Wouldn't that be the swerve?
The time he gets around to finally filming these things, we're expecting a CGI wonderland of 3D ridiculousness and it turns out Cameron's decided to go all the way back to practical effects, and they're the most convincing models and animatronics that have ever existed?
(CG augmented in places, of course)
Hmm, sure... but 'in places'? He also needs to create so much of the other stuff, the entire world, flora and fauna. I believe Na'vi will look even better this time round, next step in CGI evolution. The only part that will divide them from reality will be your knowledge of the fact that they are unreal. Similar to
Planet of the Apes trilogy,
Dawn was insanely good. Of course, they have a real life reference for apes but still, tons of progress in my opinion.
It's been so long now, just cancel it. The first one only garnered popularity because of the new 3D tech at the time. Without that crutch it's a generic forgettable movie.
Why, because you won't show up... for a new film by
James Cameron? How many times have I heard that one in my life time.