At CinemaCon 2025, attendees received 3D glasses upon entering the final presentation, indicating a return to Pandora. Disney unveiled the first footage from “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” the third installment in James Cameron’s acclaimed fantasy series. Although Cameron was not present, Zoe Saldaña, who portrays Neytiri, led the presentation.
The footage showcased the Metkayina, a water tribe, as they navigated through wreckage, possibly remnants from the previous movie. Scenes included characters such as Lo’ak, Kiri, and Tsireya interacting. Tsireya reassures Lo’ak by placing a hand on his chest, referencing ancestral strength.
The arrival of the Wind Traders excited the Metkayina tribe, creating a joyous atmosphere. Younger characters, including Kiri and Spider, joined them. Cameron captured these scenes with a deep appreciation for the characters, portraying serene, beautiful moments as the ships peacefully floated through the mountains. However, the tranquility shattered when Neytiri noticed a threat in the sky and alerted Jake. The Ash tribe, marked by bright red war paint and sparks from their Ikrans, presented a formidable presence.
A fierce midair battle ensued, with Jake and Neytiri defending against the Ash tribe’s fiery arrows, which began to set the Wind tribe’s ships ablaze. Subsequently, Jake was seen traversing Pandora alone, passing volcanoes, and reaching what seemed to be the Ash tribe’s gate, surrendering with raised hands. Struggles within the Sully family emerged, particularly with Lo’ak, culminating in a heartfelt embrace accompanied by the plea, “You can’t live in hate!”
Tonowari, the water tribe leader, expressed skepticism about defeating stellar enemies, and the Ash tribe appeared to ally with Quaritch and the human forces. In the subsequent scenes, Neytiri was depicted in distress at a hospital amidst a raid, featuring a brief glimpse of a Tulkun’s eye. The footage concluded with an intense battle amid floating debris, with Neytiri and the Ash tribe leader clashing. The Ash leader, wielding a flamethrower-like weapon, challenged Neytiri, stating, “Your goddess has no dominion here,” highlighting their disbelief in Ewa.
The presentation emphasized the contrast among the peaceful Wind tribe, the dynamic Ash tribe, and the water people, including the Sully family, suggesting potential dire outcomes for the characters. “Avatar: Fire and Ash” is scheduled for release on December 19, with Cameron continuing his work on the film.