Avatar: Fire and Ash — the third chapter in James Cameron’s record-shattering sci-fi saga — will blaze its way into theaters this December. Three years after The Way of Water immersed audiences in Pandora’s ocean realms, this sequel promises to push the boundaries of its world once again, venturing into landscapes we’ve never seen… and introducing tribes unlike any we’ve known.

Just as the Metkayina clan revealed life beneath the waves, Fire and Ash will take us to Pandora’s volcanic edge — a land of scorched earth, searing winds, and raw, untamed power. Here dwell the Ash People, a tribe as formidable as the land they inhabit. But unlike the allies the Sully family has found before, this clan may not be so eager to offer safe harbor.

In January, director James Cameron offered the first hints of what’s to come. Speaking to Empire, he unveiled concept art that revealed Varang, the leader of the Ash People — a figure carved from fire and stone, with eyes as sharp as obsidian. Cameron’s words teased a possibility that could redefine the series: Varang might stand as the franchise’s first non-human antagonist.

Now, with the release of the first Avatar 3 trailer, fans finally catch a glimpse of the Ash People in motion — and of Varang herself, towering in presence, radiating both command and danger. Her arrival could ignite a new kind of conflict in the saga, one driven not only by survival, but by clashing ideologies.

If Fire and Ash delivers on Cameron’s vision, it won’t just expand Pandora’s geography — it will deepen its moral terrain, testing the Sullys, challenging the Na’vi, and pushing Avatar into uncharted storytelling territory.

Who Is Varang in Avatar: Fire and Ash? Meet the First Na’vi Villain

Expanding the breathtaking world of Pandora in ways we’ve never seen before. At the heart of this new chapter is Varang, a fierce leader of the Ash People, who will become the franchise’s first Na’vi antagonist.

This time, Jake Sully and his family will journey beyond the lush forests and crystal waters we’ve come to know, finding themselves near an active volcano — home to the fire-worshipping Ash People. Their lives and culture are deeply shaped by the volcano’s harsh environment, making them a stark contrast to the forest-dwelling Omaticaya from Avatar and the oceanic Metkayina from The Way of Water.

Varang: A Leader Forged in Fire

Unlike the spiritual and harmonious Na’vi tribes introduced before, the Ash People are more antagonistic in nature. James Cameron revealed that they’ve endured an “incredible hardship” that has hardened them into a people of unyielding will.

As their leader, Varang is fiercely protective — willing to do anything for her tribe’s survival, even if the rest of Pandora sees her as a villain. Early footage shows her riding a massive winged creature into battle, leading her warriors with unshakable resolve.

What Role Will Varang Play in Fire and Ash?

The trailer hints at conflict on multiple fronts. Varang could wage war against the human invaders led by Quaritch, clash with other Na’vi tribes, or both. Her motivations remain rooted in loyalty to her people — even if it means igniting chaos across Pandora.

This marks the first time an Avatar film will feature a Na’vi antagonist, adding fresh complexity to the series’ portrayal of tribal politics, survival, and morality.

Who Is Playing Varang in Avatar 3 — And Why You’ve Probably Seen Her Before

It's none other than Oona Chaplin — a name that carries both the weight of legacy and the fire of modern storytelling.

For many, the first time Chaplin left a mark was as Talisa Maegyr in HBO’s Game of Thrones — the compassionate healer who won the heart of Robb Stark, only to have both their fates sealed in one of television’s most gut-wrenching betrayals: The Red Wedding. In those few short episodes, Chaplin didn’t just play a part — she carved her character into pop culture history, delivering a death scene that still haunts fans more than a decade later.

But her craft extends far beyond Westeros. Chaplin has walked through the fog-shrouded streets of Sherlock, plunged into the dark, unnerving tech-nightmares of Black Mirror, and commanded the screen in the spy-thriller miniseries Treason, holding her own alongside the likes of Olga Kurylenko and Charlie Cox.

Her talent, though, is more than earned — it’s inherited. She is the granddaughter of Charlie Chaplin, the silent-film revolutionary whose comedic genius shaped the very language of cinema. On her mother’s side, she carries the bloodline of Eugene O’Neill, the Pulitzer-winning playwright behind stage classics like Long Day’s Journey Into Night. In other words — Oona Chaplin doesn’t just act. She channels a century’s worth of artistry, storytelling, and performance into every role she takes.

Now, in Avatar 3, she isn’t simply playing another character — she’s stepping into the legacy of an epic that’s redefining blockbuster cinema. And if history is anything to go by, Varang won’t just be remembered… she’ll be unforgettable.

What the First Trailer for Avatar 3 Reveals About Varang?

It introduces us to Varang. Not beneath the emerald canopy of Pandora’s forests, but in a realm where life breathes ash. The Mangkwan Clan’s home is a volcanic wasteland—no lush vines, no ocean blues—just scorched earth, ember-filled skies, and the looming crown of a restless volcano. In battle, Varang wields a flamethrower like an extension of her own will, her gaze bright with awe and satisfaction. At one chilling moment, she takes Kiri—Jake’s daughter—hostage, her voice a blade: “Your goddess has no dominion here.”

Between fiery clashes and aerial dogfights, a subtler thread flickers—a glimpse of Miles Quaritch among the twisted, blackened branches of Mangkwan territory. Later, Varang greets an unseen figure. The implication is clear enough to chill the blood: the humans may seek alliance with the Ash People. And if such a pact is struck, the cost to Jake Sully and his family could be catastrophic.

This isn’t just another villain reveal. It’s the scent of smoke before the firestorm.

As the flames of Avatar: Fire and Ash spark intrigue, Varang’s shadow looms large over Pandora’s fate. With alliances shifting and tensions rising, one thing is certain—James Cameron’s third chapter promises to ignite the screen with spectacle and soul. Until the full story unfolds, fans can immerse themselves in the vibrant legacy of Pandora through stunning collectibles that capture the beauty, danger, and spirit of the Na’vi.

Celebrate Pandora’s magic—explore our Na’vi & Avatar franchise collectibles and bring the breathtaking world of James Cameron’s epic home.