Avatar 3 Will Introduce Evil Na'vi, James Cameron Says

The third Avatar movie, which is scheduled to hit theaters in December 2024, will introduce a new group of Na'vi, according to writer-director James Cameron. He told the French outlet 20 Minutes, as translated by GamesRadar, that Avatar 3 will introduce "Ash People" focused around fire who aren't exactly wholesome and kind-hearted, it seems.

The 2009 original Avatar focused on the Omaticaya group of Na'vi, who dwell in the forest, while Avatar: The Way of Water introduced viewers to the Metkayina, who live near and around the water. Both groups love Pandora and seek to protect it from humans.

Avatar 3 will show "different cultures" from those seen in the first two Avatar films, Cameron said, and they may not be nice people. "The fire will be represented by the 'Ash People.' I want to show the Na'vi from another angle because, so far, I have only shown their good sides," Cameron said.

"In the early films, there are very negative human examples and very positive Na'vi examples. In Avatar 3, we will do the opposite. We will also explore new worlds, while continuing the story of the main characters," Cameron said. "I can say that the last parts will be the best. The others were an introduction, a way to set the table before serving the meal."

Avatar 3 brings back the main cast in addition to new actors like Michelle Yeoh (The Witcher: Blood Origin), Oona Chaplin (Game of Thrones), and David Thewlis (Harry Potter). It's a safe bet that at least some of those new cast members will play members of the new fire-focused people.

The Way of Water released in theaters on December 16 and is making a splash at the box office. It's generated $1.5 billion so far worldwide, making it the highest-grossing 2022 film. It is the No. 12 highest-grossing movie in history.

Avatar 3 was filmed back-to-back with The Way of Water, and it's scheduled for release in December 2024. Avatar 4 and Avatar 5 are planned, but not yet confirmed. Even if they do get made, Cameron might not direct them.

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