‘Avatar: Fire & Ash’ Director Explains Neytiri and Ash People Connection [Exclusive]

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As a huge Avatar fan, I’m really intrigued by what James Cameron is hinting at with the next film, Avatar: Fire and Ash. He’s saying Neytiri is going to go through a really tough, personal struggle. It’s going to be the third film in the series, and of course, he’s directing! It picks up right after Avatar: The Way of Water, which was so heartbreaking with Neteyam’s death. The Sully family is still dealing with that loss, and now they’re facing a brand new danger: a group called the Ash People. I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds!

The Ash People are a Na’Vi tribe who turned to fire and technology after a disaster destroyed their original home. They now live in a volcanic, ash-covered landscape and have joined forces with the villain Miles Quaritch, making them a significant danger to Pandora. Meanwhile, Neytiri’s sorrow leads her to become interested in the Ash People’s way of life, which could cause conflict within the Sully family and potentially tear them apart.

I was reading a fascinating interview with James Cameron over at MovieWeb, and he talked about how Neytiri’s grief really shaped the new Ash People tribe in Avatar: Fire and Ash. Apparently, they’re meant to be a sort of dark reflection of her pain, amplifying it across the whole tribe. He even said something really striking – that Neytiri feels unable to save herself, which is heavy! It sounds like Fire and Ash is going to be a much darker film, and the Ash People might even tempt Neytiri to abandon the beliefs she’s always held.

I began with the idea that Neytiri would be deeply affected by the loss of her oldest son, leading her down a path of anger and resentment. I then expanded on this, imagining an entire culture similarly traumatized and consumed by hatred, to explore the potential consequences for Neytiri if she couldn’t overcome this darkness, or if those around her couldn’t help her. Neytiri is a particularly beloved character – historically, audiences have been most captivated by her. While Jake is the central figure, the emotional core of the story, Neytiri is exceptional, and we wanted to avoid seeing her destroyed by grief and anger.

Neytiri’s Journey in ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ Won’t Be Easy


20th Century Studios

Okay, so I’m really excited about the new Avatar movie! Zoe Saldaña is back as Neytiri, and this time things are dark. Apparently, her character is completely devastated by the loss of their son, to the point where Sam Worthington’s Jake doesn’t even recognize her anymore. It’s wild – Zoe actually said that grief brings out a really harsh, even shockingly prejudiced side of Neytiri. She described her as becoming, and I quote, a ‘full-blown racist.’ It’s a bold direction for the character, and honestly, I’m intrigued to see how they pull it off. It sounds like this movie is going to explore some really complex themes, and I’m here for it.

In “Fire and Ash,” the character becomes deeply prejudiced, to the point where Jake doesn’t recognize her, and she’s lost touch with who she is. She’s also turned away from Eywa, treating its guidance as something insignificant, like a child’s thoughts.

The new Avatar film, Fire and Ash, hints at a much darker story than previous movies, pushing the characters into completely new and dangerous situations. Neytiri and the Sully family will face lasting changes, and the threats they encounter seem more significant than ever. The family has already experienced one loss, but the film suggests more heartbreak is coming, potentially making Fire and Ash a truly devastating experience for both viewers and the characters we love.

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2025-12-06 02:48