Avatar 3’s Oona Chaplin Teases How Varang’s Story Could Continue In Future Sequels

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Spoilers ahead for Avatar: Fire and Ash.

James Cameron is famous for pushing the boundaries of filmmaking technology, particularly with motion capture and visual effects, as seen in his Avatar films (available on Disney+). The latest installment, Fire and Ash, was a box office hit and introduced audiences to the Mangkwan, a new clan of Na’vi also known as the Ash People. Actress Oona Chaplin played Varang, the leader of this group, and has hinted at potential storylines for her character in future Avatar movies.

Reviews for Avatar: Fire and Ash have been somewhat mixed, though many critics praised the character of Varang, played by Chaplin, as a highlight of the third film. The ending of Avatar 3 featured a significant death, but it wasn’t Varang. When asked by Gold Derby about the future of her character, the actress shared:

The story of the Ash People is developing in a fascinating way, and I’m eager to see how they fit into the larger story of Pandora. I’m really excited about the potential for future developments and where the story can go.

The Ash People were a compelling group; after their village was destroyed by a volcano and Eywa didn’t intervene, they became filled with anger and sought revenge. Though armed by Quaritch, making them formidable opponents, they ultimately lost the final fight. Now, the question is whether Varang will become even more extreme because of this defeat, or if she’ll learn a different kind of lesson from it.

Later in the interview, Chaplin wondered what could happen when she returns to Pandora for Avatar 4. She considered how Varang might have felt about Quaritch seemingly dying, and said:

It’s interesting to consider how much of Quaritch’s hatred for Jake will carry over now that he’s been reborn. Their relationship is incredibly compelling, and it’s bound to shift dramatically. By the end of the film, you can really see Quaritch struggling with his new life. He’s desperately trying to hold onto who he was, but he also realizes he needs to change. Varang shows him that another path is possible, offering a different way to live.

The connection between Quaritch and Varang was a highlight of Fire and Ash, adding both humor and driving the plot forward. Now that they’re apart, it’s uncertain whether Varang will continue their shared mission or pursue a new path. Ultimately, we’ll have to wait and see if the last two Avatar films get made.

Disney+ offers streaming access to the Avatar franchise. You can start a subscription for as low as $11.99 per month with ads. For an ad-free experience, it’s $18.99 monthly, or you can save 16% by paying $189.99 annually. See the deal here.

Although James Cameron initially planned for five Avatar movies, he’s now unsure if the last two will happen. There are plenty of story ideas left, but their production likely depends on how well the next film, Fire and Ash, performs in theaters. During a recent interview, Oona Chaplin discussed potential directions for her character, Varang, saying:

I’m really drawn to Varang’s character. She’s carrying so much pain, and honestly, it’s compelling to watch her become stronger because of it, not in spite of it. She seems to almost thrive on her fear – though she’d never let anyone see that, of course. It’s a fascinating, and frankly scary, look at what happens when someone lets anger and resentment completely consume them. It makes you wonder, what’s the cost of letting fury dictate your life?

Varang was a truly frightening villain in Fire and Ash, largely due to her intense hatred and her ability to fight using her Na’vi queue. She survived the climactic battle, leaving her future open for exploration in a potential fourth film—if the studio decides to make one, of course.

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2025-12-26 19:39