'Avatar 3': James Cameron hints at fire-wielding Na'vi

The director says we'll meet Pandora's "Man of Ashes."

During our first two trips to Pandora, Avatar viewers have seen the cruel side of human nature - greed, selfishness, violence and profit above all else. The purity of life has been revealed through the natives of this planet - the Na'vi. The forest-dwelling Omaticaya were our introduction to the Na'vi in ​​2009's Avatar, while 2022's Avatar: Way of Water introduces the Metkayina tribe that lives along the coast of Pandora.

In the film, Jack Sully (Sam Worthington) and his family flee the forest to the ocean, seeking refuge from a peaceful sea-living tribe, but now, director James Cameron hints, that in his multibillion-dollar In the third installment of the franchise, we'll meet the dark side of the Na'vi - the planet's fire-wielding inhabitants who he dubs "the Embermen." Cameron revealed in an interview with French publication 20 Minutes that we can expect to see "different cultures" from all over the planet.

The fire will be represented by the 'Ash People.' I want to show the Na’vi from another angle because, so far, I have only shown their good sides. In the early films, there are very negative human examples and very positive Na’vi examples. In Avatar 3, we will do the opposite. We will also explore new worlds, while continuing the story of the main characters. I can say that the last parts will be the best. The others were an introduction, a way to set the table before serving the meal. But, obviously, everything will depend on how Avatar 2 is received, if it finds its audience."

Avatar 3 is almost complete, and the cast will be bolstered by the addition of Michelle Yeoh, Oona Chaplin, and David Thulius. Yeoh will play human scientist Dr. Karina Mogue and Chaplin will play Na'vi people Varang and Thewlis Will play an unnamed Na'vi character who may play one of the evil "Ash People".

The Way of Water continues its strong run at the global box office, recently passing the $1.4 billion mark, and looks set to overtake Top Gun: Maverick as the top-grossing film of 2022. With the film reportedly needing to hit $1.4 billion to break even, the budget for the sequel is believed to be even smaller, as the technology required for the sequel has been budgeted for from the second film onwards. If "Water Way" keeps up with current expectations, the chances of the film hitting the $2 billion mark are slim to none.

"Avatar 3" opens in theaters on December 20, 2024.