There is still a long wait before James Cameron's "Avatar" sequels start hitting theaters, but in the meantime, the director has revealed that fans will get an idea of some of the elements to expect thanks to the Cirque du Soleil prequel, "Toruk."

Opening Wednesday in New York, "Toruk" brings Cameron's epic sci-fi world to stage. It may not have Zoe Saldana, Sam Worthington, or Sigourney Weaver, but it does boast incredible sets, choreography, and acrobatics. On top of that, there are elements that will pop up again in the film series.

"We've got most of the sequel stuff already designed, but I like this idea of weaving back and forth between the two worlds, the live world and the film world," Cameron told Variety.

While the filmmaker revealed that the storyline doesn't connect directly to the sequels -- which follow Jake, Neytiri, and their children -- there are still similarities.

"Thematically, 'Toruk' manages to land very very closely to the feeling of where the sequel stories are going," he said.

Cameron didn't write or direct "Toruk" himself, but he did serve as a consultant to ensure that the production fit with his vision for the franchise. Instead, writer-directors Michel Lemieux and Victor Pilon took over, and what they came up with was the story of two Na'vi warriors looking for sacred objects.

The film sequels are still coming, of course. The first is currently slated to open in theaters around Christmas 2018, and the others are expected to follow in regular increments thereafter.

[via: Variety]