Meet Avatar 3’s New ‘Ash Clan’: ‘They’ve Gone Through An Incredible Hardship’, Says James Cameron

 Introducing Avatar 3’s ‘Ash Clan’: A Hardened People Shaped by Adversity, Says James Cameron

Starring: Zoe Saldaña, Sam Worthington, Oona Chaplin

Directed by: James Cameron

The world of Avatar is set to expand once again as James Cameron takes audiences back to Pandora in Avatar 3: Fire and Ash. Following the lush rainforests and crystalline waters of the first two films, this upcoming chapter will introduce a new faction of Na’vi, whose way of life has been shaped by hardship and survival.

The latest issue of Empire offers an exclusive glimpse into the next film, featuring fresh concept art and a deep dive into Cameron’s evolving vision for the Avatar saga. Among the revelations is the introduction of the ‘Ash Clan’, a formidable Na’vi group led by the fierce and enigmatic Varang, played by Oona Chaplin.

The Ash Clan: A People Forged in Fire

Unlike the ocean-dwelling Metkayina of The Way of Water, the Ash Clan has endured extreme hardships, making them a hardened and battle-ready society. According to Cameron, Varang’s leadership is defined by her unyielding loyalty to her people—no matter the cost.

“Varang is the leader of a people who have gone through an incredible hardship. She’s hardened by that,” Cameron tells Empire. “She will do anything for them, even things that we would consider to be evil.”

This signals a shift in the franchise’s portrayal of morality, moving beyond a simple “humans bad, Na’vi good” dichotomy. “We’re trying to evolve beyond that black-and-white perspective,” Cameron explains, hinting that conflict in Fire and Ash may not be solely driven by the human-run RDA (Resources Development Administration).

Chaplin’s performance as Varang has already left a strong impression on Cameron, who praises her portrayal: “She’s an enemy, an adversarial character, but she feels so real and alive. I didn’t fully appreciate how incredible her performance was until we got the Wētā animation back.”

The Wind Traders: Nomads of the Skies

Alongside the Ash Clan, Avatar 3 will introduce another intriguing group—the Wind Traders—who navigate Pandora’s skies aboard massive creatures, reminiscent of ancient Silk Road camel caravans.

“They’re nomadic traders,” Cameron explains. “Like all Na’vi, they live in symbiosis with their creatures. But they bring a different energy to the world of Pandora—they’re just fun!”

For those with an adventurous spirit, the Wind Traders’ sky-bound journeys promise an exhilarating new perspective on Pandora’s breathtaking landscapes. “If you’ve got any nautical blood in your veins, you’ll want to be on their ship,” Cameron teases.

A New Chapter in the Sully Saga

As Jake and Neytiri’s family ventures into this unknown territory, tensions are bound to rise between the various Na’vi clans. With the introduction of Varang and the Ash Clan, Fire and Ash is set to deliver the most complex portrayal of Pandora’s inhabitants yet—blurring the lines between heroism and villainy.

Fans won’t have to wait much longer to witness these new factions in action. Avatar 3: Fire and Ash is slated for release at the end of 2025—and it promises to take audiences deeper into Pandora than ever before.