Editing James Cameron (section)

==Career==
=== Early work and 1980s ===
[[File:James Cameron.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Cameron, September 1986|alt=Cameron in September 1986]]
Cameron's directing career began in 1978.<ref>{{Cite web|title=James Cameron: "Simply do it. Simply pick up a camera and begin shooting something."|date=September 6, 2021|url=https://www.swagathamcanada.com/inspirational/james-cameron-simply-do-it-simply-pick-up-a-camera-and-begin-shooting-something/|access-date=November 19, 2021|language=en-GB}}</ref> After borrowing money from a consortium of dentists, he learned to direct, write and produce his first short film, ''[[Xenogenesis (film)|Xenogenesis]]'' (1978) with a friend.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/james-cameron/33928/the-unmade-films-of-james-cameron|title=James Cameron and his unmade films|date=February 4, 2015|website=Den of Geek|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191019133823/https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/james-cameron/33928/james-cameron-and-his-unmade-films|archive-date=October 19, 2019|access-date=October 19, 2019}}</ref> Learning as he went, Cameron said he felt like a doctor doing his first surgical procedure.<ref name="Syd Field" /> He then served as a production assistant for ''[[Rock 'n' Roll High School]]'' (1979). While educating himself about filmmaking techniques, Cameron started a job as a miniature [[model maker]] at [[Roger Corman]] Studios.<ref name="filmmakers.com" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.achievement.org/achiever/james-cameron/#interview|title=James Cameron Biography and Interview|website=www.achievement.org|publisher=[[American Academy of Achievement]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228102929/https://www.achievement.org/achiever/james-cameron/|archive-date=February 28, 2019}}</ref> He was soon employed as an art director for the science-fiction film ''[[Battle Beyond the Stars]]'' (1980). He carried out the special effects for [[John Carpenter]]'s ''[[Escape from New York]]'' (1981), served as production designer for ''[[Galaxy of Terror]]'' (1981), and consulted on the design for ''[[Android (film)|Android]]'' (1982).

Cameron was hired as the special effects director for the sequel to ''[[Piranha (1978 film)|Piranha]]'' (1978), titled ''[[Piranha II: The Spawning]]'' in 1982. The original director, Miller Drake, left the project due to creative differences with producer [[Ovidio Assonitis]]. Shot in Rome, Italy, and on [[Grand Cayman]] Island, the film gave Cameron the opportunity to become director for a major film for the first time. Cameron later said that it did not feel like his first film due to power-struggles with Assonitis.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.terminatorfiles.com/media/articles/cameron_005.htm|title=US: James Cameron Interview|website=www.terminatorfiles.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809150400/http://www.terminatorfiles.com/media/articles/cameron_005.htm|archive-date=August 9, 2019|access-date=October 19, 2019}}</ref> Upon release of ''Piranha II: The Spawning'', critics were not impressed; author Tim Healey called it "a marvellously bad movie which splices clichés from every conceivable source".<ref>{{Cite book|title=The world's worst movies|last=Healey, Tim.|date=1986|publisher=Octopus|isbn=0706425057|location=London|pages=7|oclc=59676875}}</ref>

In 1982, inspired by [[John Carpenter]]'s horror film ''[[Halloween (1978 film)|Halloween]]'' (1978),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/the-terminator/31391/why-the-terminator-is-a-horror-classic#ixzz38LjAc8Xn|title=Why The Terminator is a horror classic|last=Lambie|first=Ryan|work=[[Den of Geek]]|date=July 23, 2014|access-date=July 23, 2014|archive-date=January 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200107155042/https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/the-terminator/31391/why-the-terminator-is-a-horror-classic#ixzz38LjAc8Xn|url-status=live}}</ref> as well as a nightmare about an invincible robot hit-man sent from the future to assassinate him,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/james-cameron-came-up-terminator-during-dream-2015-6|title=James Cameron came up with the idea for 'Terminator' during a fever dream|last=Phillips|first=Ian|website=Business Insider|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717154023/https://www.businessinsider.com/james-cameron-came-up-terminator-during-dream-2015-6|archive-date=July 17, 2019|access-date=October 23, 2019}}</ref> Cameron wrote the script for ''[[The Terminator]]'' (1984), a sci-fi action film about a [[cyborg]] sent from the future to carry out a lethal mission. Cameron wanted to sell the script so that he could direct the film. Whilst some film studios expressed interest in the project, many executives were unwilling to let a new and unfamiliar director make the film. [[Gale Anne Hurd]], a colleague and founder of [[Valhalla Entertainment|Pacific Western Productions]], agreed to buy Cameron's script for one dollar, on the condition that Cameron direct the film. He convinced the president of [[Hemdale Film Corporation|Hemdale Pictures]] to make the film, with Cameron as director and Hurd as a producer. [[Lance Henriksen]], who starred in ''Piranha II: The Spawning'', was considered for the lead role, but Cameron decided that [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]] was more suitable as the cyborg villain due to his [[bodybuilder]] appearance.<ref name="Futurist">{{cite book|last=Keegan|first=Rebecca Winters|url={{Google books|g8hOUZ99h8cC|page=PA8|keywords=|text=|plainurl=yes}}|title=The Futurist: The Life and Films of James Cameron|publisher=Crown Publishers|year=2009|isbn=978-0-307-46031-8|pages=8, 37, 53|access-date=February 21, 2011}}</ref> Henriksen was given a smaller role instead. [[Michael Biehn]] and [[Linda Hamilton]] also joined the cast. ''The Terminator'' was a box office success, exceeding expectations set by [[Orion Pictures]],<ref name="Futurist" /> and earning over $78&nbsp;million worldwide.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=terminator.htm|title=The Terminator (1984)|website=[[Box Office Mojo]]|access-date=December 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191018020109/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=terminator.htm|archive-date=October 18, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> George Perry of the [[BBC]] praised Cameron's direction, writing "Cameron laces the action with ironic jokes, but never lets up on hinting that the terror may strike at any moment".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2001/03/05/the_terminator_1984_review.shtml|title=BBC - Films - review - The Terminator|last=Perry|first=George|date=March 5, 2001|website=www.bbc.co.uk|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530091149/http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2001/03/05/the_terminator_1984_review.shtml|archive-date=May 30, 2019|access-date=April 26, 2020}}</ref> In 2008, the film was selected for preservation in the United States [[National Film Registry]], being deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7804404.stm|title=Terminator joins movie archive|date=December 30, 2008|access-date=October 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191019183424/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7804404.stm|archive-date=October 19, 2019|language=en-GB}}</ref>

In 1984, Cameron was hired to write a sequel to ''[[First Blood]]''; it was rewritten by [[Sylvester Stallone]] and released as ''[[Rambo: First Blood Part II]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Crocker |first=Jonathan |date=November 19, 2009 |title=James Cameron Interview: On His Own Movies |url=https://www.totalfilm.com/features/james-cameron-interview-on-his-own-movies/rambo-first-blood-part-ii-1985 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130722153924/https://www.totalfilm.com/features/james-cameron-interview-on-his-own-movies/rambo-first-blood-part-ii-1985 |archive-date=July 22, 2013 |access-date=January 21, 2023 |website=Total Film}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/05/22/movies/screen-sylvester-stallone-returns-as-rambo.html|title=Screen: Sylvester Stallone Returns as Rambo|last=Canby|first=Vincent|date=May 22, 1985|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920055754/https://www.nytimes.com/1985/05/22/movies/screen-sylvester-stallone-returns-as-rambo.html|archive-date=September 20, 2019|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Cameron was then hired to write and direct a sequel to ''[[Alien (film)|Alien]]'' (1979), a science fiction horror film directed by [[Ridley Scott]]. Like the original, the sequel ''[[Aliens (film)|Aliens]]'' (1986) featured [[Sigourney Weaver]] as [[Ellen Ripley]]. ''Aliens'' follows Ripley as she helps a group of marines fight off [[Extraterrestrial life|extraterrestrials]]. Despite conflicts with cast and crew during production, and having to replace one of the lead actors — [[James Remar]] with [[Michael Biehn]] — ''Aliens'' was a box office success, generating over $130&nbsp;million worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl3309340161/weekend/|title=Aliens|website=Box Office Mojo|access-date=October 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024170514/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl3309340161/weekend/|archive-date=October 24, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The film was nominated for seven [[Academy Awards]] in 1987; [[Academy Award for Best Actress|Best Actress]], [[Academy Award for Best Production Design|Best Art Direction]], [[Academy Award for Best Film Editing|Best Film Editing]], [[Academy Award for Best Original Score|Best Original Score]] and [[Academy Award for Best Sound Mixing|Best Sound]]. It won awards for [[Academy Award for Best Sound Editing|Best Sound Editing]] and [[Academy Award for Best Visual Effects|Best Visual Effects]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1987|title=The 59th Academy Awards {{!}} 1987|website=Oscars.org {{!}} Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences|language=en|access-date=April 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170102081445/https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1987|archive-date=January 2, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition, Weaver and the film made the cover of ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' in July 1986.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tcm.com/this-month/article/87922|title=Aliens|date=December 16, 2018|website=Turner Classic Movies|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216163340/http://www.tcm.com/this-month/article/87922%7C0/Aliens.html|archive-date=December 16, 2018|access-date=October 24, 2019}}</ref>

