Avatar 3: Fire and Ash trailer explained — New villains, fire, fury, and the war on Pandora

You can’t live in hate.

Avatar, which is one of the highest-grossing franchises, directed by James Cameron, has returned with the third instalment, promising more intensity, power and soulful messaging. The trailer plunges us back into the stunning world of Pandora, with fire, literally. We are introduced to two fierce new Na’vi tribes: the graceful Wind Traders and the fiery Ash People. Jake Sully and Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña) return, now leading their family into a new war—this time against the ruthless Ash Clan. And Colonel Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang), now seemingly teaming up with the very enemies Jake must fight. The newest antagonist is Varang (Oona Chaplin), the formidable leader of the Ash People, who steps in as this chapter’s central villain.

As expected, the visuals are beautiful—Pandora looks more immersive than ever, practically begging to be experienced on the biggest screen possible. If Avatar: The Way of Water was all about oceanic wonder, Avatar 3: Fire and Ash promises flames, fury, and high-stakes tribal warfare—just as the title teased.

If you’re trying to remember what happened in the previous film, which released in 2022, we’ve got you covered. 

More than a decade after the events of the first Avatar, Jake Sully is now fully Na'vi and living peacefully on Pandora with his wife Neytiri and their children—including two sons, a daughter, and Kiri, the mysterious adopted child born from Grace Augustine’s avatar. But peace doesn’t last long. The ‘Sky People’ (humans) return to Pandora—this time not just for resources, but to colonise it as Earth is dying. Among them is a resurrected Colonel Miles Quaritch, now in a Na’vi avatar body with his memories intact, and he’s out for revenge against Jake.

To protect his family and draw danger away from the Omaticaya clan, Jake relocates to a distant oceanic region ruled by the Metkayina, a reef-dwelling Na’vi tribe. Here, the Sullys must learn the “way of water,” adapting to new customs, marine life, and a breathtaking underwater world.

Tensions rise as Quaritch closes in. In the explosive third act, tragedy strikes—the Sullys lose their eldest son, Neteyam, during a fierce battle against Quaritch and the humans. Jake ultimately defeats Quaritch (for now), but the emotional cost is high. In the end, the Sullys choose to stay with the Metkayina, finding strength and healing in their new home.