022
20th Century Studios

Following the success of Avatar, the studio was entirely on board for sequels that would generate a ridiculous amount of money upon release. They might not have anticipated a 13-year-gap between the initial release and the upcoming sequel; however, 148 million views on Avatar: The Way of Water trailer in the first 24 hours showed James Cameron people are ready to dive back into the world of Pandora.

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Cameron stresses the improved creative process for the forthcoming movie, saying, "It's such an intense process when you're editing a film and you have to fight for every frame that stays in." He continues, "I felt pretty good about the creative decisions that were made back then. We spent a lot of time and energy improving our process in the decade since. But there's certainly nothing cringeworthy. I can see tiny places where we've improved facial-performance work. But it doesn't take you out. I think it's still competitive with everything that's out there these days."

The long-awaited sequel arrives later this year, with Avatar: The Way of Water debuting in theaters on Friday, Dec. 16.