“It Doesn’t Work That Way”: James Cameron on How Avatar 3 Will Correct Common Hollywood Mistakes

Exploring Grief and Humanity in Avatar: Fire and Ash

The upcoming film Avatar: Fire and Ash promises to challenge conventional storytelling norms by tackling themes of grief and human emotion, areas that director James Cameron believes Hollywood often misrepresents. Set in a volcanic landscape inhabited by the formidable Ash Clan, this installment will delve deeper into the experiences of the Sully family in the aftermath of their losses. Following the heart-wrenching events of The Way of Water, where the family suffered the loss of their son Neteyam (portrayed by Jamie Flatters), the narrative will further explore their journey alongside the Metkayina clan.

In a recent interview with Empire Magazine, Cameron emphasized how the film will realistically portray the lasting impact of grief. He clarified that while the family will carry the burden of their loss, it will not lead them down a path of vengeance against humans. Instead, the narrative will focus on their process of continuing life amidst their tragedy, providing a more nuanced depiction of their emotional landscape.

The exact quote, which is in the voiceover, is, “The fire of hate gives way to the ash of grief.”I think what commercial Hollywood doesn’t do well is deal with grief the way human beings really deal with it. You know, characters get killed off, and then in the next movie everybody’s happy again. I’ve lost a lot of people, friends and family members, over the last six or eight years, and it doesn’t work that way.

It also doesn’t make you so mad that you’re going to become an army of one and gun up and kill all those m***********s, which is another Hollywood trope. It makes you just kind of depressed and f****d up. I’m not saying our movie’s depressed and f****d up, I’m just saying that I think we deal with that part of life quite honestly. The [Sullys] journey continues in a very naturalistic, novelistic way. I’ve sort of thought of this next cycle, meaning 3, 4 and 5, as how they continue to process the things that happen to them. Now, of course, they’re not human, but this is a movie for us, by us, right? Science-fiction is always just a big mirror of the human condition.

Understanding the Sully Family’s Journey in Avatar 3

A Humanized Narrative in Fire & Ash

As evidenced by the emotional closure depicted at the end of The Way of Water, Jake (played by Sam Worthington) reminiscences about Neteyam’s youthful spirit, highlighting his profound sense of loss. Nevertheless, Cameron’s insights suggest that Jake will not be propelled by a desire for retribution against humanity. This new perspective indicates a transformative approach to conflicts between humans and Na’vi, potentially leading to a richer moral complexity in the narrative.

Moreover, Cameron’s poignant quote about grief encapsulates what awaits in the third film: a deeper exploration of the consequences of revenge. The Sully family’s struggle to navigate their grief while confronting challenges from the Ash Clan will likely be a central theme. The emotional turmoil stemming from Neteyam’s death could significantly impact their choices as they confront new adversities.

Cameron’s Innovative Narrative Choices

A Distinctive Approach to Sequels

Custom Image by Milica Djordjevic

Cameron’s commitment to depicting grief authentically sets Avatar: Fire and Ash apart from typical Hollywood narratives. This aspiration not only deepens the emotional resonance of the story but also provides a fresh lens through which to view the aftermath of tragedy. With three more films planned for the franchise, this next chapter may introduce enduring themes that will continue into the fourth and fifth installments, allowing for a thorough exploration of the characters’ development and moral dilemmas.