James Cameron Reveals Why He’s Done With the American Dream

James Cameron, the visionary behind the Avatar saga, has spent almost half a century living and working in the United States. Despite his long tenure in Los Angeles and his deep involvement in Hollywood, the Canadian director recently shared that he has no plans to become an American citizen. In a candid interview, Cameron reflected on his early admiration for the so-called "American democratic experience," but admitted that his perspective has shifted over the years.

Shifting Perspectives on American Ideals

During his conversation, Cameron recalled his initial fascination with the values he once saw in the United States. He explained that, at one point, he considered the American system noble and even thought about pursuing citizenship. However, his feelings have changed dramatically.

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 also mentioned that ongoing debates about Canada potentially becoming a "51st state" only strengthened his resolve to maintain his Canadian identity, joking that Canadians would "fight until the last moose."

Decades in Hollywood Without Changing Citizenship

Cameron made the move to the U.S. in the late 1970s, setting up his career in Los Angeles. Over the next 47 years, he worked with major studios and directed some of the most successful films in history, all while keeping his Canadian citizenship. His status never held him back from leading blockbuster projects, including Titanic and the original Avatar, both produced and released by American studios.

Although he considered applying for U.S. citizenship at different points in his career, Cameron ultimately decided against it. His professional life thrived in Hollywood, but he always felt a strong connection to his Canadian roots. In recent years, he has shifted much of his production work outside the U.S., though his ties to Hollywood remain strong through partnerships and distribution deals.

International Expansion of the Avatar Franchise

Recently, Cameron has taken the Avatar franchise global, moving much of the production to New Zealand. The sequels, including Avatar: The Way of Water and upcoming installments, have been filmed and developed with international crews and resources. This move reflects Cameron’s evolving approach to filmmaking, as he continues to oversee the franchise from outside the United States.

The Avatar films have required extensive shoots and collaboration across borders, with Cameron directing and managing the process from abroad. As the series grows, his work highlights a shift toward international production, even as his legacy in Hollywood remains undeniable.

Avatar: Fire and Ash is currently playing exclusively in theaters, while earlier films in the series are available for streaming on Disney+ in the U.S.