[[File:Gale Ann Hurd and James Cameron.jpg|thumb|Cameron with Gale Anne Hurd, 1986|alt=Cameron with Gale Anne Hurd, 1986]]

After ''Aliens'', Cameron and Gale Anne Hurd decided to make ''[[The Abyss]]'', a story about oil-rig workers who discover strange intelligent life in the ocean. Based on an idea which Cameron had conceived of during high school, the film was initially budgeted at $41&nbsp;million, although it ran considerably over this amount. It starred [[Ed Harris]], [[Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio]] and [[Michael Biehn]]. The production process began in the Cayman Islands and in [[South Carolina]], in two huge water tanks "reclaimed from" an unfinished [[nuclear power]] plant.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.amctv.com/movie-blog/2010/11/james-cameron-best-movies.php |title=Flashback Five – James Cameron's Best Movies |publisher=Amctv.com |date=October 5, 2010 |access-date=October 7, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101107071253/http://blogs.amctv.com/movie-blog/2010/11/james-cameron-best-movies.php |archive-date=November 7, 2010}}</ref> The cast and crew recall Cameron's dictatorial behavior, and the filming of water scenes which were mentally and physically exhausting.<ref name="Harmetz-1989" /> Upon the film's release, ''The Abyss'' was praised for its special effects, and earned $90&nbsp;million at the worldwide box office.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl205555201/weekend/|title=The Abyss|website=Box Office Mojo|access-date=October 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191025003645/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl205555201/weekend/|archive-date=October 25, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> ''The Abyss'' received four Academy Award nominations, and won Best Visual Effects.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1990|title=The 62nd Academy Awards {{!}} 1990|website=Oscars.org {{!}} Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences|date=October 5, 2014 |language=en|access-date=April 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411113423/https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1990|archive-date=April 11, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

===1990s===

In 1990, Cameron co-founded the firm [[Lightstorm Entertainment]] with partner [[Lawrence Kasanoff]]. In 1991, Cameron served as executive producer for ''[[Point Break]]'' (1991), directed by [[Kathryn Bigelow]]. After the success of ''The Terminator'', there were discussions for a sequel, and by the late 1980s, [[Mario Kassar]] of [[Carolco Pictures]] secured the rights to the sequel, allowing Cameron to begin production of the film, ''[[Terminator 2: Judgment Day]]'' (1991). Written by Cameron and [[William Wisher Jr.]], Schwarzenegger and Linda Hamilton reprise their roles. The story follows on from ''Terminator'', depicting a new villain ([[T-1000]]), with [[Shapeshifting|shape-shifting]] abilities who hunts for [[Sarah Connor (Terminator)|Sarah Connor]]'s son, John ([[Edward Furlong]]). Cameron cast [[Robert Patrick]] as T-1000 because of his lean and thin appearance — a sharp contrast to Schwarzenegger. Cameron explained: "I wanted someone who was extremely fast and agile. If the [[T-800]] is a human [[Tanks in the German Army|Panzer tank]], then the T-1000 is a [[Porsche]]".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.terminatorfiles.com/media/articles/t2_008.htm|title=The Story About Making T2|website=www.terminatorfiles.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228001539/http://www.terminatorfiles.com/media/articles/t2_008.htm|archive-date=February 28, 2019|access-date=October 19, 2019}}</ref> ''Terminator 2'' was one of the most expensive films to be produced, costing at least ${{Format price|94000000}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsweek.com/conan-humanitarian-205026|title=Conan The Humanitarian|author=David Ansen|date=July 7, 1991|website=Newsweek|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726112104/http://www.newsweek.com/conan-humanitarian-205026|archive-date=July 26, 2014|access-date=October 24, 2019}}</ref> (${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|94000000|1991}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}{{Inflation/fn|US}}). Despite the challenging use of [[computer-generated imagery]] (CGI), the film was completed on time and released on July 3, 1991. ''Terminator 2'' broke box office records (including the opening weekend record for an [[Motion Picture Association film rating system|R-rated]] film), earning over ${{Format price|200000000}} in North America and being the first to earn over ${{Format price|300000000}} worldwide<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2017/08/24/terminator-2-is-one-of-the-biggest-and-bleakest-summer-movies-ever/|title='Terminator 2' Is One Of The Biggest And Bleakest Summer Movies Ever|last=Mendelson|first=Scott|website=Forbes|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323082450/https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2017/08/24/terminator-2-is-one-of-the-biggest-and-bleakest-summer-movies-ever/?s=trending#529ae5f21365|archive-date=March 23, 2018|access-date=October 24, 2019}}</ref> (respectively over ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|200000000|1991}}}} and ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|300000000|1991}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}{{Inflation/fn|US}}). It won four Academy Awards: [[Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling|Best Makeup]], [[Academy Award for Best Sound Mixing|Best Sound Mixing]], Best Sound Editing and Best Visual Effects. It also received nominations for [[Academy Award for Best Cinematography|Best Cinematography]] and [[Academy Award for Best Film Editing|Best Film Editing]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1992|title=The 64th Academy Awards {{!}} 1992|website=Oscars.org {{!}} Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences|date=October 9, 2014 |language=en|access-date=April 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200422151646/https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1992|archive-date=April 22, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

In subsequent years, Cameron planned to do a third ''Terminator'' film, but plans never materialized. The rights to the [[Terminator (franchise)|''Terminator'' franchise]] were eventually purchased by Kassar from a bankruptcy sale of Carolco's assets.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://variety.com/2007/film/markets-festivals/more-terminator-on-the-way-1117964592/|title=More 'Terminator' on the way|author=Michael Fleming|date=May 9, 2007|work=Variety|access-date=May 8, 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170324083906/http://variety.com/2007/film/markets-festivals/more-terminator-on-the-way-1117964592/|archive-date=March 24, 2017}}</ref> Cameron moved on to other projects and, in 1993, co-founded [[Digital Domain]], a visual effects production company. In 1994, Cameron and Schwarzenegger reunited for their third collaboration, ''[[True Lies]],'' a remake of the 1991 French comedy ''[[La Totale!]]'' The story depicts an American secret agent who leads a double life as a married man, whose wife believes he is a computer salesman. The film co-stars [[Jamie Lee Curtis]], [[Eliza Dushku]] and [[Tom Arnold (actor)|Tom Arnold]]. Cameron's Lightstorm Entertainment signed a deal with [[20th Century Fox]] for the production of ''True Lies''. Budgeted at a minimum of $100&nbsp;million, the film earned $146&nbsp;million in the United States and Canada.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-07-18-ca-17141-story.html|title=Powerhouses Fuel Sales at Box Office : Movies: 'True Lies,' 'Forrest Gump' and 'The Lion King' are on target to break a record for non-holiday weekend ticket sales.|date=July 18, 1994|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US|url-status=live|archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20100726023014/http://articles.latimes.com/1994-07-18/entertainment/ca-17141_1_true-lies|archive-date=July 26, 2010|access-date=October 24, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl3614934529/weekend/|title=True Lies|website=Box Office Mojo|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024124420/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0111503/?ref_=bo_se_r_1|archive-date=October 24, 2019|access-date=October 24, 2019}}</ref> The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects and Curtis won a [[Golden Globe Awards|Golden Globe]] Award for [[Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical|Best Actress]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.goldenglobes.com/film/true-lies|title=True Lies - Winners and Nominees|website=www.goldenglobes.com|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410191448/https://www.goldenglobes.com/film/true-lies|archive-date=April 10, 2020|access-date=April 10, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1995|title=The 67th Academy Awards {{!}} 1995|website=Oscars.org {{!}} Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences|date=October 5, 2014 |language=en|access-date=April 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510075255/https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1995|archive-date=May 10, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> It was during the production of ''True Lies'' that he would first meet [[Jon Landau (film producer)]], who at the time oversaw the film's production for Fox.<ref name=cameronspeaks>{{cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/jon-landau-dead-hollywood-tributes-1235940368/|title=James Cameron, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet and More Remember Jon Landau: "He Gave Everyone a Sense of Purpose and Belonging"|first=Carly|last=Thomas|publisher=The Hollywood Reporter|date=July 8, 2024|accessdate=July 8, 2024}}</ref> In July 2024, Cameron stated that he "lured" Landau away from Fox to Lightstorm.<ref name=cameronspeaks />
 
