The acclaimed writer and director has to sit out tonight’s premiere in LA (Picture: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Disney)

James Cameron is being forced to skip the Hollywood premiere of Avatar: The Way of Water after catching Covid.

The filmmaker has been busy on the publicity trail for his hotly anticipated sequel, which comes 13 years after the original.

The Titanic writer and director was in London last week for the star–studded world premiere, alongside stars Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Kate Winslet and Zoe Saldana.

Unfortunately, his latest travels to Japan have put paid to any more promotional work this week – including the US premiere on his home turf of Los Angeles.

Explaining what happened, he said: ‘I am in LA, just back from Tokyo, and I managed to pick up Covid on the plane, so I’m isolated and can’t go to my own premiere tonight.’

‘The number of people I’ve told over the years, “Ah, we’ll catch up and I’ll see you at the premiere” … well, I guess not. Man proposes, and God disposes,’ he told Deadline.

Stephen Lang, Kate Winslet, James Cameron, Sigourney Weaver and Trinity Jo-Li Bliss at the world premiere for the movie last Tuesday (Picture: Getty)

Cameron and Titanic actress Kate Winslet reunited for the Avatar sequel, 25 years after their last movie together (Picture: Scott Garfitt/Invision/AP)

A Disney rep added to the publication: ‘James Cameron has Covid, but is feeling fine.’

Avatar: The Way of Water releases in cinemas on Friday December 16, with the review embargo lifting tomorrow at 5pm GMT.

Set years after the events of the first movie, this film finds protagonist Jake Sully (Worthington) and Na-vi partner Neytiri (Saldana) settled together on Pandora with their brood of children, including the adopted 14-year-old Kiri, a new part played by returning actress Sigourney Weaver, 73.

Caption: (L-R): Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), Ronal (Kate Winslet), and Tonowari (Cliff Curtis) in 20th Century Studios’ AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. ? 2022 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
Photographer: Courtesy of 20th Century Studios
Provider: Courtesy of 20th Century Studios
(Credits: Courtesy of 20th Century Studios)

Once a familiar threat returns to finish what was previously started, Jake must work with Neytiri and the army of the Na’vi race to protect their planet.

It’s the second film in a franchise of a possible five films overall, scheduled to be released every other year until December 2028.

More: Trending

However, Cameron has said he is prepared to end the franchise early if audiences are no longer engaging, wrapping up with the already-filmed third outing.

He’s also admitted that The Way of Water needs to be the third or fourth highest-grossing box office hit in history just to break even.

Avatar: The Way Of Water is released in cinemas on December 16.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : Young stars of Avatar: The Way of Water on epic film taking up huge chunk of their lives – nearly 5 years

MORE : Avatar: The Way of Water VFX supervisor says film ‘couldn’t have been made’ before now

Follow Metro on Snapchat

You can follow our new Snapchat show Pop Cultur’d, the go-to place for all things pop culture.

Keep up with the latest Showbiz exclusives by following Metro Showbiz on Snapchat.

And football fans can indulge in all the transfer gossip and more on Metro Football on Snapchat.

The writer and director’s major new movie comes out later this week.