Having almost destroyed Pandora in James Cameron’s sci-fi blockbuster smash Avatar (2009), Stephen Lang is set to make a shock return to the glorious Naa’vi world in the much-anticipated sequels.

Deadline have revealed that Lang will reprise his role as villainous Colonel Miles Quartich in the follow-up films of the potentially new franchise. Cameron issued a statement to confirm the news:

“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.”

Although the character was killed off at the end of the original film, Cameron has stated that the veteran actor will return as Miles but in the form of a Darth Vader-type figure.

Three Avatar sequels are currently set for production with filming set to start in 2014.