After years of unwavering dedication to the Avatar saga, James Cameron is finally turning his attention to fresh storytelling terrain. While he continues work on three more Avatar sequels, the director has announced he is adapting The Devils, a new fantasy novel by British writer Joe Abercrombie. Fans weary of bioluminescent aliens may find solace in this pivot to dark, medieval fantasy—described by Abercrombie himself as a “medieval Suicide Squad”. The project signals a much-needed genre shift, and for many, a long-overdue return to the daring creativity that defined Cameron’s earlier work.
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The Devils is set in an alternative version of medieval Europe, one where a 10-year-old girl sits on the Papal throne and a ferocious Elven army threatens to invade. The story follows Brother Diaz, a priest compelled to team up with a vampire, a werewolf, and a necromancer to stave off the impending apocalypse. Known for his wry, self-aware prose and morally grey characters, Abercrombie offers a blood-soaked blend of high fantasy and satire, a combination that critics argue would benefit from a director who recognises the book’s playful tone. Whether Cameron will channel the irreverence of Guardians of the Galaxy, as some hope, remains to be seen.
Abercrombie has carved out a distinct space within British fantasy literature over the last two decades. Since The Blade Itself in 2006, his “grimdark” sensibilities—brutal realism laced with dry humour—have become widely influential. Unlike George R.R. Martin, whose work partially inspired him, Abercrombie has consistently delivered books on schedule, publishing multiple novels and short story collections while maintaining a sharp, modern edge. His tales frequently engage with contemporary themes, such as class struggle and political upheaval, all while remaining rooted in character-driven storytelling.
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For fans of fantasy that marries grit with wit, Cameron’s forthcoming adaptation could be a milestone moment. Abercrombie’s work challenges genre conventions without becoming preachy, and a well-handled film version of The Devils could introduce his darkly inventive worlds to a global audience. While the director’s continued involvement in Avatar remains a given, this new project hints at broader ambitions—and perhaps a rekindling of the bold spirit that made Cameron a household name in the first place.
