Avatar, The Novel

James Cameron, director of the highest grossing film of all time, Avatar, is currently working on a prequel to the movie in book form. According to the film's producer, Jon Landau, Cameron's debut novel will "give a foundation for the world."

Speaking to the folks at MTV News, Landau explained the decision. "[We] won't have time to do [these stories] in the movie, or maybe in sequels."

Landau, who hopes the novel will be released by the end of the year, explained that the book will dive into the roots of the story of the film, explaining aspects such as the "schoolhouse and Sigourney [Weaver's character] teaching at the schoolhouse; Jake on Earth and his Backstory and how he came here; [the death of] Tommy, Jakes Brother; and Colonel Quaritch, how he ended up there and all that."

This fantasy story seems analogous to The Hobbit. As the prequel of the Lord of the Rings, it provided a backdrop for Frodo Baggins home and went into depth the character of Bilbo Baggins and his story, serving as a foundation for the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Cameron may also be taking a queue from the Star Wars franchise, which has spinoffs including books and a line of toys for children.

As the highest grossing film of all time, Avatar has a huge fanbase that may make Cameron's novel a new bestseller.