As attendees at CinemaCon 2025 were handed 3D glasses upon entering the final presentation, it signaled a return to Pandora. Disney unveiled the first-ever footage from “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” the third installment in James Cameron’s notable fantasy franchise.
James Cameron was absent, but the presentation was led by Zoe Saldaña, who plays Neytiri. The footage showcased the water tribe Metkayina, with characters swimming through wreckage possibly linked to the preceding film, and highlighted moments with characters like Lo’ak, Kiri, and Tsireya.
Tsireya is seen reassuring Lo’ak by saying, “The strength of your ancestors is here,” while touching his chest. The arrival of the Wind Traders elevates the excitement among the Metkayina, indicating a lively and friendly interaction. Scenes of tranquility unfold with characters like Kiri and Spider riding alongside these flying pirate ships, whose sails have an almost translucent quality. The atmosphere remains peaceful and serene, echoing scenes from historic pirate films.
The tranquility is short-lived as Neytiri notices an ominous presence above and warns Jake. The Ash tribe, characterized by their menacing demeanor, bright red war paint, and flaming Ikrans, introduces a threatening element. They engage in an intense midair clash with the protagonists, using fiery arrows to attack the Wind tribe’s ships.
In subsequent scenes, Jake appears to be traveling solo across Pandora, passing by large volcanoes before reaching what seems to be the Ash tribe’s gate, surrendering with raised hands. Struggles within Jake’s family surface as conflicts with Lo’ak are highlighted, leading to emotional appeals against harboring hatred.
Tonowari, the water tribe’s leader, voices concerns over their ability to overcome foes originating from the stars. The footage hints at an alliance between the Ash tribe and Quaritch’s human forces.
A tense sequence follows Neytiri in a hospital setting, frantically concerned for her children amidst a raid. The footage culminates in a grand battle among floating rocks, seemingly amidst ongoing destruction. Neytiri confronts the Ash tribe’s leader in combat, but encounters resistance when faced with their flame-oriented weaponry. The Ash tribe’s dismissal of Ewa is echoed in a remark by their leader, “Your goddess has no dominion here,” concluding the trailer.
The footage juxtaposes the refined grace of the Wind tribe, the dynamic aggression of the Ash tribe, and situates the water people, including the Sully family, amid the unfolding conflict. With “Avatar: Fire and Ash” set to release on December 19, the storyline hints at potential sacrifices ahead. James Cameron continues to work on the project.
