The first trailer for James Cameron’s Avatar 3 Fire and Ash provides more insight into the world of Pandora as well as more action-packed battle scenes. The new footage introduces two new clans including the Tlalim, or Wind Traders, and the Mangkwan, or Ash People.
Colonel Miles Quaritch is seen wearing Ash People war paint, indicating that he’s made an alliance with this dangerous tribe. This will likely cause problems for Jake Sully and his Metkayina family.
Plot Points
For Avatar fans, the biggest moment in this trailer may be the return of the Toruk Makto. The giant flying creature was a major part of the original film, and is now back in action to take down RDA ships. The toruk looks mighty in battle as Jake flies it through the skies and through dangerous terrain.
The other major moment is a heart-wrenching scene with Spider and his clan. Varang tells a story of how the people were burned, and that they cried out to Eywa for help. The deity did not answer them, which left the people with an anger that they have aimed at all other Na’vi.
This explains why Neytiri wears her clan’s colors at this point, as well as Varang and Quaritch’s choice of outfits. It also suggests that there is a new conflict coming up, and that the Sully family could be torn apart in some way.
The other big revelation is that Spider’s connection to Eywa has gone incredibly far, allowing him to bond with creatures in Pandora. This is confirmed by the scene in which he uses his queue to bond with an Ilu, a water-based creature found in this part of Pandora. This is a massive shift in the character, and it’s one that will likely be a key plot development in the film.
Character Appearances
Fans were disappointed when the Toruk Makto didn’t appear in The Way of Water, but the trailer shows that the mighty ally is back for more adventures. The creature is paired with Jake as they fly in the sky, taking out RDA ships from above. The way that the creature is positioned suggests that it could be a powerful leader of a species or clan, as it has four rings around its face.
The biggest character development comes for Spider, who is shown in several scenes without a mask, implying that he underwent some biological changes through his connection to Eywa. He now has a neural queue that allows him to bond with other creatures, which is a major step up from the mere ability to breathe Pandora’s air. He’s also seen using his queue to bond with an Ilu, which indicates that the character will have a new power and role to play in the movie.
Kiri is also one of the most interesting characters, but her backstory and special connection to Eywa remain mysteries at this point. The trailer teases some intriguing shots of her in a forest setting, implying that she will visit the more natural parts of Pandora. Several of the shots in the trailer showcase regions of the planet that haven’t been previously explored.
Visual Effects
James Cameron has always been a fan of creating jaw-dropping visuals in his movies, and the first trailer for Avatar 3 proves the director is back in top form. The trailer features a wide variety of scenes, from epic battles to intimate family moments. But it also introduces new characters and hints at a major upcoming conflict that will threaten all life on Pandora.
The trailer focuses heavily on new character Varang, played by Oona Chaplin. Her fiery demeanor and dark war paint make her stand out from any other Na’vi we’ve seen before. She is portrayed as a force to be reckoned with, especially as she commands her group of Ash People warriors. Varang ominously declares, “Your goddess has no dominion here.”
Another significant moment in the trailer comes when Jake and Neytiri reunite with Spider in a tender moment, only to clash shortly afterward. The scene also shows Spider gasping for air during a battle, which suggests he’s in the midst of an internal struggle between his human heritage and the Na’vi clan that raised him.
Avatar fans are also excited to see that the Toruk Makto will be returning in this film. The giant flying beast is the king of the skies on Pandora, and anyone who can bond with it becomes known as a leonopteryx. The creature is a major favorite of fans, and the trailer promises thrilling aerial battles as it takes down RDA ships.
Action Scenes
The two previous movies in the franchise showcased Na’vi life on Pandora, but the third film is set to expand that world. The movie will introduce audiences to the Wind Trader clan and the Ash people, who live in a bleak environment that contrasts with the lush jungle of the original Avatar.
It looks as though the new film will also explore the darker side of Na’vi culture, which could lead to some surprises for viewers. It seems as though Avatar 3 will feature more than just Jake and Neytiri’s story, with James Cameron and key cast members hinting that the film will go to some dark places in terms of emotional storytelling.
Fans can expect to see more action scenes as well. The trailer features a fight scene between the Na’vi and the Ash warriors, as well as a battle with the giant flying creatures called toruks. The toruks are capable of destroying buildings and can be found in the wilderness.
The trailer also teases a possible romance between Varang and Quaritch. The pair bonded in Avatar: The Way of Water, but it’s unclear how their relationship will progress in Fire and Ash. The trailer also features a moment where Neytiri appears to be interacting with a selection of Tulkun whales. One of the whales has four rings around its face, which suggests that it may be a Tulkun leader.