In 1995, Cameron co-produced [[Strange Days (film)|''Strange Days'']], a science fiction thriller. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow and co-written by [[Jay Cocks]], ''Strange Days'' was critically and financially unsuccessful.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/act-four/wp/2015/09/03/strange-days-is-a-20-year-old-flop-perfectly-in-tune-with-our-time/|title=Opinion {{!}} 'Strange Days' is a 20-year-old flop perfectly in tune with our time|newspaper=Washington Post|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413194542/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/act-four/wp/2015/09/03/strange-days-is-a-20-year-old-flop-perfectly-in-tune-with-our-time/|archive-date=April 13, 2019|access-date=November 21, 2017}}</ref> In 1996, Cameron reunited with the cast of ''Terminator 2'' to film ''[[T2 3-D: Battle Across Time]]'', an attraction at [[Universal Studios Florida]], and in other parks around the world.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1996-05-10-9605080465-story.html|title='3-D' is a true continuation, not a rehash|last=Boyar|first=Jay|website=OrlandoSentinel.com|date=May 10, 1996 |language=en-US|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024193626/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1996-05-10-9605080465-story.html|archive-date=October 24, 2019|access-date=October 24, 2019}}</ref>

His next major project was [[Titanic (1997 film)|''Titanic'']] (1997), an [[epic film|epic]] about {{RMS|Titanic}}, which sank in 1912 after striking an iceberg. With a production budget of $200&nbsp;million, at the time it was the [[List of most expensive films|most expensive film ever made]]. Starting in 1995, Cameron took several dives to the bottom of the [[Atlantic Ocean]] to capture footage of the [[Wreck of the Titanic|wreck]], which would later be used in the film.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/2012/03/30/149635287/james-cameron-diving-deep-dredging-up-titanic|title=James Cameron: Diving Deep, Dredging Up Titanic|work=NPR.org|access-date=November 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024125736/https://www.npr.org/2012/03/30/149635287/james-cameron-diving-deep-dredging-up-titanic?t=1571921814903|archive-date=October 24, 2019|language=en}}</ref> A replica of the ship was built in [[Rosarito Beach]] and [[principal photography]] began in September 1996. ''Titanic'' made headlines before its release, for being over-budget and exceeding its schedule.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/features/titanic-inside-story-making-movie-996430|title=The Rollercoaster Drama Behind 'Titanic': An Out-of-Control Budget, Two Warring Studios and a Near-Fistfight|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=November 21, 2017|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114034637/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/features/titanic-inside-story-making-movie-996430|archive-date=November 14, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/james-camerons-titanic-secrets-time-i-gave-my-version-what-happened-996442|title=James Cameron's 'Titanic' Secrets: "It's Time I Gave My Version of What Happened"|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=April 24, 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024131739/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/james-camerons-titanic-secrets-time-i-gave-my-version-what-happened-996442|archive-date=October 24, 2019|access-date=October 24, 2019}}</ref> Cameron's completed screenplay depicts two [[star-crossed]] lovers, portrayed by [[Leonardo DiCaprio]] and [[Kate Winslet]], from different social classes who fall in love amid the backdrop of the tragedy; a radical departure from his previous work. The supporting cast includes [[Billy Zane]], [[Kathy Bates]], [[Frances Fisher]], [[Gloria Stuart]], [[Bernard Hill]], [[Jonathan Hyde]], [[Victor Garber]], [[Danny Nucci]], [[David Warner (actor)|David Warner]] and [[Bill Paxton]]. The film was also Cameron's first large scale production with Landau as a co-producer.<ref name=cameronspeaks />

[[File:JamesCameronCCJuly09.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Cameron promoting ''Avatar'' at [[San Diego Comic-Con]], 2009|alt=Cameron promoting Avatar during the 2009 San Diego Comic-Con]]

After months of delay, ''Titanic'' premiered on December 19, 1997. The film received strong critical acclaim and became the [[List of highest-grossing films|highest-grossing film]] of all time, holding this position for twelve years, until Cameron's ''[[Avatar (2009 film)|Avatar]]'' beat the record in 2010.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/movies/cameron-does-it-again-as-avatar-surpasses-titanic-1.1741190|title=Cameron does it again as 'Avatar' surpasses 'Titanic'|date=February 3, 2010|work=[[Newsday]]|access-date=December 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629052535/https://www.newsday.com/entertainment/movies/cameron-does-it-again-as-avatar-surpasses-titanic-1.1741190|archive-date=June 29, 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Elias |first=Justine |date=December 14, 1997 |title=FILM; The Taskmaster Of 'The Titanic' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/12/14/movies/film-the-taskmaster-of-the-titanic.html |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title='Titanic,' 'L.A. Confidential' early Oscar favorites |url=http://edition.cnn.com/SHOWBIZ/9801/05/oscars/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010529080255/http://edition.cnn.com/SHOWBIZ/9801/05/oscars/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 29, 2001 |date=January 5, 1998 |access-date=June 27, 2024 |website=[[CNN]] }}</ref> The costumes and sets were praised, and ''[[The Washington Post]]'' considered the CGI graphics to be spectacular.<ref name="Keller-2014" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/movies/oscars/titanicrecord.htm|title='Titanic' Weighs Anchor With Record-Tying 11 Oscars at Academy Awards|date=March 23, 1998|newspaper=The Washington Post|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181018082655/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/movies/oscars/titanicrecord.htm|archive-date=October 18, 2018|access-date=October 24, 2019}}</ref> ''Titanic'' received a record-tying fourteen nominations (tied with ''[[All About Eve]]'' (1950) at the [[70th Academy Awards|1998 Academy Awards]]. It won eleven of the awards, tying the record for most wins with 1959's ''[[Ben-Hur (1959 film)|Ben-Hur]]'', and 2003's ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'', including: [[Academy Award for Best Picture|Best Picture]], [[Academy Award for Best Director|Best Director]], Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Visual Effects, Best Film Editing, [[Academy Award for Best Costume Design|Best Costume Design]], Best Sound Mixing, Best Sound Editing, Best Original Score and [[Academy Award for Best Original Song|Best Original Song]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/03/24/movies/titanic-ties-record-with-11-oscars-including-best-picture.html|title='Titanic' Ties Record With 11 Oscars, Including Best Picture|last=Weinraub|first=Bernard|date=March 24, 1998|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190915172853/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/03/24/movies/titanic-ties-record-with-11-oscars-including-best-picture.html|archive-date=September 15, 2019|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Upon receiving Best Picture, Cameron and producer [[Jon Landau (film producer)|Jon Landau]] asked for a moment of silence to remember the 1,500 people who died when the ship sank.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/james-camerons-titanic-wins-11-academy-awards|title=James Cameron's Titanic wins 11 Academy Awards - Mar 23, 1998 - HISTORY.com|work=HISTORY.com|access-date=November 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527091239/http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/james-camerons-titanic-wins-11-academy-awards|archive-date=May 27, 2019}}</ref> Film critic [[Roger Ebert]] praised Cameron's storytelling, writing: "It is flawlessly crafted, intelligently constructed, strongly acted, and spellbinding".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/titanic-1997|title=Titanic movie review & film summary (1997) {{!}} Roger Ebert|last=Ebert|first=Roger|website=www.rogerebert.com|language=en|access-date=October 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191027011145/https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/titanic-1997|archive-date=October 27, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Authors Kevin Sandler and [[Gaylyn Studlar]] wrote in 1999 that the romance, historical nostalgia and [[James Horner]]'s music contributed to the film's cultural phenomenon.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Titanic : anatomy of a blockbuster|date=1999|publisher=Rutgers University Press| last1=Sandler | first1=Kevin S. | last2=Studlar | first2=Gaylyn|isbn=081352668X|location=New Brunswick, N.J.|page=16|oclc=40545439|url=https://archive.org/details/titanicanatomyof0000unse/page/16}}</ref> In 2017, on its 20th anniversary, ''Titanic'' became Cameron's second film to be selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Complete National Film Registry Listing |url=https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-film-preservation-board/film-registry/complete-national-film-registry-listing/|website=Library of Congress|access-date=May 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507094100/https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-film-preservation-board/film-registry/complete-national-film-registry-listing/|archive-date=May 7, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

