JAMES Cameron has announced he is increasing the number of "Avatar" sequels to four reports Variety.

The Oscar-winning director, whose first "Avatar" film back in 2009 is still the highest-grossing film of all time, originally planned on two follow-up films. However the news that the sequels have now been increased to four was announced in a special appearance by Cameron at this year's CinemaCon.

"So far, what I am seeing in pure imagination is far beyond the first film," Cameron said, adding that initial concepts had left people "speechless".

"Avatar 2" is due to hit theaters in 2018 with the following three sequels planned for Christmas 2020, 2022 and 2023.