Saldana and Worthington to co-star in next three 'Avatar' movies

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- "Avatar" co-stars Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana will reprise their roles in three sequels to the 2009 blockbuster, the Hollywood Reporter said Tuesday.

James Cameron is directing the trio of science-fiction pictures back-to-back-to-back.

The entertainment industry trade newspaper said plot details of the new movies are being kept closely guarded.

"Jake Sully is rare combination of passion, strength, street smarts and soul, which requires a lot from an actor. Sam brought to the role a combination of sensitivity, vulnerability and strength. Zoe captured every aspect of the character I envisioned, bringing to Neytiri a mix of delicacy, fierceness and incredible physicality. I am beyond pleased they'll be returning with us to Pandora," Cameron said in a statement.

The first sequel is to open in theaters December 2016.