Cameron's Kids Choose Animated Avatar Over His $2.9bn Films
The legendary filmmaker behind cinema's highest-grossing movie franchise just admitted his own children have different taste in Avatar stories. Their preference might surprise fans of his groundbreaking sci-fi epics.
The director who created cinema's most successful franchise just dropped a bombshell about his own household. James Cameron's children prefer the Nickelodeon animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender over his record-breaking Avatar movies that earned over $5bn worldwide.
During a conversation with Michaela Jill Murphy, who voiced Toph Beifong in the original animated series, Cameron was asked which Avatar reigns supreme. His answer? He defers to his kids' judgment. Since they're bigger fans of the beloved cartoon, he considers The Last Airbender the winner.
Social Media Erupts Over Cameron Family's Choice
Cameron's admission sent shockwaves across social platforms. Murphy shared the filmmaker's comments on her Instagram story, triggering an avalanche of reactions from animation fans who felt vindicated.
Twitter users praised the Cameron children's "elite taste" and claimed they "know ball" when it comes to storytelling. Many pointed out that The Last Airbender delivers superior character development and emotional depth compared to the visually stunning but narratively simpler Cameron films.
One user wrote: "Respectfully... his kids have better taste. The Last Airbender has actual characters and heart." Another added: "Anyone would. Nobody can name a single character from Avatar to me."
Why Animation Beats Big Budget Spectacle
The preference makes sense when you examine both properties. Avatar: The Last Airbender follows Aang, Zuko, Katara, and Sokka through meaningful character arcs that resonate emotionally with viewers. Each character grows in ways that feel authentic and personal.
Cameron's Avatar films, while revolutionary in their visual effects and $637mn production budgets, focus primarily on spectacle over character development. The movies tackle themes like environmental protection and family bonds, but their straightforward narratives serve mainly as vehicles for groundbreaking CGI.
The animated series earned a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes across its three seasons. It weaves complex themes of war, identity, loss, and spirituality into stories that work for both children and adults. The show's creators, Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, built a world with intricate mythology and character relationships that span 61 episodes.
Box Office Success vs Storytelling Depth
Cameron's 2009 Avatar earned $2.9bn globally, making it the highest-grossing film ever. Its 2022 sequel, Avatar: The Way of Water, added another $2.3bn to the franchise total. The upcoming Avatar: Fire and Ash carries a $400mn budget and 3-hour runtime.
But financial success doesn't always translate to emotional connection. The animated series built its reputation through layered storytelling rather than technological innovation. Characters face real consequences for their choices. Relationships develop organically over time.
For Last Airbender fans, Cameron's comments felt like validation from Hollywood's biggest filmmaker. The show has maintained a devoted following since its 2005 debut, spawning comics, novels, and a live-action Netflix adaptation.
Both Avatar properties are currently streaming - Cameron's films on Disney+ and the animated series on Netflix. The director's honest assessment of his children's preferences adds an unexpected twist to the ongoing debate about which Avatar truly deserves the crown.