Avatar 2 release date, plot news: Upcoming sequels to center on Jake and Neytiri's family, says director Cameron

Plot speculations about the upcoming "Avatar" sequels have found a clearer trail to navigate, thanks to director James Cameron's latest reveal.

In an interview with Variety, Cameron shared that the four-part epic saga will center on family, specifically Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), Neytiri (Zoe Saldana) and their children.

Cinemablend speculated on whether Jake and Neytiri will already be with kids when "Avatar 2" rolls around, or if their family will grow gradually through the entire span of the four-part epic saga. It has also been reported that actor Stephen Lang will be reprising his role as Col. Miles Quaritch so fans can expect the humans to launch another attempt to take over Pandora.

The award-winning director also discussed with Variety the on-going Cirque du Soleil stadium show, "Toruk: the First Flight," which can be viewed as a prequel to the 2009 "Avatar" movie. Cameron, who served as a consultant for the show, teased that some of the designs in "Toruk" may inspire the overall look and feel of the sequels. He particularly mentioned the costumes and hairstyles of the performers, which may resonate in some of the elements of the follow-up movies.

In the first "Avatar" movie, the Toruk were winged dragon-like creatures that were sacred to the Na'vi. Jake had to work hard to forge a connection with one of them in order to gain the trust of the alien race. Cameron gave the creative team behind "Toruk" free rein to expand on their own ideas based on what they've seen in the first movie. So the plot of Cirque du Soleil's stadium show does not tie in with the movies, although the more observant fans may be able to note a few subtle overlaps.

"Toruk: The First Flight" is written and directed by Michael Lemieux and Victor Pilon. It was first staged in Montreal last year in November, and has since been touring North America. It is now being staged at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

"Avatar 2" is scheduled for a December 2018 release. The three other sequels are expected to follow in 2020, 2022 and 2023.