After the huge success of ''Titanic'', Cameron kept a low profile. In 1998, he and his brother, John, formed Earthship Productions, to [[Streaming media|stream]] documentaries about the [[deep sea]], one of Cameron's interests.<ref name="Seering">{{Cite web |last=Seering |first=Lauryn |title=James Cameron - Freedom From Religion Foundation |url=https://ffrf.org/ftod-cr/item/17524-james-cameron |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191019230807/https://ffrf.org/news/day/dayitems/item/17524-james-cameron |archive-date=October 19, 2019 |access-date=October 19, 2019 |website=ffrf.org |date=August 16, 1980 |language=en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-nov-13-ca-3456-story.html|title=20,000 Stories Under the Sea|date=November 13, 2001|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024195413/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-nov-13-ca-3456-story.html|archive-date=October 24, 2019|access-date=October 24, 2019}}</ref> Again during 1998, Cameron considered doing a large-scale technological/religious film by an unknown writer, but after three tries was forced to personally pass on the project "due to his secular nature."<ref>{{citation |url=https://archive.org/details/ASG-Conceptual-Image-II|title=Conceptual Image|publisher=Internet Archive|date=July 9, 2023|access-date=June 27, 2024}}</ref> Cameron had also planned to make a film about [[Spider-Man]], a project developed by [[Menahem Golan]] of [[Cannon Films]]. Columbia hired [[David Koepp]] to adapt Cameron's ideas into a screenplay, but due to various disagreements, Cameron abandoned the project.<ref>{{cite news|title=King of the World: The Complete Works of James Cameron|newspaper=Total Film (special supplement; pub. December 2009)| date=January 2010 |quote="After the success of The Terminator, Cameron was announced as writer and director of a $60 m big-screen adaptation of the comic book classic. But thanks to a tangled web of litigation, studio bankruptcies, and wrangling over screenplay credits, that movie never saw light ... What remains, however, is Cameron's tantalising 47-page Spidey 'scriptment', a compacted screenplay-cum-narrative that mapped out his entire film in brief ... Koepp's first draft is taken often word-for-word from Cameron's story, though later versions were heavily rewritten by numerous screenwriters. Despite this—and much to Cameron's chagrin— Koepp's name is the only one on the screenplay."}}</ref> In 2002, ''[[Spider-Man (2002 film)|Spider-Man]]'' was released with the screenplay credited solely to Koepp.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hollywood.com/news/detail/id/311891|title=Who Is Spider-Man?|date=March 19, 2001|work=Hollywood.com|access-date=August 27, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303120956/http://www.hollywood.com/general/who-is-spider-man-57159110/|archive-date=March 3, 2018}}</ref>

===2000s===
In 2000, Cameron made his debut in television and co-created ''[[Dark Angel (2000 TV series)|Dark Angel]]'' with [[Charles H. Eglee]], a television series influenced by [[cyberpunk]], [[biopunk]], contemporary superheroes and [[third-wave feminism]]. ''Dark Angel'' starred [[Jessica Alba]] as [[Max Guevara]], a [[genetic engineering|genetically enhanced]] super-soldier created by a secretive organization. While the first season was moderately successful, the second season did less well, which led to its cancellation.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Michaels|first=Taylor|date=July 28, 2002|title=- "Dark Angel" was canceled due to...|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2002-07-28-0207280237-story.html|access-date=September 7, 2020|website=chicagotribune.com|language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2002, Cameron served as producer on the 2002 film ''[[Solaris (2002 film)|Solaris]]'', a science fiction drama directed by [[Steven Soderbergh]]. The film gained mixed reviews and failed at the box office.<ref>{{Citation |title=Solaris |date=November 27, 2002 |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/solaris |publisher=Rotten Tomatoes |language=en |access-date=November 26, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Solaris |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl1668318721/ |access-date=November 26, 2022 |website=Box Office Mojo}}</ref> Keen to make documentaries, Cameron directed ''[[Expedition: Bismarck]]'', about the German Battleship ''[[German battleship Bismarck|Bismarck]]''. In 2003, he directed ''Ghosts of the Abyss'', a documentary about RMS ''Titanic'' which was released by [[Walt Disney Pictures]] and [[Walden Media]], and designed for [[3D film|3D theaters]]. Cameron told ''[[The Guardian]]'' his intention for filming everything in 3D.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://film.guardian.co.uk/interview/interviewpages/0,,942591,00.html|title=James Cameron&nbsp;– part two|last=Wootton|first=Adrian|date=April 24, 2003|work=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=April 2, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171213084047/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2003/apr/13/guardianinterviewsatbfisouthbank1|archive-date=December 13, 2017|location=London}}</ref> In 2005, Cameron co-directed ''[[Aliens of the Deep]]'', a documentary about the various forms of life in the ocean. He also starred in ''Titanic Adventure'' with [[Tony Robinson]]'','' another documentary about the ''Titanic'' shipwreck. In 2006, Cameron co-created and narrated ''[[The Exodus Decoded]]'', a documentary exploring the [[Bible|Biblical]] account of [[the Exodus]]. In 2007, Cameron and fellow director [[Simcha Jacobovici]], produced ''[[The Lost Tomb of Jesus]]''. It was broadcast on [[Discovery Channel]] on March 4, 2007; the documentary was controversial for arguing that the [[Talpiot Tomb]] was the burial place of Jesus of Nazareth.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jashow.org/articles/the-lost-tomb-of-jesus-a-response-to-the-discovery-channel-documentary/|title=The Lost Tomb of Jesus: A Response to the Discovery-Channel Documentary|last=Ankerberg|first=John|website=John Ankerberg Show|date=September 3, 2007|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024201749/https://www.jashow.org/articles/the-lost-tomb-of-jesus-a-response-to-the-discovery-channel-documentary/|archive-date=October 24, 2019|access-date=October 24, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/03/arts/television/03stan.html|title=The Lost Tomb of Jesus - TV - Review|last=Stanley|first=Alessandra|date=March 3, 2007|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131010532/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/03/arts/television/03stan.html|archive-date=January 31, 2018|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

[[File:James Cameron 2010.jpg|thumb|upright|Cameron speaking at a [[TED (conference)|TED]] talk, February 2010|alt=Cameron speaking at a TED talk in February 2010]]

By the mid-2000s, Cameron returned to directing and producing another mainstream film since ''Titanic''. Cameron had displayed interest in making ''[[Avatar (2009 film)|Avatar]]'' (2009) and ''[[Alita: Battle Angel]]'' (2019) as early as June 2005, with both films to be shot using 3D technology.<ref>{{cite news|author=Anne Thompson and Sheigh Crabtree |url=https://hollywoodreporter.com/hr/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000956665 |title=Cameron turns to new project |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=June 14, 2005 |access-date=August 27, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090828100455/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000956665 |archive-date=August 28, 2009 }}</ref> He wanted to make ''Alita: Battle Angel'' first, followed by ''Avatar'', but switched the order in February 2006. Although Cameron had written an 80-page [[scriptment|treatment]] for ''Avatar'' in 1995, Cameron stated that he wanted the necessary technology to improve before starting production.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/ew/article/0,,20007998,00.html|title=James Cameron talks ''Avatar''|last=Jensen|first=Jeff|date=January 15, 2007|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190817074343/https://ew.com/article/2007/01/15/james-cameron-talks-avatar/|archive-date=August 17, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/09/movies/09came.html|title=Computers Join Actors in Hybrids On Screen|last=Waxman|first=Sharon|date=January 9, 2007|work=The New York Times|access-date=April 2, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710040537/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/09/movies/09came.html|archive-date=July 10, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Avatar'', with the story line set in the mid-22nd century, had an estimated budget in excess of $300&nbsp;million. The cast includes [[Sam Worthington]], [[Zoe Saldaña]], [[Stephen Lang]], [[Michelle Rodriguez]] and [[Sigourney Weaver]]. It was composed with a mix of live-action footage and computer-generated animation, using an advanced version of the [[motion capture]] technique, previously used by director [[Robert Zemeckis]] in ''[[The Polar Express (film)|The Polar Express]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://aintitcool.com/node/31191|title=Harry interviews James Cameron regarding AVATAR&nbsp;– No, Not that one, The One You're Dying To See! – Part 1!|author=Harry Knowles|date=January 9, 2007|publisher=[[Ain't It Cool News]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190815152354/http://legacy.aintitcool.com/node/31191|archive-date=August 15, 2019|access-date=January 10, 2007}}</ref> Cameron intended ''Avatar'' to be 3D-only but decided to adapt it for conventional viewing as well.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/6840357/Avatar-changing-the-face-of-film-for-ever.html|title=Avatar: changing the face of film for ever|last=Robey|first=Tim|date=December 19, 2009|access-date=January 5, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706050218/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/6840357/Avatar-changing-the-face-of-film-for-ever.html|archive-date=July 6, 2018|publisher=[[Telegraph.co.uk]]|location=London}}</ref>

