We finally got another look at the upcoming movie Avatar: Fire and Ash that releases in theaters on December 19th. Just this week, a trailer dropped on YouTube, showing us the new threat that Jake Sully and his family must overcome in the third installment of James Cameron's sci-fi epic: the mysterious fire clan known as the Mangkwan, or Ash People.
A recap of the story...
For anyone who needs a refresher on the story of the Avatar series up to this point, I'll give a small summary. In the first movie, Jake Sully, a soldier back on Earth, is sent to the alien planet of Pandora and tasked with negotiating with the Na'vi people to collect resources from their home. He is given a separate, alien body to control so that he can have an easier time adjusting to the Na'vi world: his avatar.
Over time, he learns their customs, culture, religion, and even falls in love. When the evil corporation (RDA) begins destroying Pandora for rare ores, Sully defects from the humans and helps the Na'vi fight them off. This struggle continues in Avatar: The Way of Water, when humanity returns to Pandora to colonize it. These films all convey an environmental message through their stories, as well as other themes such as family and love.
What's the deal with the fire clan in Avatar: Fire and Ash?
Based on the little information that we get from the trailer, I am certain that this new faction of Na'vi will not be as friendly as the previous clans. Their apparent obsession with fire matches humanity's destructive tendencies, making it clear that they are going to team up. Perhaps the Mangkwan Clan sees the "sky people" as godlike beings, who are there to "cleanse" Pandora of Eywa's ways.
However, there is also the possibility that this clan will be morally gray, only doing what they have to. The leader of the Ash People, Varang, "raises her people out of misery,” according to actor Oona Chaplin. “It’s easy to fall into the villain mentality, but actually she’s the hero of her people. Because she’s saved them out of misery and starvation and begging."
That could add a lot of depth to the character and show a perspective that is not wholly right or wrong. It might also lead to a change of heart later on in the film, with the Ash People realizing who the true enemy is. In any case, their involvement will surely spice up the conflict!
There are many other things to look forward to with this movie. All the unresolved problems with Jake's kids will surely be explored even further. Not to mention that these films use advanced technology to give the audience an amazing visual experience. Overall, I know that this movie will be a fun ride!
Avatar: Fire and Ash is out in theaters on December 19.