Avatar: Fire and Ash is an upcoming American epic science fiction film directed by James Cameron, who co-wrote the screenplay with Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver. The story was developed by Cameron, Jaffa, Silver, Josh Friedman, and Shane Salerno. Produced by Lightstorm Entertainment and distributed by 20th Century Studios, the film serves as the third installment in the Avatar franchise, following Avatar: The Way of Water (2022).

Overview

The film continues the story of Jake Sully and Neytiri, exploring new regions of Pandora and introducing a fierce new tribe known as the Ash People. Returning cast members include Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, and Kate Winslet, joined by Oona Chaplin as Varang, the leader of the Ash People.

Avatar: Fire and Ash is scheduled for release in the United States on December 19, 2025, after several delays due to technological development and global circumstances.

Premise

Set one year after the events of The Way of Water, the story follows Jake and Neytiri as they struggle to move forward after the loss of their son, Neteyam. Their peace is shattered when they encounter the Ash People, a powerful and aggressive Na’vi tribe led by Varang. Aligned with their old enemy, Colonel Quaritch, Varang’s tribe brings Pandora into a new era of conflict, testing loyalties and reshaping the destiny of the planet.

Cast

• Sam Worthington as Jake Sully
• Zoe Saldaña as Neytiri
• Sigourney Weaver as Kiri
• Stephen Lang as Colonel Miles Quaritch
• Oona Chaplin as Varang
• Cliff Curtis as Tonowari
• Kate Winslet as Ronal
• Britain Dalton as Lo’ak
• Jack Champion as Miles “Spider” Socorro
• Trinity Jo-Li Bliss as Tuktirey (Tuk)
• Bailey Bass as Tsireya (Reya)
• Giovanni Ribisi, Joel David Moore, CCH Pounder, David Thewlis, and others in supporting roles

Production

James Cameron began developing the sequels to Avatar (2009) shortly after its record-breaking success. Originally planned for release in 2015, Fire and Ash faced multiple delays due to the creation of groundbreaking underwater performance capture technology and the expansion of the story into five films.

Filming for Avatar: Fire and Ash took place in New Zealand, beginning in September 2017 and concluding in December 2020. Cameron shot the film simultaneously with Avatar: The Way of Water, using advanced visual effects crafted by Weta FX.

Cameron has described the film as “more character-driven,” with a focus on emotional storytelling, loss, and cultural conflict.

Themes and Setting

The movie introduces a darker, more intense side of Pandora through the Ash People, a Na’vi tribe shaped by hardship and survival in volcanic regions. Unlike the peaceful water and forest clans, the Ash People embody themes of grief, rage, and revenge.

Cameron has explained that the film’s title symbolizes this duality:

“If fire represents anger and violence, ash is the aftermath — grief and loss — and what comes after that defines the future.”

Music

The film’s score is composed by Simon Franglen, continuing his collaboration from The Way of Water. A new original song titled “Dream as One”, performed by Miley Cyrus and co-written with Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt, will be featured in the film.

Marketing and Release

The first teaser for Avatar: Fire and Ash premiered in theaters in July 2025, followed by an online release that same month. Fans and critics praised the film’s visuals and tone. The full trailer debuted on September 25, 2025, giving the first look at Varang and the Ash People.

In October 2025, Avatar: The Way of Water was re-released with exclusive mid-credits scenes teasing Fire and Ash, further building excitement for the sequel’s release.

Avatar: Fire and Ash will be released on December 19, 2025, in Dolby Vision and IMAX 3D formats.

Sequels and Future

Following Fire and Ash, two more sequels — Avatar 4 and Avatar 5 — are in various stages of production, expected to release in 2029 and 2031. James Cameron has hinted that these films will continue the emotional and cultural journey of Pandora’s people, forming one large interconnected saga.