Despite her character's death in the first "Avatar" film, actress Sigourney Weaver is set to return for all "Avatar" sequels, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Director James Cameron confirmed Monday that the 64-year-old actress will portray a different character in the next installment of the franchise. Cameron said the actress will be returning as a "different and in many ways more challenging character in the upcoming films."
"Sigourney and I have a long creative history, dating back to 1985 when we made Aliens. We're good friends who've always worked well together, so it just feels right that she's coming back for the Avatar sequels," the director said in a statement.
He continued: "Her character of Grace Augustine, as fans know, died in the first movie, so she's playing a different and in many ways more challenging character in the upcoming films. We're both looking forward to this new creative challenge, the latest chapter in our long and continuing collaboration."
In the original film, Weaver played Dr. Grace Augustine, an exobiologist and head of the Avatar program, who advocated peaceful outreach with the Na'vi.
"It will be challenging for me," Weaver said in a statement. "I can't talk about it, but my part is a little different in each one. I'll transform somewhat. We'll have to talk again when I survive this. For now, I'm going to skittle around and enjoy this leisure time."
Weaver joins returning cast members Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana - both will revisit their roles as Jake Sully and Princess Neytiri. Actor Stephen Lang, who played the villainous Col. Miles, will also return, despite his character's death in the first film.
Production for the second film is scheduled to begin later this year. The sequels will reportedly be filmed back-to-back, with the first movie set to be released in December 2016. "Avatar 3" is scheduled for December 2017, and "Avatar 4" is planned for 2018.
