Avatar 3 Added Major Callback to First Movie

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James Cameron has shared that Avatar 3 will feature a significant connection back to the original Avatar movie, specifically involving the characters Fire and Ash.

In a recent Variety interview, James Cameron talked about Avatar: Fire and Ash and how he approaches making movies. Cameron explained that he usually trusts his gut instincts and doesn’t often doubt his creative impulses. However, he admitted to having second thoughts once while working on Avatar 3, feeling that the story wasn’t quite right-it felt “a little off”.

So, Toruk is back [in Fire and Ash], right? You know, that large bird Jake rides [in Avatar]? I’ve been anticipating someone asking, ‘Why doesn’t he simply retrieve the big red bird and defeat everyone as he did before?’ Because that strategy isn’t present at all in The Way of Water,” Cameron stated.

What did James Cameron say about the callback in Avatar 3?

Initially, Toruk wasn’t part of the Fire and Ash storyline. Cameron decided to revisit the script and reintroduced Toruk, requiring the filming of some new scenes.

I immediately thought, ‘He needs to go get the bird.’ Seriously! I was planning to use that plot point in a future movie. I remember thinking, “Forget that! Let him get the bird. Let him ride the Toruk.” There’s something about Jake’s fate that makes it necessary, doesn’t there?” Cameron said. “So I changed the script, we filmed a couple of scenes to support that idea, I removed some existing material and added this in… it really works well, and the actors were thrilled with the new direction. They all felt it was the right thing to do, you know?”

As a huge fan, I’m so excited for Avatar: Fire and Ash, which comes out three years after Avatar: The Way of Water. It’s got a lot to live up to, considering the first two Avatar films are the highest and third highest-grossing movies of all time! To be as successful as they were, Fire and Ash really needs to bring in at least $2 billion worldwide. I’m hoping it does!

Avatar: Fire and Ash opens in theaters on December 19, 2025.

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2025-10-02 17:17