James Cameron mocks Marvel and DC characters, says VFX 'not even close' to Avatar 2

James Cameron asserted that when it comes to motion capture and creating expressive faces, Marvel is "not even close" to Avatar: The Way of the Water's visual effects.

In an interview with ComicBook.com, Cameron was questioned about whether the surge in superhero films since the 2009 release of the first Avatar film has improved the standard for visual effects.

Cameron was first cautious when discussing how Marvel, which is part of the Disney family, and the Avatar movie series have helped elevate the standard for visual effects in movies. However, he later made it clear that his crew at Weta FX is in a league of their own.


Cameron said, "Obviously, the big comic book films have been driving the sheer volume of the industry. The rising tide of technique raises everybody together. It gives you higher quality artists, more tools and plug-ins, and code [to use]. You’ve got more talented people writing code out there."

He added, "Our team at WETA Digital [the New Zealand effects company co-founded by Peter Jackson] is constantly having new hires, and it’s coming out of that pool, so it improves everything. That said, WETA FX, as it’s called now, is the best. Right?"

"Industrial Light & Magic [George Lucas’ effects company used by Marvel] 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. You saw [Avatar: The Way of Water]. It’s not even close. It’s what WETA did," he continued.

Cameron previously mocked Marvel and DC movie characters by challenging their capacity to develop characters with emotional weight.

In an interview with the New York Times in October, he said, "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. They have relationships, but they really don’t."

"They never hang up their spurs because of their kids. The things that really ground us and give us power, love, and a purpose? Those characters don’t experience it, and I think that’s not the way to make movies," he added.

Marvel's VFX has also drawn criticism this year due to allegations of workplace problems at Disney, where staff members were allegedly "pressured" to finish effects on the Disney+ series "She-Hulk," and the number of CGI effects used in the Marvel film "Thor: Love and Thunder."


On the other hand, critics who had the chance to see Avatar: The Way of the Water earlier this week at its London premiere gave its VFX a big thumbs up. The movie will be released in theaters on December 16.

FAQs:

1. When will Avatar 2 be released?
   Avatar 2 will be released on December 22, 2022.
2. Why does Avatar's sequel come after such a long gap?
   Avatar's sequel comes after a long gap of nine years because of Cameron's dedication to the visual effects that will distinguish Avatar from other movies of its era.