In a statement released yesterday, famed director James Cameron announced that Sigourney Weaver will be returning for the "Avatar" sequels.

Cameron first directed Weaver in the 1986 hit film "Aliens," and stated that he is thrilled to continue to working with her after the success of 2009's "Avatar."

"We're good friends who've always worked well together, so it just feels right that she's coming back for the 'Avatar' sequels," Cameron said.

Weaver's "Avatar" character, Grace Augustine, died in the first film, but Cameron said he will not be resurrecting the role.

"She's playing a different and in many ways more challenging character in the upcoming films," he explained. "We're both looking forward to this new creative challenge, the latest chapter in our long and continuing collaboration."

Weaver actually announced three years ago that she would return to the "Avatar" franchise.

"Don't worry, I will be back," she told ComingSoon.net in 2011. "Jim says no one ever dies in science fiction. He's told me stories for the next two movies and I have to say that they're absolutely wonderful and there's a real treat in store. Now we just have to make them."

Fans of Grace can hold on to the hope that she appears in a prequel, which Cameron also hinted at in 2011.

"Have you ever heard of nonlinear storytelling?" he asked Vulture.

"A lot happens on that planet before she shows up, and before Jake shows up to join her. She's there for fifteen years ahead of time. I don't know, but I wouldn't jump to conclusions."

"Avatar 2" and "Avatar 3" will be released in December 2016 and December 2017, and "Avatar 4" will come sometime in 2018.

The original "Avatar" is the highest-earning movie of all time, grossing $2.8 billion.

Cameron is also known for writing, directing, and producing the blockbuster film "Titanic," and writing and directing the popular "Terminator" series.