Intended for release in May 2009, ''Avatar'' premiered on December 18, 2009. This delay allowed more time for [[post-production]] and the opportunity for theaters to install 3D projectors.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://variety.com/2007/film/markets-festivals/fox-shifts-avatar-museum-1117977544/|title=Fox shifts 'Avatar,' 'Museum'|last1=McClintock|first1=Pamela|date=December 11, 2007|work=Variety|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115014723/http://variety.com/2007/film/markets-festivals/fox-shifts-avatar-museum-1117977544/|archive-date=January 15, 2016}}</ref> ''Avatar'' broke several box office records during its initial theatrical run. It grossed $749.7&nbsp;million in the United States and Canada and more than $2.74&nbsp;billion worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing film of all time in the [[List of highest-grossing films in Canada and the United States|United States and Canada]], surpassing ''Titanic''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/movies/2010/01/26/2010-01-26_avatar_ends_titanics_reign_as_highest_grossing_movie_ever.html |title='Avatar' ends 'Titanic's reign as highest grossing movie ever |date=January 26, 2010 |work=NY Daily News |access-date=January 26, 2010 |location=New York |first=Olivia |last=Smith |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100129214408/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/movies/2010/01/26/2010-01-26_avatar_ends_titanics_reign_as_highest_grossing_movie_ever.html |archive-date=January 29, 2010 }}</ref> It was the first film to earn more than $2&nbsp;billion worldwide. ''Avatar'' was nominated for nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, and won three: Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography and Best Visual Effects.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/Movies/02/02/academy.award.nominations.list/index.html|title=List of Academy Award nominations|date=February 2, 2010|work=[[CNN]] |access-date=February 2, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190522082425/http://www.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/Movies/02/02/academy.award.nominations.list/index.html|archive-date=May 22, 2019}}</ref> In July 2010, an extended theatrical re-release generated an additional $33.2&nbsp;million worldwide ({{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=33200000|start_year=2010|r=-4|fmt=eq}}) at the box office. In his mixed review, Sukhdev Sandhu of [[The Daily Telegraph|''The Telegraph'']] complimented the 3D, but opined that Cameron "should have been more brutal in his editing".<ref>{{Cite news|last=Sandhu|first=Sukhdev|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/filmreviews/6832593/Avatar-full-review.html|title=Avatar, full review|journal=Daily Telegraph|date=December 17, 2009|access-date=April 26, 2020|language=en-GB|issn=0307-1235|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190603151703/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/filmreviews/6832593/Avatar-full-review.html|archive-date=June 3, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> That year, ''[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]]'' reported that Cameron's earnings were US$257&nbsp;million, making him the highest earner in Hollywood.<ref>"[http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/108218/20110203/james-cameron-tops-vanity-fair-s-hollywood-richest-survey.htm James Cameron tops Hollywood's richest survey] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110410060820/http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/108218/20110203/james-cameron-tops-vanity-fair-s-hollywood-richest-survey.htm |date=April 10, 2011 }}" published by the ''[http://au.ibtimes.com/ International Business Times AU] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714034624/http://au.ibtimes.com/ |date=July 14, 2011 }}''. Retrieved February 2, 2011.</ref> As of 2022, ''Avatar'' and ''Titanic'' hold the achievement for being the first two of the six films in history to gross over $2&nbsp;billion worldwide.<ref>{{cite web|title=All Time Worldwide Box Office Grosses|url=https://boxofficemojo.com/alltime/world/|access-date=May 5, 2019|publisher=Boxofficemojo.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100530000224/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/alltime/world/|archive-date=May 30, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> As with ''Titanic'', Landau would greatly assist Cameron as the co-producer of the ''Avatar'' films as well.<ref name=cameronspeaks />

=== 2010s and 2020s ===
[[File:James Cameron October 2012.jpg|upright|thumb|Cameron in October 2012|left]]
In 2011, Cameron served as an executive producer for ''[[Sanctum (film)|Sanctum]]'', a disaster-survival film about a [[cave diving]] expedition which turns deadly. Although receiving mixed reviews, the film earned a fair $108&nbsp;million at the worldwide box office.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0881320/?ref_=bo_se_r_1|title=Sanctum|website=Box Office Mojo|access-date=April 10, 2020}}</ref> Cameron re-investigated the sinking of RMS ''Titanic'' with eight experts in a 2012 TV documentary special, ''Titanic: The Final Word with James Cameron'', which premiered on April 8 on the [[National Geographic (American TV channel)|National Geographic]] channel.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/titanic/final-word-with-james-cameron/|title=Titanic: 100 Years|year=2012|work=Titanic: The Final Word with James Cameron|publisher=[[National Geographic Channel]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120420025643/http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/titanic/final-word-with-james-cameron/|archive-date=April 20, 2012|access-date=April 23, 2012}}</ref> In the feature, the experts revised the CGI animation of the sinking conceived in 1995.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.filmofilia.com/titanic-the-final-word-with-james-cameron-new-footage-demonstrating-exactly-how-the-titanic-sank-96970/|title=Titanic: The Final Word with James Cameron: New Footage Demonstrating Exactly How the Titanic Sank|last=Ford|first=Allan|date=April 5, 2012|publisher=FilmoFilia|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180529031730/http://www.filmofilia.com/titanic-the-final-word-with-james-cameron-new-footage-demonstrating-exactly-how-the-titanic-sank-96970/|archive-date=May 29, 2018|access-date=April 23, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thefastertimes.com/tv/2012/04/08/titanic-the-final-word-with-james-cameron/|title=Titanic: The Final Word with James Cameron|last=Moss|first=Gabrielle|date=April 8, 2012|access-date=April 23, 2012|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120422073014/http://www.thefastertimes.com/tv/2012/04/08/titanic-the-final-word-with-james-cameron/|archive-date=April 22, 2012|publisher=The Faster Times}}</ref> In March 2010, Cameron announced that ''Titanic'' will be converted and re-released in 3D to commemorate the centennial anniversary of the tragedy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/technologylive/post/2010/03/james-cameron/1|title='Avatar' director James Cameron: 3D promising, but caution needed|website=USATODAY.COM|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190324154014/http://content.usatoday.com/communities/technologylive/post/2010/03/james-cameron/1|archive-date=March 24, 2019|access-date=October 24, 2019}}</ref> On March 27, 2012, ''[[Titanic (1997 film)#3D conversion|Titanic]]'' 3D premiered at London's [[Royal Albert Hall]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-17526845|title=Stars attend Titanic 3D premiere|date=March 28, 2012|access-date=October 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181203062749/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-17526845|archive-date=December 3, 2018|language=en-GB}}</ref> He also served as executive producer of ''[[Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away]]'' and ''Deepsea Challenge 3D'' in 2012 and 2014, respectively.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lehmann |first=Megan |date=October 20, 2012 |title=Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away: Tokyo Review |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/cirque-du-soleil-worlds-away-381450/ |access-date=November 26, 2022 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Foundas |first=Scott |date=August 1, 2014 |title=Film Review: 'Deepsea Challenge' |url=https://variety.com/2014/film/reviews/film-review-deepsea-challenge-1201272529/ |access-date=November 26, 2022 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref>

