December is a great time for movies. Studios release some of the biggest, most anticipated films of the year right before the holidays, and before the end of the year so they can be considered for awards. This December, there are some amazing films coming out. Let’s see what they are, and who we’ll see on the big screen this winter.
Avatar: The Way of Water
In 2009, famed director James Cameron took his audiences to Pandora, a faraway planet, for a 3D adventure the likes of which film-goers had never before seen. And now, on December 16, we get to go back.
James Cameron’s Malibu Estate
James Cameron has made a name for himself directing blockbuster films like Titanic and Avatar. With his share of the $7 billion his films have earned, Cameron has done a lot of things, including buying not one but two Malibu estates, right next to each other.
He sold one estate in 2021, for roughly double what he paid in 2003, but he’s held onto the larger property, which he bought for $3.5 million in 1989. The six bedroom, seven bath residence has a pool, tennis court (the other estate did not), a spa, lounge, and more, all spread over two acres.
Earlier, he tried to sell the entire estate as a whole, but did not find anyone willing to plunk down the $25 million asking price. Whether or not he sells the second estate, it’s no big deal since he’s worth a cool $700 million, or more.
James Cameron’s New Zealand Estate
The Canadian director spent so much time in Hollywood, but never truly loved the vibe in the area, and in the US. During the filming of the original Avatar, Cameron fell in love withe the island country of New Zealand, and began buying property there in 2012.
In 2021, he and his wife moved full-time to New Zealand, and hope to gain citizenship there soon. They moved to an estate they started working on in 2012, when they bought two farms near Lake Pounui, a beautiful and unique place on Earth that evokes the mythical beauty of Cameron’s Pandora from the film.
Sigourney Weaver’s California Condo
Sigourney Weaver has been acting for decades, but her characters are always fresh and exciting, and that’s true in the Avatar sequel. The actress, with a net worth of $60 million, and her husband of 38 years, Jim Simpson, spend most of their time in New York.
But when the couple travel to California, they spend time in their Santa Barbara condo, often spending time with their daughter.
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
Avatar isn’t the only sequel looking to make a big splash this December. Puss in Boots, which was originally released in 2011, has a surefire hit, since families love to go to the movies for kid-friendly shows during the time off from school.
Antonio Banderas’ New Home in Spain
Antonio Banderas made around $5 million to lend his voice to a dashing, daring cat for this film, but it’s not just the second time he’s lent his voice to Puss. The boot-legged feline appeared in several Shrek films, creating a funny crossover that kids and grownups alike loved.
Banderas once spent a lot of time in California, but in recent years moved back to Europe. He lived for a time in England, but recently sold that estate and moved to his home region of Málaga, Spain. He’s maintained a residence there for years, and even lived there part-time with his then-wife Melanie Griffith. He spent much of 2020 and 2021 here (and in another home nearby) and has committed to making the area his permanent home now.
Salma Hayek’s London Residence
It’s not the first time Banderas has starred in a film with Salma Hayek, his Puss in Boots costar. The two Spanish-speaking actors rose to fame in Hollywood in the action film Desperado.
Salma is one of Hollywood’s most impressive actresses, but she spends much of her time away from the big screen. Married to one of the richest men in the world, she has a gorgeous home on one of the most sought-after streets in London. Justin Bieber once rented the place for around $150,000 per month! With all that, rumor has it the house is haunted, but Salma says the paranormal residents “have a good vibe”.
These are just a few faces (and voices) that will be hitting the big screen in December. When you get a look at where they live, you know for sure, show business is a good business to be in!
Enjoy your time at the movies!