JAMES Cameron is reportedly in negotiations with Twentieth Century Fox over the possibility of re-releasing Avatar primarily in 3D cinemas this summer – with additional scenes.

The move was first considered after it emerged that approximately 40 minutes of additional material didn’t make the theatrical cut because of the rush to get the film ready for its December 18 release.

Cameron himself has said that he has 10-12 minutes of extra scenes that he could cut and quickly put through post-production to get the film ready for another cinema bow, especially in 3D IMAX format.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, one of these scenes has to do with Jake Sully’s avatar proving himself to the Na’vi people, while another involves a native festival during which tribe member Tsu’tey gets drunk.

Both he and Fox are of the opinion that Avatar could have taken even more money had they been able to hold on to the digital and Imax 3D screens that were lost to Disney’s Alice in Wonderland.

The film is still pulling in incredible figres in both the US and global markets, as the clamour to see it shows little sign of cooling.

Any summer re-release would follow a home video premiere in 2D form, either next month or no later than May. A Blu-ray release of the 3D version is then anticipated either this autumn or – more probably – early next year.

Cameron and Fox also are in discussions about one or two Avatar sequels given that both could exploit many of the digital “assets” that were created for the original.

As yet, there is no script in place but Cameron has admitted in interviews that ideas exist to complete a trilogy.

Read our coverage of Avatar

Next story: Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess in talks for One Day

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