The highly anticipated film, Avatar: Fire and Ash, takes the long-standing rivalry between Jake Sully and Colonel Miles Quaritch into new and unexpected directions. As the franchise continues to evolve, the characters, portrayed by Sam Worthington and Stephen Lang, respectively, experience profound transformations that challenge their original ideologies.
Initially introduced in the groundbreaking 2009 film by James Cameron, Jake and Quaritch represented a classic conflict between soldier and militarized invader. Jake, having spent significant time with the Na’vi, ultimately rejects the human military’s mission and opposes Quaritch. The narrative shifts dramatically in Avatar: The Way of Water, where Quaritch inhabits a Na’vi avatar body and begins to perceive Pandora from the very perspective he seeks to obliterate.
In an engaging interview with ScreenRant’s Ash Crossan, Worthington and Lang discussed how their characters have adapted to their new circumstances. Worthington noted that the transformation into Na’vi bodies results in the loss of their previous human military mindset. He remarked, “I think when they drive the Na’vi body, they become more human. They lose a lot of that.”
This evolving dynamic is underscored by a role reversal. Worthington continued, “In the first movie, the colonel tells Jake, ‘Be careful on Pandora, don’t go too far into the woods.’ In this one, it’s reversed. I’m kind of telling him, ‘This is what you’ve got to see and learn about Pandora, don’t go too far into the woods.'”
Lang added another layer to their relationship, emphasizing the enduring military hierarchy. “We still address each other as Colonel and Corporal. What I like about that is that it’s almost like they’re striving to hold onto something they remember, because it’s very scary to do something new,” he explained.
The film introduces significant new themes, particularly as Quaritch forms a connection with Oona Chaplin’s character, Vaarang, the leader of the Na’vi Ash People. This relationship prompts a reevaluation of Quaritch’s views on the Na’vi and his place within Pandora. Worthington acknowledged that their relationship shifts dramatically, noting a pivotal standoff halfway through the film that alters the energy between them.
Despite its ambitious narrative, Avatar: Fire and Ash faces high expectations, with projections estimating a global opening of around $350 million. However, the film must contend with the monumental success of its predecessors, both of which earned approximately $2 billion. Early reviews indicate a more mixed reception this time, with a current score of 69% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 203 reviews.
While critics have expressed divided opinions, the film exemplifies Cameron’s commitment to deep character development. Avatar: Fire and Ash explores themes of identity, power, and transformation, pushing beyond a simple good-versus-evil narrative. As the franchise continues to delve into the complexities of its characters, the rivalry between Jake and Quaritch emerges as one of the most emotionally layered storylines yet.
With a release date set for December 19, 2025, audiences can expect to witness how these richly developed characters navigate their shifting realities in the enchanting world of Pandora.
