Avatar: Fire and Ash opens this weekend, and James Cameron wastes no time pulling audiences back into the emotional fallout of The Way of Water. This story moves forward only weeks after the last battle, with the Sully family still grieving, still fractured, and facing a Pandora that is rapidly changing. New clans rise, old enemies regroup, and every major character carries consequences from what came before. Before heading into theaters, here’s a closer look at the characters shaping Avatar: Fire and Ash, including who’s returning, who’s evolving, and who may redefine the conflict entirely.
Jake Sully (Sam Worthington)
Jake Sully enters Fire and Ash under immense pressure. Once a Marine, now a clan leader, husband, and father, Jake retreats to what he knows best when the weight becomes overwhelming: war. Now fully part of the Metkayina, he struggles to hold his family together while external threats grow stronger. Jake’s instinct to fall back on his training creates tension within his family and drives much of the film’s emotional core. This is a leader operating on survival instinct rather than certainty.
Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña)
Neytiri begins this chapter in deep mourning. The loss of her son Neteyam still shapes every decision she makes, and her once unshakable faith is now tested. Her relationship with Spider remains complicated, as he is both under her protection and a reminder of the humans who caused so much pain. Neytiri’s grief and anger make her one of the most emotionally raw characters in the film, closer to breaking than ever before.
Kiri (Sigourney Weaver)
Kiri steps into a new role as the oldest Sully child. Born from Grace Augustine’s avatar body, she maintains a powerful connection to Pandora that sets her apart. After Neteyam’s death, her bond with Spider deepens, grounding the story in moments of quiet reflection. Kiri represents both hope and unanswered questions, particularly surrounding her spiritual connection to Eywa.
Spider (Jack Champion)
Spider remains one of the most emotionally complex characters in the franchise. A human raised among the Na’vi, he exists between two worlds without fully belonging to either. After saving Quaritch in The Way of Water, Spider carries guilt, confusion, and a deep desire for acceptance. His journey in Fire and Ash centers on identity rather than allegiance, mirroring the film’s larger moral gray areas.
Lo’ak (Britain Dalton)
Lo’ak becomes the emotional storyteller of Fire and Ash. Haunted by his brother’s death, he believes the loss is his fault, a belief that shapes his actions throughout the film. Living in the shadow of Jake Sully is no easy task, and Lo’ak’s struggle to define himself adds a relatable human layer to the epic scale of Pandora. His growing connection with Tsireya offers moments of balance amid escalating conflict.
Tuk (Trinity Jo-Li Bliss)
Tuk may be the youngest Sully, but she consistently proves she belongs in the story. Often underestimated, she shows courage and determination when it matters most. Her presence reinforces the idea that bravery comes from heart, not size or age.
Tsireya (Bailey Bass)
Tsireya serves as a bridge between families and cultures. Tasked with teaching the Sully children the ways of the Metkayina, she forms a particularly strong bond with Lo’ak. Her compassion and steady support help others see their own strengths, even in moments of doubt.
Ronal (Kate Winslet)
Ronal remains a force of conviction. Pregnant and fiercely protective of her people, she continues to clash with Neytiri in ways rooted in misunderstanding and shared trauma. Ronal’s story is driven by survival, belief, and an unyielding commitment to the future she is carrying.
Quaritch (Stephen Lang)
Quaritch returns more dangerous than ever. Resurrected as a recombinant, he leads elite RDA forces with the same relentless drive that defined him before. Defeat has not humbled him; it has sharpened his resolve. In Fire and Ash, Quaritch escalates the conflict, raising the stakes for everyone on Pandora.
Varang (Oona Chaplin)
Varang is the most striking new presence in Avatar: Fire and Ash. As the leader of the Mangkwan, also known as the Ash People, she emerges from a world devastated by fire and ash. Riding a Nightwraith and revered as a savior, Varang is driven by desperation, devotion, and a thirst for power. Her unpredictability positions her as both antagonist and tragic figure, making her one of the most compelling additions to the franchise.
Avatar: Fire and Ash opens in theaters December 19, continuing the saga of Pandora with deeper emotional stakes, evolving characters, and a world that feels more alive—and more dangerous—than ever before.
