'Avatar: Fire and Ash' trailer reveals new tribe and conflict ahead of December 2025 cinema release

Disney has released the first trailer for Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third film in James Cameron’s Avatar franchise, scheduled for theatrical release on December 19 2025. The trailer introduces the Ash People, a new tribe on Pandora, known for their association with fire and their aggressive tactics.

Director James Cameron previewed the film at the 2024 D23 Expo, describing it as a continuation of the expansive narrative that began in Avatar: The Way of Water.

Cameron noted that the third film explores “really challenging territory” for its central characters and brings emotional stakes that surpass the previous instalments.

The trailer reveals that Jake Sully, played by Sam Worthington, and the Metkayina clan are now confronting the Ash People, led by a character named Varang, portrayed by Oona Chaplin.

The footage shows Varang commanding fire and forming an alliance with Colonel Quaritch, reprised by Stephen Lang. Her closing line in the trailer, “Your goddess has no dominion here,” sets the tone for the new conflict.

Returning cast members include Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Kate Winslet, Cliff Curtis, and Britain Dalton. New additions to the cast feature Michelle Yeoh and David Thewlis.

According to Cameron, Fire and Ash was originally part of a combined storyline with The Way of Water, but the project expanded into two films during development. He also teased that the Ash People represent a more violent contrast to the previously introduced Na’vi clans.