When Alita: Battle Angel hit theaters in 2019, it carved out a loyal fanbase nearly overnight. Though the cyberpunk action film received mixed critical reviews, audiences were captivated by its visual grandeur, kinetic fight scenes, and the soulful performance of Rosa Salazar as the wide-eyed yet deadly cyborg heroine. Directed by Robert Rodriguez and produced by James Cameron, the film ended on a cliffhanger that promised more to come with a showdown in Zalem, deeper revelations about Alita’s past, and the rise of a revolution. But 5 years later, the sequel remains elusive.

The reason is not a lack of interest. In fact, everyone involved - Rodriguez, Salazar, and especially Cameron - has voiced their eagerness to return to Iron City. The story was always envisioned as a trilogy, with the first film merely laying the groundwork. The characters, world-building, and mythos were all constructed to a much larger narrative. And yet, despite having a script in the works and a fandom that continues to push for “#AlitaSequel,” the project faces one enormous, blue-skinned obstacle, because James Cameron is just too busy with Avatar.

James Cameron's Commitment To Avatar Hurts Alita

James Cameron Is Currently Committed to the Avatar Films

James Cameron is no stranger to ambitious projects, but his current dedication to the Avatar franchise borders on total immersion. Since Avatar: The Way of Water finally arrived in 2022 following a 13-year gap, Cameron has been all-in on delivering not just one sequel but multiple follow-ups. With Avatar 3, 4, and 5 in various stages of production, it is clear where Cameron’s energy is focused, and it is not on Iron City.

Cameron's hands-on approach means he is deeply involved in every element of the Avatar films, from story development to visual effects. While Rodriguez directed Alita: Battle Angel, Cameron’s role as producer and co-writer was vital in shaping the film's vision. That level of involvement would be necessary for a sequel to maintain continuity, which is why his preoccupation with Pandora placed the brakes on Alita’s return.

Additionally, Cameron is not just overseeing the Avatar films. He is a perfectionist known for pushing technological boundaries, which adds years to every project. For Alita fans, this means playing a long waiting game, as any significant movement on the sequel likely hinges on Cameron having bandwidth again, which is something that may not happen until the end of the decade.

Alita Is A World Worth Revisiting And Expanding

Alita: Battle Angel Is Worth Continuing, Despite the Massive Break

Despite the delay, there is no shortage of enthusiasm for an Alita sequel from both fans and creators. Rodriguez has expressed in multiple interviews that the story was conceived with future installments in mind. The original film ends with unresolved plot threads and a clear path forward, especially given Alita's confrontation with Nova and her journey of self-discovery. In many ways, the first Alita movie was a prologue to the real meat of the saga.

Rosa Salazar has also made it clear that she is ready to return. Her motion-capture performance brought heart and dimension to a character that could have easily been lost behind digital effects. Her portrayal is one of the most beloved aspects of the film, and her commitment to the role remains strong. In fact, advances in visual effects over the last 5 years could allow an Alita sequel to push boundaries even further, showing fans an even more immersive experience.

A sequel would allow the creative team to dive deeper into the world of the Scrapyard, the mysterious city of Zalem, and the war-torn history that shaped Alita herself.

Thematically, Alita has plenty more to explore. The original movie touched on ideas of identity, humanity, and oppression, but these themes were just beginning to unfold. A sequel would allow the creative team to dive deeper into the world of the Scrapyard, the mysterious city of Zalem, and the war-torn history that shaped Alita herself. There is rich, Battle Angel Alita (Gunnm), which spans far beyond the events of the first movie.

Will the Wait Be Worth It For Alita's Anticipated Sequel?

Is it Worth the Long Wait for Alita: Battle Angel 2 and 3?

Given the film’s cult following, there is a strong argument that an Alita sequel could outperform expectations. The box office for Alita: Battle Angel was not stellar at the start, grossing just over $400 million USD globally, but it developed momentum after its digital release. The film's video sales, streaming popularity, and an active fandom is keeping the franchise alive even years after its Hollywood debut.

The real question is whether momentum can be maintained despite such a prolonged delay. In an industry where attention spans are short and IP competition is fierce, 5 years is a long time to ask fans to hold out hope. That said, Alita may just benefit from that gap. A thoughtful, well-crafted sequel released at the right moment could benefit from the nostalgia and hunger that has only grown with each ing year.

Additionally, as Cameron offloads more of the directorial responsibilities for future Avatar films, there could be an opening for Alita to move forward. Rodriguez is more than capable of steering the project, but Cameron’s sign-off is still crucial given his name's power in securing funding and distribution. A Disney-owned property, Alita: Battle Angel would need to align with studio priorities, and having Cameron’s full backing could be the difference between getting a green light and living in limbo.