Cameron starred in the 2017 documentary ''Atlantis Rising,'' with collaborator [[Simcha Jacobovici]]. The pair go on an adventure to explore the existence of the city of [[Atlantis]]. The programme aired on January 29 on National Geographic.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2017/01/james-cameron-atlantis-rising-alien-covenant.html|title=James Cameron Is Worried About Atlantis, America, and Alien: Covenant|last=Riesman|first=Abraham|date=January 27, 2017|website=www.vulture.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190727004157/https://www.vulture.com/2017/01/james-cameron-atlantis-rising-alien-covenant.html|archive-date=July 27, 2019|access-date=October 20, 2019}}</ref> Next, Cameron produced and appeared in a documentary about the [[history of science fiction]]. ''James Cameron's Story of Science Fiction,'' the six-episodic series was broadcast on [[AMC (TV channel)|AMC]] in 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://collider.com/james-cameron-sci-fi-series-review/|title='James Cameron's Story of Science Fiction': A Must-Watch for Cinephiles & Sci-Fi Enthusiasts|last=Trumbore|first=Dave|date=April 30, 2018|website=Collider|language=en-US|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017161728/https://collider.com/james-cameron-sci-fi-series-review/|archive-date=October 17, 2019|access-date=October 17, 2019}}</ref> The series featured interviews with guests including [[Ridley Scott]], [[Steven Spielberg]], [[George Lucas]] and [[Christopher Nolan]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2018/04/james-cameron-story-of-science-fiction-review-avatar-2-amc-1201958882/|title='James Cameron's Story of Science Fiction' Can't Possibly Be the Start of the 'Avatar' Hype Machine… Right?|last=Travers|first=Ben|date=May 1, 2018|website=IndieWire|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017161731/https://www.indiewire.com/2018/04/james-cameron-story-of-science-fiction-review-avatar-2-amc-1201958882/|archive-date=October 17, 2019|access-date=October 17, 2019}}</ref> He stated "Without [[Jules Verne]] and [[H. G. Wells]], there wouldn't have been [[Ray Bradbury]] or [[Robert A. Heinlein]], and without them, there wouldn't be [George] Lucas, [Steven] [[Steven Spielberg|Spielberg]], Ridley Scott or me".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/news/2017-01-16/titanic-and-avatar-director-james-cameron-is-making-a-history-of-sci-fi-documentary/|title=Titanic and Avatar director James Cameron is making a history of sci-fi documentary|website=Radio Times|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403220001/https://www.radiotimes.com/news/2017-01-16/titanic-and-avatar-director-james-cameron-is-making-a-history-of-sci-fi-documentary/|archive-date=April 3, 2019|access-date=October 24, 2019}}</ref>

''[[Alita: Battle Angel]]'' was finally released in 2019, after being in parallel development with ''Avatar''. Written by Cameron and friend Jon Landau, the film was directed by [[Robert Rodriguez]] and produced by Cameron.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/james-camerons-alita-battle-angel-928822|title=James Cameron's 'Alita: Battle Angel' Casts Jackie Earle Haley (Exclusive)|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=November 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106010821/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/james-camerons-alita-battle-angel-casts-jackie-earle-haley-928822|archive-date=January 6, 2019|language=en}}</ref> The film is based on a 1990s Japanese [[manga]] series ''[[Battle Angel Alita]],'' depicting a cyborg who cannot remember anything of her past life and tries to uncover the truth. Produced with similar techniques and technology as in ''Avatar,'' the film starred [[Rosa Salazar]], [[Christoph Waltz]], [[Jennifer Connelly]], [[Mahershala Ali]], [[Ed Skrein]], [[Jackie Earle Haley]] and [[Keean Johnson]]. The film premiered on January 31, 2019, to generally positive reviews and $404&nbsp;million ({{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=404000000|start_year=2019|r=-5|fmt=eq}}) at the worldwide box office.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl1887340033/?landingModalImageUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fm.media-amazon.com%2Fimages%2FG%2F01%2FIMDbPro%2Fimages%2Fhome%2FwelcomeToBomojov2._CB1571421611_.png|title=Alita: Battle Angel|website=Box Office Mojo|access-date=October 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109233032/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl1887340033/?landingModalImageUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fm.media-amazon.com%2Fimages%2FG%2F01%2FIMDbPro%2Fimages%2Fhome%2FwelcomeToBomojov2._CB1571421611_.png|archive-date=November 9, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> In her review, Monica Castillo of ''[[RogerEbert.com]]'' called it "an awe-inspiring jump for [Rodriguez]" and "a visual bonanza", despite the bulky script.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/alita-battle-angel-2019|title=Alita: Battle Angel movie review (2019) {{!}} Roger Ebert|last=Castillo|first=Monica|website=www.rogerebert.com|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190610051229/https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/alita-battle-angel-2019|archive-date=June 10, 2019|access-date=October 20, 2019}}</ref> Cameron then returned to the ''Terminator'' franchise as producer and writer for [[Tim Miller (director)|Tim Miller]]'s ''[[Terminator: Dark Fate]]'' (2019).<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://deadline.com/2017/01/terminator-james-cameron-deadpool-tim-miller-david-ellison-skydance-1201890848/|title=He's Back! James Cameron To Godfather 'Terminator' With 'Deadpool' Helmer Tim Miller|magazine=Deadline|author=Mike Fleming Jr|date=January 20, 2017|access-date=December 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191121120114/https://deadline.com/2017/01/terminator-james-cameron-deadpool-tim-miller-david-ellison-skydance-1201890848/|archive-date=November 21, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:James Cameron by Gage Skidmore.jpg|thumb|upright|Cameron at the 2016 [[San Diego Comic-Con]]]]
In August 2013, Cameron announced plans to direct three sequels to ''Avatar'' simultaneously, for release in December 2016, 2017, and 2018.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2013/08/fox-james-cameron-set-group-of-writers-to-spearhead-trio-of-avatar-sequels-554531/|title='Avatar; Sequels Upped To Three; Fox, James Cameron Set Trio Of Writers To Spearhead|access-date=December 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140619151447/http://www.deadline.com/2013/08/fox-james-cameron-set-group-of-writers-to-spearhead-trio-of-avatar-sequels/|archive-date=June 19, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the release dates were adjusted due to Cameron's other priorities, with ''Avatar'' ''3'', ''4'' and ''5'' to be released, respectively, on December 20, 2024, December 18, 2026, and December 22, 2028.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Reimann|first=Tom|date=July 23, 2020|title=The 'Avatar' Sequels Have Been Delayed Again, So I Guess Things Are Returning to Normal|language=en-US|work=Collider|url=https://collider.com/avatar-sequels-new-release-dates-delayed/|access-date=December 21, 2020}}</ref> ''[[Deadline Hollywood]]'' estimated that the budget for these would be over $1&nbsp;billion.<ref>{{cite web|title='Avatar' Starts Production Today On Four Consecutive Sequels At Over $1 Billion Budget|url=https://deadline.com/2017/09/avatar-james-cameron-four-consecutive-sequels-1-billion-budget-1202176798/|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|last=Fleming|first=Mike Jr.|date=September 25, 2017|access-date=December 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191206042719/https://deadline.com/2017/09/avatar-james-cameron-four-consecutive-sequels-1-billion-budget-1202176798/|archive-date=December 6, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Avatar 2'' (later given the subtitle ''[[Avatar: The Way of Water|The Way of Water]]'') and ''Avatar 3'' (later given the subtitle ''[[Avatar: Fire and Ash|Fire and Ash]]'') began [[Back-to-back film production|simultaneous]] production in [[Manhattan Beach, California]] on August 15, 2017. Principal photography began in [[New Zealand]] on September 25, 2017.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://comicbook.com/popculturenow/2017/02/26/avatar-2-filming-date-revealed-james-cameron/|title=Avatar 2 Production Start Date Revealed|work=Comicbook.com|date=February 26, 2018|access-date=March 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170309065137/http://comicbook.com/popculturenow/2017/02/26/avatar-2-filming-date-revealed-james-cameron/|archive-date=March 9, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.christianpost.com/news/avatar-2-latest-news-sequel-to-begin-filming-in-august-176133/|title='Avatar 2' Latest News: Sequel to Begin Filming in August|work=[[The Christian Post]]|date=February 28, 2017|access-date=March 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170309063630/http://www.christianpost.com/news/avatar-2-latest-news-sequel-to-begin-filming-in-august-176133/|archive-date=March 9, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/film/89585849/avatar-2-sam-worthington-confirms-start-date-for-james-cameron-sequels|title=Avatar 2: Sam Worthington confirms start date for James Cameron sequels|work=Stuff.co|date=February 20, 2017|access-date=March 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315090100/http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/film/89585849/avatar-2-sam-worthington-confirms-start-date-for-james-cameron-sequels|archive-date=March 15, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://denofgeek.com/uk/movies/avatar-2/45544/avatar-2-production-start-date-set-for-august|title='Avatar 2 production start date set for August|work=Den of Geek|date=February 28, 2017|access-date=March 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170307053048/http://www.denofgeek.com/uk/movies/avatar-2/45544/avatar-2-production-start-date-set-for-august|archive-date=March 7, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/avatar-2-filming-august-2017-james-cameron-game-ubisoft-a7605341.html|title=Avatar 2 officially starts filming in August, James Cameron teams up with Ubisoft for Avatar game|work=The Independent|date=March 1, 2017|access-date=March 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170307040947/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/avatar-2-filming-august-2017-james-cameron-game-ubisoft-a7605341.html|archive-date=March 7, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.superherohype.com/news/404935-avatar-2-filming-starts-this-week#/slide/1|title=Avatar 2 Filming Starts This Week!|publisher=[[CraveOnline|SuperHeroHype]]|date=September 25, 2017|access-date=September 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713002330/https://www.superherohype.com/news/404935-avatar-2-filming-starts-this-week#/slide/1|archive-date=July 13, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Parts of ''Avatar 4'' were also filmed during this time.<ref>{{Cite web |title='Avatar 4': Most of First Act Complete, Reveals Producer Jon Landau |url=https://variety.com/2022/film/global/avatar-4-jon-landau-busan-1235394555/ |website=Variety|first=Naman|last=Ramachandran|date=October 7, 2022|access-date=January 6, 2023}}</ref> Cameron stated in a 2017 interview: "Let's face it, if ''Avatar 2'' and ''3'' don't make enough money, there's not going to be a ''4'' and ''5''".<ref>{{cite magazine |magazine=Vanity Fair |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2017/11/james-cameron-titanic-20th-anniversary-avatar-terminator-fox-studios-sale |first=Rebecca |last=Keegan |title=James Cameron on Titanic's Legacy and the Impact of a Fox Studio Sale |date=November 26, 2017 |access-date=November 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171127161946/https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2017/11/james-cameron-titanic-20th-anniversary-avatar-terminator-fox-studios-sale |archive-date=November 27, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Avatar: The Way of Water'' had its world premiere in London on December 6, 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Utichi |first1=Joe |last2=Tartaglione |first2=Nancy |date=December 6, 2022 |title=James Cameron Intros 'Avatar: The Way Of Water' At London World Premiere: "To Me Tonight Is Not About A New 'Avatar', It's About Cinema" – Watch The Video |url=https://deadline.com/2022/12/avatar-the-way-of-water-world-premiere-james-cameron-speech-1235190658/ |access-date=December 8, 2022 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> It became the highest-grossing film released in 2022, and as of 2023 stood as the 3rd highest-grossing film of all time, behind only ''Avatar'' and ''[[Avengers: Endgame]]'', and just ahead of ''Titanic''.<ref>{{cite web|title=All Time Worldwide Box Office|publisher=The Numbers|url=https://www.the-numbers.com/box-office-records/worldwide/all-movies/cumulative/all-time|accessdate=October 11, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Top Lifetime Grosses|publisher=Box Office Mojo|accessdate=October 11, 2023|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/chart/ww_top_lifetime_gross/?area=XWW&ref_=bo_cso_ac}}</ref>

