James Cameron, the visionary filmmaker behind Titanic and Avatar, has made a significant life decision that’s been influenced by the political turmoil in the United States. The Oscar-winning director has announced that he plans to permanently relocate to New Zealand, citing his distaste for Donald Trump’s presidency as a key motivator. Cameron's decision comes at a time when the US is deeply divided, and the filmmaker, like many others, is seeking refuge from the increasingly toxic political climate.
Appearing on The F**ing News podcast, Cameron didn’t mince words about his feelings toward Trump’s presidency. The director, who has visited the U.S. frequently but has spent the majority of his time in New Zealand, called Trump’s leadership “horrific” and “horrifying”. He expressed his disillusionment with what he perceives as a shift away from the core values that the United States historically stood for.
"I see a turn away from everything decent," Cameron said. "America doesn’t stand for anything if it doesn’t stand for what it has historically stood for. It becomes a hollow idea, and I think they’re hollowing it out as fast as they can for their own benefit."
For Cameron, the constant media coverage of the president has become unbearable. "I just don’t want to see that guy’s face any more on the front page of the paper," he added, referring to the endless media cycle that often seems to focus on Trump’s actions and controversies. The filmmaker compared it to watching a car crash over and over again something that’s inescapable in the US but less prominent in New Zealand.
For over two decades, Cameron has made New Zealand his home away from home, spending more time there than in the US. He’s worked on the Avatar franchise, one of the most successful movie series of all time, in the country. Now, as his New Zealand citizenship is "imminent", Cameron is preparing to make a permanent move. He explained that New Zealand offers something the US currently cannot - peace.
"I love that there’s this innate respect and demand for respect [in New Zealand]," Cameron said. "Everybody has this kind of equal status in terms of person-hood. And I love that that’s what I wanted my kids to experience." The filmmaker noted that moving to a new country requires more than just a change of scenery; it requires integration and a sense of belonging. For Cameron, New Zealand represents a place where he feels his family can thrive in an environment that promotes equality and respect.
Cameron’s decision to uproot his family and settle permanently in New Zealand wasn't taken lightly. He spoke about the sacrifices involved in such a significant life change and emphasised the importance of "earning" his place in the country.
“If you’re going to uproot your family and move somewhere, you have to invest, you have to be part of it, you have to earn standing,” Cameron shared. His deep respect for New Zealand’s culture and values has driven his desire to fully immerse himself in the country and make it his new home.
Despite his move, Cameron’s professional life remains intertwined with the US, particularly through his work on the Avatar franchise. Currently in post-production on Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third installment of the series, Cameron’s cinematic empire shows no signs of slowing down. The film, slated for release in December, will bring back familiar faces like Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, and Sigourney Weaver, as well as new additions to the cast. With more Avatar films on the horizon, Cameron’s commitment to his craft is as strong as ever, even as his personal life takes him to a different part of the world.