- Hollywood filmmaker James Cameron is planning to leave the U.S. and obtain New Zealand citizenship following Donald Trump’s re-election. Born in Canada, Cameron moved to the U.S. in the 1970s and built his legacy in Hollywood with films like “Titanic” and “Avatar.”
- Cameron has been vocal about his disapproval of Trump’s return to the White House, comparing the political climate in the U.S. to “watching a car crash over and over.”
- He believes in earning the right to be in New Zealand and credits the country’s culture of equality as a major reason for his move.
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Hollywood filmmaker James Cameron is making plans to leave the U.S.—even though it’s unclear if he was ever a citizen. The “Avatar” director recently revealed that his New Zealand citizenship is “imminent” following President Donald Trump’s re-election.
Cameron, born in Canada, moved to the United States in the 1970s to pursue his filmmaking career. He built his legacy in Hollywood, directing blockbuster hits like “Titanic” and the “Avatar” franchise.
Cameron once applied for U.S. citizenship, as mentioned in a 2009 interview with The New Yorker. However, after George W. Bush was re-elected in 2004, he withdrew his application. Now, two decades later, he is making a similar decision—this time, by seeking New Zealand citizenship.
Cameron on Trump’s re-election
Cameron has been vocal about his disapproval of Trump’s return to the White House.
“I think it’s horrific. I think it’s horrifying,” he said in a recent interview.
Cameron compared the current political climate in the U.S. to “watching a car crash over and over” and said he wants to escape the constant news cycle.
“I don’t know if I feel any safer [in New Zealand], but I certainly feel like I don’t have to read it on the front page every single day, and it’s just sickening,” Cameron added.
New Zealand has become home
Cameron has spent years in New Zealand, first purchasing a dairy farm there in 2012. He has also worked closely with Wellington’s Weta Digital on the Avatar films, further deepening his ties to the country.
Cameron said his application for citizenship in New Zealand is already in motion. But for him, the move is about more than just relocating—he believes people have to “earn the right to be there.” He credits New Zealand’s culture of equality as one of the biggest reasons for making the country his new home.
Mixed reactions to Cameron’s decision
Cameron’s announcement sparked divided reactions. Some support his move, saying they respect his decision. Others, however, disagree.
Some critics have even stated they will no longer support the Avatar franchise.
“America doesn’t stand for anything if it doesn’t stand for what it has historically stood for,” Cameron said.
Despite the controversy, Cameron remains focused on his work. He is currently in post-production on “Avatar 3: The Seed Bearer,” which is set for release in December 2025.
He also hopes to give back to the film industry in New Zealand by mentoring young filmmakers.
