Just weeks after Zoe Saldaña hinted at a behind-the-scenes look into Pandora, Disney+ officially confirmed Fire and Water: Making the Avatar Films. It is a two-part docuseries premiering November 7, 2025. Produced by 20th Century Studios and Lightstorm Entertainment, the series dives deep into the groundbreaking technology, artistry, and performances that brought James Cameron’s Avatar universe to life.
A Look Behind Pandora
The Fire and Water docuseries goes beyond the surface of visual effects to show the heart of Avatar’s filmmaking process. Featuring never-before-seen footage from The Way of Water and early glimpses at Avatar: Fire and Ash, the documentary explores how performance capture, underwater cinematography, and practical craftsmanship all merge. These elements combine to create Pandora’s breathtaking realism.
The two-part special was directed by Thomas C. Grane and produced by Richard Brehm, with executive producers James Cameron and Rae Sanchini. Audiences will also hear from key members of the Avatar cast and crew, including Zoe Saldaña, Sam Worthington, Kate Winslet, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, and producer Jon Landau.
Zoe Saldaña’s Push for Recognition
Zoe Saldaña, who portrays Neytiri, has long advocated for greater recognition of the artistry behind performance capture acting. Speaking about the project, she explained that the documentary gives actors “a chance to explain, in a meticulous way, why performance capture is the most empowering form of acting. It gives us the credit, the ability to own 100% of our performance on screen.”
This perspective forms the emotional backbone of Fire and Water, showing how the actors’ physical and emotional performances drive the films’ visual storytelling — far beyond what’s visible in CGI.
Building Worlds Underwater
Filmed across multiple global locations, including New Zealand, Hawaii, the Bahamas, and California, the series captures the technical innovation behind The Way of Water. One highlight: the cast learned to free-dive and perform motion capture in a 680,000-gallon water tank — a first in cinematic history. James Cameron and his team’s relentless pursuit of realism redefined what underwater filmmaking could achieve.
From The Way of Water to Fire and Ash
While much of Fire and Water focuses on The Way of Water, the second part teases Avatar: Fire and Ash. It is set to release in theaters on December 19, 2025. The upcoming sequel continues the saga of Jake and Neytiri Sully as they face a fiery new Na’vi group led by a dangerous new leader. Returning cast members include Saldaña, Worthington, Winslet, Weaver, and Cliff Curtis. Newcomers include Oona Chaplin, David Thewlis, and Bailey Bass.
A Billion-Dollar Franchise Continues
Since 2009, Avatar has become one of cinema’s most successful franchises. The original film remains the highest-grossing movie of all time with $2.92 billion worldwide, while The Way of Water holds the third spot at $2.34 billion. With Fire and Ash and future installments planned for 2029 and 2031, Cameron’s Pandora saga shows no signs of slowing down.
How and When to Watch
Fire and Water: Making the Avatar Films streams exclusively on Disney+ starting November 7, 2025. Subscribers can also rewatch Avatar (2009) and Avatar: The Way of Water ahead of Fire and Ash’s theatrical debut.
