Summary
After revealing the title of the thirdAvatarmovie,Avatar: Fire and Ash, James Cameron explained the name’s meaning, and now it seems inevitable that a major character, i.e. Jake Sully could die in the next installment.Avatar: Fire and Ashis the eagerly-awaited third partin James Cameron’s record-breakingAvatarfranchise. In 2009, the firstAvatarfilm was lauded for its unique concept and groundbreaking CGI. 13 years later,Avatar: The Way of Waterrevived the franchise to incredible success and similar acclaim. Now,Cameron is continuing hisAvatarjourneywith the newly mintedFire and Ash.
At this point, audiences can expect theAvatarmovie franchise to be a massive and years-long endeavor. After the release ofThe Way of Water,James Cameron explained that he planned on writing and directingfiveAvatarmoviesin total. Furthermore, he hinted thatAvatarcould continue beyond that, though he may not be at the helm ofAvatar 6or 7. Regardless,Avatar: Fire and Ashis a big step forward, proving thatAvataris back and better than ever. Yet, such an epic story comes with epic sacrifices. Cameron’s recent comments aboutFire and Ashprove that.
What Year James Cameron’s Avatar Movies Are Set In
While waiting for James Cameron’s highly anticipated Avatar 3, 4, and 5, it is crucial to understand the Disney franchise’s overall timeline.
James Cameron’s Avatar 3 Title Explanation Hints At A Major Death
Why Avatar Needs Big Character Deaths
The titleAvatar: Fire and Ashalready hints at a dark turn in theAvatarfranchise, but James Cameron’s recent explanation of the name only makes this interpretation worse. In an interview withRotten Tomatoes,Cameron explained theAvatar: Fire and Ashtitleby delving into the words' symbolism. Cameron noted that “fire” represents “hatred, violence, trauma, [and] possible misuse of power.“Meanwhile,Cameron described “ash” as denoting griefand characters coming to terms with the destruction they have caused. Ultimately, these two explanations hint at a devastating loss in the thirdAvatarmovie.
Avatar: Fire and Ashis slated for release on Jul 25, 2025.
James Cameron’s confirmation that fire represents violence and ash grief makes it likely thatAvatar: Fire and Ashwill include significant conflict and death. Clearly, Cameron isn’t afraid to kill characters, asAvatar: The Way of Watersaw thedeath of Jake and Neytiri’s eldest son, Neteyam. In fact, these character losses are almost to be expected. In order for audiences to be invested in theAvatarworld and the battles taking place within, the stakes need to feel high. Nothing can make a story more intense than the knowledge that beloved characters could perish at any time.
Jake Sully Is The Biggest Character Avatar 3 Could Kill
Other Characters Avatar 3 Could Potentially Kill
Ultimately, the most significant death that could occur inAvatar: Fire and Ashis that of Jake Sully. Sully is the franchise’s lead character and most notable hero. In 2009’sAvatar,audiences fell in love with Pandora just as Sully did and became dedicated to saving this unique planet. Then,Avatar: The Way of Waterintroduced Sully’s family and their fight for their way of life. In many ways,Jake Sully is a representation of the audience, which makes his death a major change. Yet, it may just be a change that is necessary for the future of the franchise.
Even if these characters surviveAvatar: Fire and Ash,their lives will likely still be at stake in the upcomingAvatarmovies.
Though Jake Sully would certainly be the most impactful deathAvatar: Fire and Ashcould have, there are other character deaths that would also be heartbreaking. Neytiri is another belovedAvatarcharacter whose death would signal the end of an era.Jake and Neytiri’s children would also be devastating losses, especially considering the development they had inAvatar: The Way of Water.Spider is included in this tally, though he is technically an adopted Sully child. Even if these characters surviveAvatar: Fire and Ash,their lives will likely still be at stake in the upcomingAvatarmovies.
Why Avatar 3 Killing Jake Sully Would Make Sense
Avatar Needs To Enter Its Next Era
Jake Sully’s death may be a massive change to theAvatarfranchise, but in some ways, it is vital. Sully started out as the series' lead character, yet his children are being set up as the next protagonists. This means thatif Sully is killed inAvatar: Fireand Ash,the franchise can be passed over to them. Though leaving Sully behind will be tragic,it will also allowAvatarto enter a new phase. This is pivotal, as it will allowAvatarto be fresh and exciting over the course of several movies.
If James Cameron does plan to kill Jake Sully inAvatar: Fire and Ash,his death must be an unforgettable cinematic moment. Similar to the death of Dr. Grace Augustine in 2009’sAvatar,Jake Sully’s death has to embody his importanceto the franchise. He must go out in a blaze of glory that proves his heroism. It seems realistic that Sully’s end would come as a sacrifice for his family. In the end, this would makeAvatar: Fire and Ashparticularly epic and meaningful.
Avatar: Fire and Ash
Cast
Avatar: Fire and Ash is a 2025 science fiction film continuing the saga of Pandora. Jake Sully and Neytiri confront a formidable new enemy, the Ash People, led by Varang. Struggling with personal loss and external threats, they strive to protect their family and Pandora’s future.
