James Cameron Shares Why He Loves the ‘Erotic’ Drug Trip Scene in Avatar: Fire and Ash

Oona Chaplin in ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’.
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20th Century Studios

Key Insights

• James Cameron discusses the latest addition to the Avatar series, Fire and Ash.
• He highlights a standout scene featuring Stephen Lang as Colonel Miles Quaritch and Oona Chaplin as Na’vi leader Varang.
• “There’s an erotic undercurrent to that scene that I like,” Cameron noted.

James Cameron, the acclaimed writer and director of the Avatar franchise, recently spoke about his favorite scene in the new film, Fire and Ash. The scene involves a visually striking sequence characterized by an unexpected complexity.

Cameron expressed, “I’m just in my happy place making an Avatar film. I just love the world-building. I enjoy figuring out this ecosystem, what the trees look like, and what the creatures look like.”

The third installment in the series continues the story from 2022’s The Way of Water, featuring returning stars such as Zoe Saldaña and Sam Worthington. Stephen Lang reprises his role as Colonel Miles Quaritch, while Oona Chaplin joins the cast as Varang, the leader of the Mangkwan clan.

James Cameron on Dec. 4.

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty

The dynamic between Lang’s character and Chaplin’s Varang unfolds with striking tension throughout the film. A notable scene depicts Varang administering a hallucinogenic drug to Quaritch, compelling him to reveal his true intentions. Cameron described the exchange as having “a sensuality,” enhanced by trippy visuals and Lang’s charming portrayal of Quaritch.

“To me, that’s my favorite scene just from a writing and acting standpoint,” Cameron stated. “It’s not the most emotional scene in the film, but I think it’s one of the more intriguing.”

The director emphasized the importance of creating a “dreamlike experience,” which he sees as central to the Avatar storytelling. He remarked, “We’re trying to put on a big show that’s intensely detailed and highly realistic.”

Looking ahead, Cameron has plans for future installments, with scripts for the fourth and fifth films already partially shot. However, he acknowledged the financial challenges posed by the current cinematic landscape, stating, “Filming adventures in Pandora costs money, and I’d love to continue to do it, but we can’t assume anything in a shifting marketplace where people have to get out to the theaters.”

Avatar: Fire and Ash is currently in theaters.