Varang (Oona Chaplin) in 20th Century Studios' Avatar: Fire and Ash Courtesy of 20th Century Studios Share on Facebook Share on X Google Preferred Share to Flipboard Show additional share options Share on LinkedIn Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share on Tumblr Share on Whats App Send an Email Print the Article Post a Comment Avatar: Fire and Ash has had its first few screenings for press on Monday, and the early reaction suggests James Cameron can celebrate yet another billion dollar box office mega hit. While official critics reviews for Fire and Ash are embargoed till closer to the film's Dec. 19 release date, 20th Century Studios allowed press to release social media reaction to screenings this week. The third installment in Cameron's groundbreaking Avatar series, sees the action return to Pandora after the events of 2022's Avatar: The Way of Water, and introduces the "Ash" people, fire-themed Na'vi clan. Fire and Ash stars Avatar regulars Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Stephen Lang, Sigourney Weaver, Joel David Moore, CCH Pounder and Giovanni Ribisi. The Way of Water's Kate Winslet and Cliff Curtis reprise their roles. Related Stories Movies James Cameron-Backed $1 Billion U.K. Film Studio Gets Go-Ahead From British Government Movies Billie Eilish Concert Doc, Co-Directed With James Cameron, Headed to Theaters Via Paramount The major new additions to the cast are Oona Chaplin, who plays Varang, the Na'vi leader of the volcano-dwelling Mangkwan clan and David Thewlis, who plays Peylak, the Na'vi leader of the Wind Traders. Given the Cameron's pedigree, and Avatar's unique place in pop culture, Fire and Ash's box office prospects look good, but the film will still need to perform heroics to keep up with the hauls of the first two chapters. 2009's Avatar, the film that ushered in the 3D film craze, made over $2.9 billion at the global box office, not adjusted for inflation. The film still holds the title of the highest grossing movie in history. 2022's The Way of Water scored an incredible $2.34 billion worldwide, a figure all the more remarkable as the theatrical industry was still reeling from a post-COVID slump. The third film is set to be followed by Avatar 4 in 2029 and Avatar 5 in 2031. See a selection of social media reaction to Avatar: Fire and Ash below. James Cameron's AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH is a phenomenal moviegoing experience. It's the biggest of the three - action-packed, visually jaw-dropping and rich with themes of family, legacy and survival. The way it weaves fire, water, air and land into every nook and cranny of the film... pic.twitter.com/aNO5xOXs5x- Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) December 2, 2025 There's too much "been there done that" in terms of plot beats and set pieces, but AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH is still an awe-inspiring technical and visceral achievement. It doesn't skimp on the melodrama or intensity, as James Cameron delivers a towering spectacle of such all-in... pic.twitter.com/dTIxhG8hT6- Scott Mendelson (@ScottMendelson) December 2, 2025 #Avatar FIRE AND ASH is a knockout. An epic that delivers on an enormous scale, with the characters & worldbuilding paying off surprising dividends. It's a delight to see a film be this big while still being a narratively & visually bold work of science-fiction. The best one yet. pic.twitter.com/2bu9DGrg9r- Bill Bria (@billbria) December 2, 2025 With #AvatarFireAndAsh master storyteller and visionary filmmaker James Cameron again delivers a hyperreal experience that is emotional and exhilarating. Repeatedly and exhaustively raising its own bar, this is an audacious feast that delivers more than anyone ordered. #Avatar pic.twitter.com/RrkGINBrpO- Simon Thompson (@ShowbizSimon) December 2, 2025 #AvatarFireAndAsh: 3 films in, James Cameron still has the sauce, making the epic spectacular feel emotionally impactful. A glorious saga. Bold, brilliant & awesome in every way, this is what movie theaters were built for. Payakan is still my fave, but Varang is the MVP. pic.twitter.com/zs1BjCTYmZ- Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) December 2, 2025 AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH is a monumental cinematic achievement. Astonishing, boundary-pushing visuals are accompanied by an enthralling narrative filled with poignant commentary and genuinely moving character work. By far, the best Avatar movie. Epic. Ambitious. Heartfelt. A must see pic.twitter.com/pEgPkwKBZj- The HoloFiles - Movie/TV News & Reviews (@theholofiles) December 2, 2025 #Avatar: Fire and Ash is another visually fantastic epic that also contains a couple of the most emotional moments in the series.
On the other hand, I had some issues with the third act and Way of Water remains the peak for me. But damn Cameron delivers spectacle like no one else pic.twitter.com/16uVIXDikG- Eric Goldman (@TheEricGoldman) December 2, 2025 #AvatarFireAndAsh is a damn good James Cameron movie! What else do you need to know?? Go see it in 3-D in the best theater you can find because it'll blow your mind. That's what JC does. Every bit