Lightstorm Entertainment bought the film rights to the [[Taylor Stevens]] novel ''[[The Informationist]]'', a thriller set in Africa with Cameron planning to direct.<ref>{{cite news |title=James Cameron to direct 'The Informationist' |first=Rebecca |last=Keegan |url=https://latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-james-cameron-to-direct-novel-the-informationist-20121023,0,2965655.story |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=October 23, 2012 |access-date=March 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130414021804/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-james-cameron-to-direct-novel-the-informationist-20121023,0,2965655.story |archive-date=April 14, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2010, he indicated he would adapt the [[Charles R. Pellegrino]] book ''[[The Last Train from Hiroshima]]'', which is about the survivors of the [[atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki]]. Cameron met with survivor [[Tsutomu Yamaguchi]] before his death in 2010.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/08/12/james-cameron-avatar-hiroshima/| title=James Cameron on his 'Hiroshima' movie – due 'sometime before the next nuclear war'| publisher=Entertainment Weekly I| access-date=January 2, 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101012005114/http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/08/12/james-cameron-avatar-hiroshima/| archive-date=October 12, 2010| url-status=live}}</ref> In 2024, ''[[Deadline Hollywood]]'' confirmed that Cameron had purchased the rights of not only ''The Last Train from Hiroshima'', but also of Pellegrino's forthcoming ''Ghosts of Hiroshima'', to make a "uncompromising theatrical epic motion picture" titled ''Last Train From Hiroshima'' about a Japanese man who survives Hiroshima's bombing at the height of [[World War II]] only to then take a train to Nagasaki's bombing, which he will shoot as soon as the ''Avatar'' sequels' production permits. Feeling that he and Pellegrino owe Yamaguchi for handing the baton of his personal story to them so they could pass his unique and harrowing experience to future generations, Cameron was assisted by the ''Avatar'' sequels co-writer [[Shane Salerno]] and Pellegrino, who previously served as Cameron's science consultant on ''Titanic'' and ''Avatar''.<ref name="CameronsNextNonAvatarFilm!">{{cite news| url=https://deadline.com/2024/09/james-cameron-new-movie-atomic-bomb-japanese-perspective-1236090198/| title=James Cameron Buys 'Ghosts Of Hiroshima' Book And Commits To Film As His Next Project As Soon As 'Avatar' Production Permits| publisher=Deadline Hollywood| author=Fleming, Mike Jr.| date=September 16, 2024| access-date=September 16, 2024| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916162908/https://deadline.com/2024/09/james-cameron-new-movie-atomic-bomb-japanese-perspective-1236090198/| archive-date=September 16, 2024| url-status=live}}</ref>

In June 2010, Cameron met with officials of the [[Environmental Protection Agency]] to discuss possible solutions to the [[Deepwater Horizon oil spill]]. It was reported that he offered his assistance to help stop the oil well from leaking.<ref name="guardian2010" /><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/energy/oilandgas/7719941/Gulf-of-Mexico-oil-spill-James-Cameron-offers-private-submarines-to-help-BP-clean-up.html|title=Gulf of Mexico oil spill: James Cameron offers private submarines to help BP clean-up|author=James Quinn|date=May 13, 2010|work=The Telegraph|access-date=March 29, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181110120218/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/energy/oilandgas/7719941/Gulf-of-Mexico-oil-spill-James-Cameron-offers-private-submarines-to-help-BP-clean-up.html|archive-date=November 10, 2018|location=London}}</ref> He is a member of the [[NASA Advisory Council]] and he worked with the space agency to build cameras for the [[Curiosity (rover)|Curiosity rover]] sent for [[Mars]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.space.com/entertainment/ft_cameron_mars_050209.html|title=Director James Cameron Works with NASA on Future Mars Mission|work=Space.com|date=February 10, 2005|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103081107/https://www.space.com/783-director-james-cameron-works-nasa-future-mars-mission.html|archive-date=January 3, 2019|access-date=October 25, 2019}}</ref> NASA launched the rover without Cameron's technology due to a lack of time during testing.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/space/8410317/Nasa-ditches-James-Camerons-3-D-cameras-from-Mars-mission.html|title=Nasa ditches James Cameron's 3-D cameras from Mars mission|journal=Daily Telegraph|date=March 28, 2011|access-date=October 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017223534/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/space/8410317/Nasa-ditches-James-Camerons-3-D-cameras-from-Mars-mission.html|archive-date=October 17, 2019|language=en-GB|issn=0307-1235}}</ref> He has expressed interest in a project about Mars, stating: "I've been very interested in the Humans to Mars movement ... and I've done a tremendous amount of personal research for a novel, a miniseries, and a 3D film."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.astrobio.net/news/article813.html|title=James Cameron's Mars Reference Design|date=January 30, 2004|work=[[Astrobiology (journal)|Astrobiology]]|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061223162324/http://www.astrobio.net/news/article813.html|archive-date=December 23, 2006|access-date=January 10, 2007}}</ref> Cameron is a member of the [[Mars Society]], a non-profit organization lobbying for the [[colonization of Mars]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2000/03/09/the-fans-of-mars|title=The fans of Mars|date=March 9, 2000|newspaper=[[The Economist]] |access-date=October 25, 2019|issn=0013-0613|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191025100247/https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2000/03/09/the-fans-of-mars|archive-date=October 25, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newyorker.com/books/double-take/james-cameron-goes-deep|title=James Cameron Goes Deep|last=Michaud|first=Jon|magazine=The New Yorker|date=March 8, 2012|access-date=October 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216145003/https://www.newyorker.com/books/double-take/james-cameron-goes-deep|archive-date=December 16, 2017|language=en|issn=0028-792X}}</ref> Cameron endorsed Democratic candidate [[Hillary Clinton]] for the [[2016 United States presidential election]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/biz/news/hillary-clinton-donald-trump-hollywood-1201878938/|title=Clinton vs. Trump in Hollywood: Who's Giving|last=Johnson|first=Ted|date=October 7, 2016|website=Variety|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190408020041/https://variety.com/2016/biz/news/hillary-clinton-donald-trump-hollywood-1201878938/|archive-date=April 8, 2019|access-date=October 25, 2019}}</ref>

