The world of Avatar just got a lot hotter — literally. The long-awaited trailer for Avatar: Fire and Ash will debut in cinemas this weekend alongside The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Ahead of its release, Entertainment Weekly and select press were treated to an exclusive screening at Disney’s NYC headquarters — complete with 3D glasses.
Here’s what fans can expect from the third installment in James Cameron’s Pandora-set epic, arriving in theaters December 19, 2025.
Introducing the Ash Clan and Varang
The trailer’s most striking reveal is the Ash Clan, officially called the Mangkwan Clan. These fire-dwelling Na’vi live near an active volcano and are led by Varang, portrayed by Game of Thrones alum Oona Chaplin. Disney released an early poster showing Varang adorned in a red headdress, with volcanic ash smeared across her face and flames burning in her hands — unharmed.
“Varang is the leader of a people who have gone through an incredible hardship,” James Cameron told Empire. “She’s hardened by that… She will do anything for them, even thing
s that we would consider to be evil.”
Like the ocean-dwelling Metkayina Clan introduced in The Way of Water, the Ash Clan seems to have a symbiotic relationship — this time with fire. They’re painted as the central antagonists in Fire and Ash, particularly in conflict with Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña).
Neytiri vs. Varang: A New Battle Brews
The trailer shows heated tension between Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri, as they clash over how to respond to the Ash Clan threat. Jake yells, “You cannot live like this, baby… in hate!” before scenes show Neytiri launching arrows from the skies while Varang wields a flamethrower.
A particularly haunting moment features Varang confronting Kiri (Sigourney Weaver), the adopted daughter of Jake and Neytiri who has a spiritual link to Eywa, the Na’vi deity.
“Your goddess has no dominion here,” Varang declares ominously, cementing her as a chilling new foe.
Themes of Fire, Grief, and Rebirth
James Cameron revealed the deeper symbolism behind the title Fire and Ash during a D23 interview:
“If you think of fire as hatred, anger, violence, that sort of thing, and ash as the aftermath — grief, loss… And what does that cause in the future? More violence, more anger, more hatred. It’s a vicious cycle.”
This philosophical underpinning will likely drive the emotional core of the film, just as The Way of Water explored themes of family and refuge.
More Na’vi Clans and Returning Faces
Alongside the Ash Clan, the trailer introduces the Wind Traders, a peaceful Na’vi tribe of the sky. They travel on enormous ships powered by jellyfish-like sails and towed by massive flying beasts — creatures first teased in concept art released by Disney.
The Metkayina are also back. Cliff Curtis reprises his role as Tonowari, with Kate Winslet returning as his wife and spiritual leader, Ronal.
High Stakes for Jake’s Family and Spider
The trailer features Jake Sully captured by the RDA, marched through a high-security base, while his children are seen facing new threats. Human-Na’vi hybrid Spider (Jack Champion), who bonded with the Sully family in the previous film, appears particularly vulnerable.
After the tragic death of Neteyam (Jamie Flatters) in The Way of Water, fans are bracing for more heartbreak.
When and Where to Watch
Avatar: Fire and Ash opens in theaters worldwide on December 19, 2025. The first trailer will screen exclusively with Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps, beginning this weekend.
If early reactions are anything to go by, this third installment will be darker, bolder, and more visually stunning than ever — ushering in a new era for Pandora.
