Director James Cameron moves from California to New Zealand possibly to film ‘Avatar’ sequels

Director James Cameron has reportedly bought up land in New Zealand, close to the country’s capital, Wellington. The move further bolsters suspicions that he may film the sequels to Avatar, the highest grossing movie of all time, in the country.

Reuters reports that the 2,470-acre property is just 12 miles away from the estate owned by The Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson. According to media reports, the Titanic director paid NZ$20 million, which is about $16.7 million, for the farm.

According to The Daily Mail, Cameron, who currently resides in Malibu, CA, filed an application to the New Zealand Overseas Investment Office. In the application, he says that he, his wife Suzy and his children “intend to reside indefinitely in New Zealand and are acquiring the property to reside on and operate as a working farm.” The investment office approved the application last month.

The farm is just a 90-minute drive from Weta Digital’s Wellington headquarters. The studio won an Oscar for its work on the first Avatar. The Associated Press reports that Cameron’s move has fueled speculation that Avatar sequels will now be made in New Zealand.

In total, Cameron bought two separate properties in an area known for its coastal farmland used for beef, sheep and dairy farming, according to Reuters. The area is also known for its vineyards.

Cameron grew up on his grandfather’s farm in Canada and his wife’s family currently owns a farm in Oklahoma, the Daily Mail notes.

Deadline reports that Cameron plans on making two sequels to Avatar. The first film grossed over $2 billion worldwide and was nominated for the Best Picture Oscar in 2010. It wound up winning three Oscars for art direction, cinematography and visual effects.