James Cameron Reflects on Life in America and His Canadian Identity

James Cameron, the Canadian director celebrated for the Avatar series, has revealed he has no intention of seeking American citizenship, despite having lived and worked in the United States for almost half a century. In a recent interview, Cameron spoke candidly about his shifting perspective on the so-called “American democratic experience,” a concept he once admired but now finds himself detached from.

Long Years in Los Angeles and Changing Views

Cameron spent the better part of 47 years in Los Angeles, building a career at the heart of the American film industry. Reflecting on his time in the States, he remarked:

I did live there for 47 years in Los Angeles, I did think about it for a while. I thought there was a lot of nobility in the ‘American Democratic experience.’ But where the hell did that go? I’m over it. I think Canadians are way over it.

He went on to mention that discussions about Canada potentially becoming the “51st state” only strengthened his resolve, suggesting that Canadians would “fight until the last moose.”

Hollywood Success Without American Citizenship

Arriving in the United States in the late 1970s, Cameron established himself as a leading figure in Hollywood, all while retaining his Canadian nationality. His professional journey saw him collaborating with major studios and directing some of the most successful films of his era, including Titanic and the original Avatar, both produced during his years in Los Angeles.

Despite his deep involvement in the American film sector, Cameron never took the step to become a U.S. citizen. He has acknowledged considering the idea at various points, but ultimately decided against it. His status as a non-citizen did not hinder his ability to helm large-scale productions or work with prominent studios.

In recent times, Cameron has shifted much of his creative activity away from the United States, though his professional ties to Hollywood remain strong through distribution and financing arrangements.

International Production and the Future of Avatar

Much of the recent work on the Avatar franchise has taken place outside America, with New Zealand serving as a primary base for filming and production. Cameron relocated significant parts of the operation there, overseeing lengthy shoots and managing international teams as the sequels have taken shape.

The ongoing development of the Avatar series has involved extensive overseas work, with Cameron continuing to direct and supervise the films from abroad. The franchise remains in active production, with further instalments expected in the coming years. Although his career was long rooted in Hollywood, Cameron’s recent choices reflect a move towards a more global approach to filmmaking.

Avatar: Fire and Ash is currently showing exclusively in cinemas, while earlier entries in the series are available for streaming on Disney+ in the United States.