Cameron may re-release Avatar late summer with new scenes, plus one or two sequels possible

James Cameron and Fox are discussing a possible re-release of Avatar in 3D theaters, late this summer, with get this, additional scenes that were left on the cutting-room floor. This according to a report by THR.

As for how much additional footage the director could add to the sci-fi epic, the guessing began earlier today when Imax CEO Richard Gelfond said during a conference in New York that Cameron had about 40 minutes of additional material that didn’t make the theatrical cut.

Cameron had said that he had 10-12 minutes of extra scenes that he cut and could quickly put through postproduction and have ready to add to a director’s cut for a theatrical reissue or as an extra on the DVD release. One scene has to do with Jake Sully’s avatar proving himself to the Na’vi people; the other involves a native festival during which tribe member Tsu’tey gets drunk.

According to the report, Avatar has done more than 80% of its domestic receipts in 3D theaters, which represented fewer than half of its runs, and has grossed $1.9 billion outside North America for a total of about $2.6 billion.

When Avatar was forced off Imax screens to accommodate Alice in Wonderland, after the longest and most lucrative run in the history of the large screen exhibitor, Fox saw increased grosses on nearby digital 3D screens, indicating demand still exists.

The summer rerelease would follow a home video premiere in 2D, which will happen in April or May. Cameron also told USA Today there could be a Blu-ray release in 3D as early as this fall, but Fox apparently nixed the idea, saying there won’t be enough of an installed base of 3D TV sets to make that worthwhile and said it is more likely to come next year.

According to the same report, Cameron and Fox also are in talks about one or two sequels, although no script or firm deals are in place. However both parties have indicated interest in making them happen.