Variety.com reports that Stephen Lang will reprise his role as the ruthless Marine Colonel Quaritch in the “Avatar” universe. Director James Cameron confirmed that even thought Quaritch was killed in the 2009 movie, the army villain will return for the second, third and fourth installments.

Stephen Lang as Marine Colonel Quaritch

Stephen Lang as Marine Colonel Quaritch

Cameron said:

“Steven was so memorable in the first film, we’re privileged to have him back,”

“I’m not going to say exactly how we’re bringing him back, but it’s a science fiction story, after all. His character will evolve into really unexpected places across the arc of our new three-film saga. I really look forward to working with such a gifted actor, who’s also become a good friend.”

The Avatar sequels will be filmed one after the other within a year ahead of each new installment’s annual release. “Avatar 2” will start its principal production in October 2014, with an expected release date for December 2016. Sam Worthington (Jake Sully) and Zoe Saldana (Princess Neytiri) will reprise their roles. No additional casting news has been made available.

“Avatar 3” is scheduled for December 2017 and “Avatar 4” is planned for 2018