Avatar Fire and Ash releases tomorrow (December 19, 2025) worldwide—James Cameron‘s 195-minute epic introduces Oona Chaplin as villain Varang, projects $350M global opening, and critics call the 3-hour-15-minute runtime “exhausting.” Zoe Saldana’s Neytiri becomes a “full-blown racist,” while Avatar 4 (2029) and Avatar 5 (2031) are already greenlit despite mixed reviews today.
Key Takeaways
- Releases tomorrow: December 19, 2025 in US theaters (already opened Germany/Philippines Dec 17)
- 195-minute runtime—longest Avatar film yet (3 hours 15 minutes)
- $340-365 million global opening projected—$90-105M domestic, $250-275M international
- Oona Chaplin steals the show as Varang, leader of the Ash People clan
- Neytiri becomes “full-blown racist”—Zoe Saldana’s character rejects Eywa’s will
- New York Times review TODAY (Dec 18)—praises visuals, criticizes “hollowness”
- Avatar 4 & 5 confirmed—December 2029 and December 2031 releases
- Golden Globes nominated—Best Cinematic and Box Office Achievement
Avatar Franchise Comparison
Breaking: New York Times Review Published Today
This morning (December 18, 2025), The New York Times published its review of Avatar: Fire and Ash, offering mixed praise for the franchise’s third installment.
The Verdict:
“For the franchise’s third movie, James Cameron throws in new creatures, new landscapes, melodramatic plot lines and big battle sequences.”
The review highlights Oona Chaplin’s Varang as the film’s standout:
“A new antagonist, Varang (Oona Chaplin), enters dramatically on her dragon-like mount, commanding a chaotic army. With a fierce expression and a striking blood-red crown, she embodies a captivating villainy, bringing a compelling backstory that unfolds amidst battles, unexpected alliances, intricate plotting.”
The Runtime Debate: 3 Hours 15 Minutes
Avatar: Fire and Ash clocks in at 195 minutes (3 hours 15 minutes)—the longest Avatar film to date.
Runtime Comparison:
Why So Long?
James Cameron told Empire magazine:
“In a nutshell, we had too many great ideas packed into act one of movie two. The [film] was moving like a bullet train, and we weren’t drilling down enough on character. So I said, ‘Guys, we’ve got to split it.'”
Audience Reaction:
Early test screenings revealed length remains the franchise’s biggest criticism. One review stated:
“At well more than three hours, Fire and Ash is our longest stay yet on Pandora and the one most likely to make you ponder why you came here, in the first place.”
Oona Chaplin’s Varang: The Game-Changer
Oona Chaplin (granddaughter of Charlie Chaplin, Game of Thrones alum) beat out three major Hollywood stars to play Varang, leader of the Ash People.
How She Got the Role:
Cameron called her audition “mesmerizing”:
“There were three other actresses I was excited to collaborate with. They were established stars and incredibly talented. Yet, there was something about what Chaplin brought. She embodied a sexuality, a commanding psychology, and a lot of intensity.” — James Cameron
Who Is Varang?
Chaplin described Varang as a revolutionary driven by trauma:
“I never saw her as a villain. I think both of these characters are also very principled. For me, it was a great revelation to have the conversations with Jim around this theme where she tells a little bit about her biography, her kind of origin story, why she is the way she is.”
Varang’s Backstory:
- Leader of the Ash People (Fire Clan)
- Forged alliance with Colonel Quaritch (Stephen Lang)
- Trauma-driven separation from Eywa (Na’vi deity) shaped her worldview
- Commands dragon-like mount and fierce army
- Wears blood-red crown
Neytiri’s Dark Turn: “Full-Blown Racist”
Zoe Saldana returns as Neytiri—but this time, her character takes a shocking turn toward hatred.
The Transformation:
According to Wikipedia:
“Saldaña described her character as having become a ‘full-blown racist’ after the events of the second film, particularly towards her adoptive son Spider because of him being a physical reminder of how humans were the ones who killed her biological son Neteyam, to the point she has abandoned Eywa’s will and her husband doesn’t really recognize her anymore.”
The Family Drama:
Fire and Ash picks up shortly after The Way of Water, with Jake (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri grieving their son Neteyam’s death.
Sam Worthington explained:
“Both characters go back to their default. Neytiri goes back to Eywa [the All-Mother of Pandora] and Jake goes back to soldiering. They’re both just trying to find a path through.”
The film explores Spider’s role (Jack Champion)—the human son of Quaritch who now struggles to survive on Pandora without breathing apparatus.
Box Office Projection: $350M+ Global Opening
Industry analysts project Avatar: Fire and Ash will open with $340-365 million globally—one of the biggest debuts ever.
Breakdown:
- Domestic (US/Canada): $90-105 million from 3,800 theaters
- International: $250-275 million
- Total Global Opening: $340-365 million
Historical Context:
If Fire and Ash matches its predecessors’ legs:
- Avatar (2009): $77M opening → $2.9 billion total (all-time #1)
- The Way of Water (2022): $134M opening → $2.3 billion total (#3 all-time)
Could It Hit $2 Billion?
If Fire and Ash crosses $2 billion, Avatar becomes the first franchise in history with three $2B+ films.
The Ash People & Wind Traders
Fire and Ash introduces two new Na’vi clans that expand Pandora’s mythology.
The Ash People (Mangkwan Clan):
- Led by Varang
- Aggressive, war-hardened tribe
- Allied with Colonel Quaritch
- First evil Na’vi in the franchise
The Wind Traders:
The Plot:
After Neteyam’s death, the Sully family settles with the Metkayina (water tribe). But when Varang’s Ash People form an alliance with the human sky people, the conflict on Pandora escalates to devastating consequences.
Avatars 4 & 5: Already Scheduled
Despite Fire and Ash not even releasing yet, Disney has already greenlit and scheduled Avatar 4 and Avatar 5.
Release Dates:
Production Status:
Will Cameron Direct?
At 71 years old, James Cameron hasn’t ruled out directing both sequels:
“I’m not going to rule it out. I’m still energized to direct Avatar 4 and 5.” — James Cameron
However, Cameron expressed concerns about streaming killing theatrical attendance:
“As streaming platforms gain popularity, fewer individuals will visit theaters to watch films, including my Avatar series. Nevertheless, I remain hopeful.”
Fan Reactions: “Another Billion to James Cameron”
Early Twitter reactions praise the film’s spectacle while acknowledging its flaws:
Positive:
- “BEST Avatar movie to date. Can’t wait to see it again.”
- “It started out as ‘meh, more of the same’ and ended with ‘yup, another billion to James Cameron.'”
- “This is not just a movie, it’s an experience.”
Critical:
Where to Watch Tomorrow
Avatar: Fire and Ash releases December 19, 2025 in theaters worldwide.
International Releases:
- Germany & Philippines: Already opened December 17
- India: December 19 in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam
- US & Worldwide: December 19
Format Options:
The world premiere was held December 1, 2025 at Dolby Theatre, Hollywood, with Zoe Saldana, Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, and James Cameron walking the red carpet.
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