Meet the Cast of Avatar: Fire and Ash and Their Characters in Real Life

Zoe Saldana as Neytiri.
Credit: 20th Century Studios; VALERIE MACON / AFP via Getty

The much-anticipated third installment of James Cameron’s "Avatar" franchise, titled "Fire and Ash," premiered on December 19. This latest chapter introduces the aggressive Mangkwan tribe, also known as the Ash People, and depicts the intensifying conflict between the Na’vi and human forces, pushing Pandora toward an impending crisis.

"I wouldn’t call it a dark film,” Cameron remarked in an interview with Entertainment Weekly in August 2024. “I think it goes to darker places than the previous ones did, but it’s still obviously this open, glorious, grand adventure, which is what we aspire to do every time we set out."

Returning cast members include prominent actors such as Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, and Sigourney Weaver. The film also welcomes newcomers like Oona Chaplin from Game of Thrones, expanding the rich tapestry of the film’s universe.

Sam Worthington as Jake Sully

Jake Sully (Sam Worthington).

20th Century Studios; Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty

Sam Worthington reprises his role as Jake Sully, a human in the Avatar program who ultimately recognizes the detrimental effects humans have on Pandora. His journey leads him to fall in love with Neytiri and immerse himself in Na’vi culture.

In addition to his role in the Avatar series, Worthington has appeared in films such as Wrath of the Titans (2013) and Everest (2015), and the miniseries Under the Banner of Heaven (2022).

Zoe Saldaña as Neytiri

Neytiri (Zoe Saldana).

20th Century Studios; Michael Buckner/Penske Media via Getty

Zoe Saldaña returns as Neytiri, who navigates challenges as she falls in love with Jake and faces upheaval in their family stemming from events in the previous installment, The Way of Water (2022).

Saldaña is also well-known for her roles in notable franchises such as Star Trek (2009-2016) and Guardians of the Galaxy (2014-2023). She recently won an Oscar for her performance in the upcoming musical crime drama Emilia Perez (2024).

Sigourney Weaver as Kiri

Kiri (Sigourney Weaver).

20th Century Studios; Carlos Alvarez/Getty

Sigourney Weaver transitions from her role as Dr. Grace Augustine in the first Avatar film to portray Kiri, a character who holds the legacy of her previous role.

Weaver is iconic for her portrayal of Ellen Ripley in the Alien franchise, which garnered her an Academy Award nomination for Aliens (1986).

Stephen Lang as Col. Miles Quaritch

Quaritch (Stephen Lang).

20th Century Studios; Jeff Spicer/Getty

Stephen Lang returns as the main antagonist, Col. Miles Quaritch, who is relentless in his quest to annihilate the Na’vi for the resource exploitation of Pandora. Although his physical form perishes, his Avatar is driven by a thirst for vengeance.

Lang boasts a diverse career with credits including Gods & Generals (2003) and Don’t Breathe (2016). A celebrated stage actor, his role in Death of a Salesman (1984) earned him a Tony nomination.

Kate Winslet as Ronal

Ronal (Kate Winslet).

20th Century Studios; John Nacion/FilmMagic

Kate Winslet portrays Ronal, a diver from the seafaring Metkayina clan, returning from The Way of Water and deepening her connection to the film’s expansive world.

Winslet has a storied career, previously teaming with Cameron on the acclaimed Titanic (1997), which catapulted her to international fame.

Oona Chaplin as Varang

Varang (Oona Chaplin).

20th Century Studios; Karwai Tang/WireImage

Oona Chaplin joins the Avatar family as Varang, leader of the Mangkwan clan.

Coming from a lineage of performers, Chaplin has built her own reputation through notable roles in projects like Taboo and Game of Thrones.

Other Notable Cast Members

• Britain Dalton as Lo’ak: Reprising his role as Jake and Neytiri’s son from The Way of Water.
• Jack Champion as Spider: The adopted son of Jake and Neytiri, with significant ties to the plot.
• Bailey Bass as Tsireya: Joining the franchise in the second film, playing a central role in the narrative.
• CCH Pounder as Mo’at: Continuing her legacy as a respected elder in the Na’vi community.
• Edie Falco as General Francis Ardmore: Another antagonist aiming to establish human settlement on Pandora.
• Jemaine Clement as Dr. Ian Garvin: A marine biologist torn between his professional motivations and a love for Pandora’s ecosystem.

As the Avatar series unfolds, fans can expect a rich blend of familiar faces and new talents, each contributing to the ever-evolving saga of Pandora.