Avatar: Fire and Ash stars explain their “domination and submission” relationship

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While James Cameron’s Avatar: The Way of Water centers on Jake Sully, the new film Avatar: The Seed Bearer explores a complex relationship between Colonel Miles Quaritch, played by Stephen Lang, and Varang, the leader of the Ash people, portrayed by Oona Chaplin. Lang and Chaplin recently revealed to TopMob that their characters’ connection is built on themes of power dynamics and control.

In the third film, the Sully family faces an even greater struggle to defend Pandora from the Resources Development Administration. This organization is relentlessly trying to colonize the planet and exploit its valuable resources to help humans.

Things get complicated when Quaritch teams up with Varang, realizing she and her Mangkwan people pose a serious danger to the Sully family. Varang’s people have deeply integrated fire and ash into their traditions, making them fierce and formidable warriors.

So, Quaritch and Varang have this really intense, almost explosive dynamic, and I was reading an interview where the actors explained why their messed-up relationship actually works on screen. It’s fascinating how they play off each other’s energy!

Stephen Lang says “a snarl is as good as a kiss” in Avatar: Fire and Ash

Stephen Lang and Oona Chaplin discussed the intense relationship between their characters, Quaritch and Varang. Lang noted that conflict can actually lead to a strong connection, hinting that despite their initial clashes, they might eventually find a way to work together for the benefit of both the Mangkwan people and the RDA.

He explained that people are often driven by basic instincts, and in that way, we aren’t so different from animals – a harsh reaction can mean the same thing as a loving one. However, these two characters instantly connect, experiencing a strong attraction while also pursuing their own goals.

The actor, known for his roles in Don’t Breathe and Sisu, described a complex dynamic between the couple, marked by both manipulation and a strong power imbalance. He explained that affection and aggression are closely intertwined in their relationship, suggesting intense and unpredictable intimacy. He jokingly hinted at the passionate and chaotic nature of their encounters.

Sigourney Weaver didn’t intend to echo her role in ‘Aliens’ when filming a particularly emotional scene in ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’; she was simply focused on the scene’s impact on her.

— ScreenTime (@screentime) December 18, 2025

Chaplin explored Varang’s motivations, explaining that her need to control everything stems from feeling helpless when the volcano destroyed her home. This traumatic experience left her feeling scared and powerless, so she now constantly seeks control in her life.

So, playing as her, it’s really clear she’s all about control. She’ll use anything she can to get it, and that includes, well, her attractiveness. But it’s not just that – she’s also got this crazy ability to basically mind-control people with a neural link, so power is always her main goal. That’s what drives her, honestly.

We’ll need to see how the connection between Quaritch and Varang impacts Pandora, hear Sigourney Weaver’s insights on the future of Avatar with parts 4 and 5, understand James Cameron’s views on using AI actors, and explore the meaning behind the title ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ before we can fully grasp what’s next.

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2025-12-18 20:20