===Deep-sea exploration===
Cameron has experience with [[deep-sea exploration]], in part because of his work on ''The Abyss,'' ''Titanic'', and ''Avatar: The Way of Water''<ref name="guardian2010">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2010/jun/02/james-cameron-underwater-oil-spill|title=Top kill meets Titanic: James Cameron enters fight against oil spill|author=Ed Pilkington|date=June 27, 2010|work=guardian.co.uk|access-date=March 29, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806112004/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2010/jun/02/james-cameron-underwater-oil-spill|archive-date=August 6, 2019|location=London}}</ref> and his childhood fascination with shipwrecks. He has contributed to advancements in [[Underwater videography|underwater filming]] and [[Remotely operated underwater vehicle|remotely operated vehicles]], and helped develop the 3D [[Fusion Camera System]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Greenfield|first=Rebecca|date=January 28, 2011|title=Celebrity Invention: James Cameron's Underwater Dolly|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2011/01/celebrity-invention-james-camerons-underwater-dolly/70370/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111208205825/https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2011/01/celebrity-invention-james-camerons-underwater-dolly/70370/|archive-date=December 8, 2011|access-date=October 23, 2019|website=The Atlantic|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>Thompson A (2009). [http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2009/12/11/innovative-new-d-tech-james-camerons-avatar/ "The innovative new 3D tech behind James Cameron's ''Avatar''".] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101118092417/http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2009/12/11/innovative-new-d-tech-james-camerons-avatar/ |date=November 18, 2010 }} [[Fox News]]. Retrieved December 25, 2009.</ref><ref>{{Cite book|title=The films of James Cameron : critical essays|date=2011|publisher=McFarland & Co., Publishers| last1=Kapell | first1=Matthew Wilhelm | last2=McVeigh | first2=Stephen|isbn=9780786487547|location=Jefferson, N.C.|oclc=756484492}}</ref> In 2011, Cameron became a ''[[National Geographic]]'' explorer-in-residence.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-13903891|title=Cameron receives explorer honour|date=June 24, 2011|work=BBC|access-date=October 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140911164216/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-13903891|archive-date=September 11, 2014|language=en-GB}}</ref> In this role, on March 7, 2012, he dived five miles deep to the bottom of the [[Solomon Sea#Deepest point|New Britain Trench]] with the ''[[Deepsea Challenger]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Cameron |first=James |title=You'd have loved it |url=http://deepseachallenge.com/latest-news/cameron-to-walsh-on-record-8k-dive-youd-have-loved-it/ |date=March 8, 2012 |publisher=[[National Geographic Society]] |access-date=March 26, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323140931/http://deepseachallenge.com/latest-news/cameron-to-walsh-on-record-8k-dive-youd-have-loved-it/ |archive-date=March 23, 2012}}</ref> 19 days later, Cameron reached the [[Challenger Deep]], the deepest part of the [[Mariana Trench]].<ref name="NGS-20120325">{{cite web|last=Than|first=Ker|date=March 25, 2012|title=James Cameron Completes Record-Breaking Mariana Trench Dive|url=http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/03/120325-james-cameron-mariana-trench-challenger-deepest-returns-science-sub/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190919151244/https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/3/120325-james-cameron-mariana-trench-challenger-deepest-returns-science-sub/|archive-date=September 19, 2019|access-date=March 25, 2012|publisher=[[National Geographic Society]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120326091202.htm|title=James Cameron makes first ever successful solo dive to Mariana Trench{{mdash}}ocean's deepest point|website=ScienceDaily|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191020132642/https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120326091202.htm|archive-date=October 20, 2019|access-date=October 20, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Broad|first=William J.|date=March 25, 2012|title=Filmmaker in Submarine Voyages to Bottom of Sea|newspaper=New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/26/science/james-camerons-submarine-trip-to-challenger-deep.html|access-date=March 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328192244/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/26/science/james-camerons-submarine-trip-to-challenger-deep.html|archive-date=March 28, 2019}}</ref> He spent more than three hours exploring the ocean floor, becoming the first to accomplish the trip alone.<ref name="NGS-20120325" /><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-17503395|title=James Cameron back on surface after deepest ocean dive|last=Morelle|first=Rebecca|author-link=Rebecca Morelle|date=March 26, 2012|work=[[BBC News]] |access-date=March 26, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008225419/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-17503395|archive-date=October 8, 2019}}</ref> During his dive to the Challenger Deep, he discovered new species of [[sea cucumber]], [[Teuthidodrilus|squid worm]] and a giant single-celled [[amoeba]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.livescience.com/27354-cameron-video-analysis-new-species.html|title=Video from Cameron's Dive Reveals New Species|website=livescience.com|date=February 22, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190914130923/https://www.livescience.com/27354-cameron-video-analysis-new-species.html|archive-date=September 14, 2019|access-date=July 11, 2017}}</ref> He was preceded by unmanned dives in [[Kaikō ROV|1995]] and [[Nereus (underwater vehicle)|2009]], as well as by [[Jacques Piccard]] and [[Don Walsh]], the first men to reach the bottom of the Mariana Trench aboard the [[Trieste (bathyscaphe)|bathyscaphe ''Trieste'']] in 1960.<ref>[http://deepseachallenge.com/the-expedition/1960-dive/ "Man's Deepest Dive"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120327151518/http://deepseachallenge.com/the-expedition/1960-dive/ |date=March 27, 2012 }}. Jacques Piccard. ''[[National Geographic (magazine)|National Geographic]]''. August 1960.</ref>

In the aftermath of the [[Titan submersible implosion|''Titan'' submersible implosion]], Cameron made appearances in multiple news outlets where he criticized [[OceanGate]] and its co-founder [[Stockton Rush]] for failing to certify the company's submersibles for safety. He was also critical of the use of carbon-fiber composite in the company's ''Titan'' submersible, stating that the material has "no strength in external compression" when withstanding the pressure in deep-sea environments.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Broad |first1=William |title=The director and deep-sea explorer James Cameron points to flaws in the Titan submersible's design. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/22/science/james-cameron-titanic-submersible.html |work=The New York Times |date=June 22, 2023 |access-date=June 23, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title='I knew Titanic submarine imploded on Monday and rescue was a 'charade', says James Cameron | date=June 23, 2023 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEBCc-Qpilw |access-date=June 30, 2023 |language=en}}</ref> On July 15, Cameron stated that he had no plans for an OceanGate documentary.<ref>{{cite web |title=James Cameron Breaks Silence On OceanGate Film Rumours. He Says... |url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/titanic-director-james-cameron-breaks-silence-on-rumoured-oceangate-film-4210844 |website=NDTV.com|date=July 15, 2023|access-date=July 29, 2023}}</ref>