James Cameron and Cirque du Soleil to produce touring show based on Avatar

By Rick Marshall Published May 30, 2014

Image used with permission by copyright holder

We still have a few years before the sequel to James Cameron’s 2009 record-breaking blockbuster Avatar arrives in theaters, but fans will be able to get an early start on the return to Pandora next year in a live, touring Cirque du Soleil show based on the film.

Cameron and Cirque du Soleil announced the partnership this week at the international Commerce + Creativity Conference in Montreal. The deal centers on the production of a “live experience” based on the world of Cameron’s Avatar, which retains the all-time record for both domestic and worldwide revenue at the box office. The touring show is expected to debut in 2015, a year before the Avatar sequel is scheduled to hit theaters.

“Our relationship with Jim Cameron began with my visit at his Avatar cutting room,” said Daniel Lamarre, President and CEO of Cirque du Soleil, in a press release regarding the partnership. “I am thrilled that almost five years later, Cirque du Soleil will be able to explore the very inspirational Avatar realm for the live stage.”

20th Century Fox, the studio that produced and distributed the original Avatar and is doing the same for the three sequels currently in pre-production, is also a partner on the Cirque du Soleil show.

“Over the years, I have discovered the extraordinary talents and imaginations of both the artists and the creative forces behind Cirque du Soleil,” said James Cameron. “I know we share the common goal of bringing audiences to another level of entertainment experiences. I look forward to doing just that on this project.”

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