Sigourney Weaver has recently expressed her hopes that James Cameron would consider Anya Taylor-Joy for a role in the Avatar franchise. Both actresses star in the upcoming sci-fi action-horror film The Gorge, which follows two operatives assigned to guard towers on opposite sides of a massive gorge, working to protect the world from a mysterious evil. Meanwhile, the Avatar franchise continues its exploration of the conflict between the indigenous Na’vi, led by Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña), and the humans from the RDA, a powerful corporation eager to colonize and exploit Pandora.
In an interview with GamesRadar+, Weaver stated, “I hope Jim sees The Gorge because I think he’ll appreciate the character of Drasa a lot. He’s been ahead of his time creating these amazing characters like Neytiri, and I think Drasa is very much in that tradition.” Weaver praised Taylor-Joy’s versatility, recalling her impressive performances in various roles that showcase her ability to captivate audiences.
Weaver’s admiration for Taylor-Joy is evident when she states, “I’ve admired her work since I saw her in The Witch and then in Queen’s Gambit. I think there’s really nothing she can’t do.” This endorsement positions Anya Taylor-Joy as a potential fit for Cameron’s expansive Avatar universe. The franchise is set to continue with upcoming films such as Avatar: Fire and Ash, as well as unnamed fourth and fifth installments.
James Cameron has a history of prioritizing actors who can handle physically demanding roles, as seen in Saldaña’s motion-capture performance as Neytiri and Kate Winslet’s extensive freediving training for Avatar: The Way of Water. Anya Taylor-Joy has demonstrated her own capabilities through rigorous stunt training for Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. While Furiosa may not have achieved blockbuster status, Taylor-Joy’s character was crucial to the Mad Max storyline, highlighting her potential to thrive in action-oriented narratives.
Moreover, Cameron’s films are renowned for featuring strong, independent characters, such as Ellen Ripley in Aliens and Dr. Grace Augustine in Avatar, both of whom were portrayed by Weaver. Weaver’s comparison between the character Drasa and Neytiri suggests that Taylor-Joy’s role in The Gorge aligns with the qualities Cameron values in his leads.
If Cameron were to consider Anya Taylor-Joy for an upcoming role in the Avatar franchise, she would likely undergo the intricate motion-capture process that has become synonymous with the series. The Avatar franchise remains at the forefront of modern sci-fi, having already amassed over $5.2 billion at the box office, solidifying its status as a cultural phenomenon.
Weaver’s strong endorsement of Anya Taylor-Joy carries significant weight, given her established contributions to the science fiction genre. Taylor-Joy consistently proves her ability to tackle both physically and emotionally demanding roles, making her a strong candidate for future Avatar sequels. As the anticipation surrounding the franchise grows, the prospect of Taylor-Joy joining such a significant universe is exciting for fans and industry insiders alike.
While it remains uncertain whether Cameron will act on Weaver’s suggestion, Taylor-Joy’s rising status in Hollywood makes her participation in a major franchise like Avatar a possibility. After the release of The Gorge, it would not be surprising if an announcement were made regarding her involvement in the Avatar universe.
The Avatar franchise, created by James Cameron, is a groundbreaking sci-fi saga set in the lush, alien world of Pandora. It explores the conflict between the indigenous Na’vi people and human colonizers from Earth, focusing on themes of environmentalism, imperialism, and the clash of civilizations. Known for its innovative use of 3D technology and visual effects, the franchise offers a stunning, immersive cinematic experience that has captivated audiences worldwide.
