James Cameron Opens Up About Moving to New Zealand, Calling the U.S. “Not Sane”

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James Cameron, the director of Avatar: Fire and Ash, has decided to live permanently in New Zealand after leaving the United States. He explained in a recent interview on In Depth with Graham Besinger that the COVID-19 pandemic and how each country responded to it were major factors in his decision.

As a huge fan, I was really interested to hear that James Cameron and his wife, Suzy, officially moved their family to New Zealand in August 2020! They’d actually owned a farm there since 2011, but the pandemic made them decide to make the move permanent a lot sooner than planned. He was pretty direct about why, saying that New Zealand just handles science and public health so much better than other places – it clearly made a big difference for him and his family.

Cameron contrasted the situation in New Zealand with that of the United States, pointing out that most people in New Zealand are reasonable. He noted the US vaccination rate was around 62% and decreasing, while New Zealand achieved a rate of 98% at a crucial point in time. He specifically praised New Zealand’s high vaccination numbers.

He explained his reasons for leaving the U.S., saying he preferred to live somewhere that values science, promotes cooperation, and is generally rational. He contrasted this with the current state of the U.S., which he described as deeply divided, dismissive of science, and unprepared for future crises like pandemics.

When the host said the U.S. remains a good country to live in, Cameron quickly disagreed, responding with a skeptical, “Is it?”

Cameron emphasized he wasn’t relocating simply for a change of scenery. “I’m going for peace of mind, not just the view,” he explained. He’s had a long-standing connection with New Zealand, first visiting in 1994 and instantly feeling a sense of belonging.

He remembered making a promise to himself: “I’m going to live here someday.” Suzy was on board with the idea right away. He explained, “When we started getting serious, she said, ‘Okay, that’s fine with me.’ She was always enthusiastic about it.”

After finishing the Avatar sequels, Cameron officially settled in New Zealand. Now 71 years old, he continues to be a highly successful director in Hollywood, famous for his innovative use of technology and compelling stories in films such as The Terminator, Titanic, and Avatar.

The newest movie, Avatar: Fire and Ash, is the third in a planned five-film saga. It features a new Na’vi tribe called the “Ash People” and brings back familiar actors like Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldaña. Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, and Kate Winslet also star. To ensure everything flows smoothly, some scenes for the fourth movie have already been filmed. Avatar 4 is expected in 2029, and the fifth film will be released in 2031.

Cameron values his family life. He’s been married to Suzy since 2000, and they have three children together. He also has a daughter, Josephine, from a previous relationship with Linda Hamilton. Suzy has a son named Jasper from a prior marriage. The whole family is dedicated to environmentally friendly farming and a plant-based lifestyle, which suits their life in New Zealand.

Cameron’s decision to move reflects his trust in science and effective leadership. He explained, “I’m not moving for the views, I’m moving for peace of mind,” during a recent interview. His departure from the U.S. has prompted conversations about whether others feel the same way about public health and the stability of society.

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2026-01-22 10:46