James Cameron and Cirque du Soleil joining up for Avatar-inspired performance

The live show is expected to premiere at the end of 2016

Avatar grossed $2.7bn at the box office after its release in 2009 (Capital Pictures)

He is a director with an abundance of epic blockbusters to his name; they are a global phenomenon that has entranced more than 100 million people.

And now James Cameron and Cirque du Soleil are coming together to produce a live show based on the former's Oscar-winning Avatar, Variety reported.

Daniel Lamarre, president and CEO of Cirque du Soleil, announced the plans at the C2MTL-Commerce and Creativity Conference in Montreal, Canada, on Thursday.

The show is due to premiere shortly before the scheduled release of the first of three new Avatar films at the end of December 2016.

20th Century Fox, which is distributing and financing the sequels, will be a partner in the new project, alongside Jon landau’s Lightstorm Entertainment.

James Cameron said in a statement: "Over the years, I have discovered the extraordinary talents and imaginations of both the artists and the creative forces behind Cirque du Soleil.

"I know we share the common goal of bringing audiences to another level of entertainment experiences. I look forward to doing just that on this project."

The project will be the first time Cirque du Soleil has choreographed a performance inspired by a film.

However, the entertainment company did previously work with Cameron on the 2012 3D documentary Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away.

Lamarre said in a statement: "Our relationship with Jim Cameron began with my visit at his Avatar cutting room.

"I am thrilled that almost 5 years later, Cirque du Soleil will be able to explore the very inspirational Avatar realm for the live stage. This will mark our second creative project with Jim and I believe it will be as stimulating for both our creative forces."

Jim Gianopulos, 20th Century Fox's chariman and CEO, added: "Avatar remains a phenomenon that continues to inspire people around the globe, and combining it with the live event ingenuity of Cirque de Soleil is a perfect synthesis of imagination and talent."

Avatar was released in 2009 to critical acclaim. It became the highest-grossing film of all time, making $2.7 billion (£1.6 billion) worldwide, and was nominated for nine Academy Awards, going on to win three.