James Cameron calls Trump's re-election 'horrifying' as he leaves US
What's the story
Acclaimed filmmaker James Cameron, who has directed blockbusters like Titanic and Avatar, is appalled by Donald Trump's re-election as US President.
The 70-year-old director called America under Trump "a turn away from everything decent" in an interview with New Zealand media outlet Stuff.
He will now become a citizen of New Zealand, something he has been considering for a while.
Political stance
Cameron's critique of America and Trump's leadership
Cameron said he was concerned about Trump's second term.
"I think it's horrific, I think it's horrifying... America doesn't stand for anything, it doesn't stand for what it has historically stood for," he said.
He added that America under Trump's tenure is becoming a "hollow idea," and those in power are exploiting it for their own gain.
NZ ties
Cameron's long-standing connection with New Zealand
The director has owned a massive dairy farm located in South Wairarapa, New Zealand, since 2012 and has frequently stated his desire to move there permanently.
His bond with the country is further deepened by his partnership with Wellington's Weta Digital for the Avatar films, which won the visual effects studio an Oscar.
Cameron's upcoming citizenship will be a major milestone for him, certainly affecting how his future projects shape up.
Future outlook
Cameron's perspective on New Zealand and plans
Cameron also sees a lot of similarities between New Zealand and his birth country, Canada.
He said, "I grew up in Canada, and I see a lot of similarities here in the way people behave. I like it here a little better."
In 2023, he had said he wanted to inject "some young blood" into NZ's film industry and plans to make all his future films in Wellington.