James Cameron Credits Vegan Diet With 'Amazing Surge of Energy'

The filmmaker says switching to a plant-based diet 14 years ago changed how he views meat and masculinity.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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In a recent interview, acclaimed director James Cameron spoke about his journey to veganism, which began in 2012 after watching the documentary Forks Over Knives. Cameron, who initially associated eating meat with masculinity, says he experienced an 'amazing surge of energy and a healthfulness' after adopting a plant-based diet, and that this surge has lasted until now. The director also helped challenge the idea that meat is essential for masculinity and athletic performance through his work on the documentary The Game Changers.

Why it matters

Cameron's comments highlight the growing acceptance of plant-based diets, especially among high-profile figures, and the increasing awareness that meat consumption is not necessary for health or masculinity. His personal experience and advocacy work have helped to debunk common myths about veganism and masculinity.

The details

In 2011, the documentary Forks Over Knives had a significant impact on Cameron, who went vegan the following year. The director initially associated eating meat with masculinity, but after learning more about the health benefits of a plant-based diet, he quickly changed his perspective. Cameron also served as an executive producer on The Game Changers, a film that challenges the idea that meat is essential for masculinity and athletic performance by highlighting elite athletes who follow plant-based diets.

  • In 2011, the documentary Forks Over Knives was released.
  • In 2012, shortly after watching Forks Over Knives, James Cameron went vegan.
  • In 2022, Cameron suggested there should be a new word for veganism: 'futurevore'.
  • In 2026, Cameron spoke about his 14-year vegan journey in a recent podcast interview.

The players

James Cameron

An Academy Award-winning director who went vegan in 2012 and says he has experienced an 'amazing surge of energy and a healthfulness' since adopting a plant-based diet.

Suzy Amis Cameron

James Cameron's wife, who founded the One Meal a Day for the Planet initiative, which encourages people to eat at least one plant-based meal a day for health and environmental reasons.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

A former Mr. Olympia and vocal advocate for eating more plants, who appeared in The Game Changers documentary to explain that the idea of meat as a symbol of masculinity is largely a marketing construct.

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What they’re saying

“We thought, 'This is it: sports performance.' A lot of people care about sports performance—and between the lines, it's sexual performance. So it's vigor, it's energy, it's staying younger. We made it about sports, then went out and showed how vegan athletes were actually doing better.”

— James Cameron (GQ)

“The idea of meat as a symbol of masculinity is largely a marketing construct.”

— Arnold Schwarzenegger (The Game Changers)

“We're eating the way people will eat in the future. We're just doing it early.”

— James Cameron (GQ)

The takeaway

James Cameron's personal experience and advocacy work have helped to challenge the longstanding association between meat consumption and masculinity, highlighting the growing acceptance of plant-based diets and the increasing awareness that a vegan lifestyle can provide significant health benefits and athletic performance advantages.