Quaritch does not fully understand Eywa in Avatar 3; he experiences moments of cognitive shift and exposure to Na’vi spirituality but remains largely unchanged in belief by the film’s end[1][3].
James Cameron and cast commentary, plus plot explanations, show Quaritch undergoing an identity crisis after being reborn in a Na’vi body and spending more time immersed in Pandora’s people and conflicts[1]. Stephen Lang and coverage note that Quaritch forms complex bonds (notably with Varang and with Spider) that push him toward questioning his old loyalties, which sets up a possible redemption arc in future films rather than a complete conversion to Eywa worship in this installment[1][2].
Onscreen events demonstrate that Quaritch sees and reacts to phenomena tied to Eywa—for example, the Sully family and Kiri interact with Eywa and receive aid via living creatures after Kiri’s connection; those events are witnessed by Quaritch and affect him emotionally, but they do not produce a clear spiritual revelation that makes him accept Eywa as truth[3][6]. Critics and explainers describe scenes where Jake tries to reach Quaritch in a turning moment and Quaritch hesitates, suggesting he is capable of change, yet his final actions remain ambiguous and leave his spiritual stance unresolved[3][6].
Reporting also emphasizes Quaritch’s cognitive dissonance: he is more Na’vi physically and socially than the humans he once served, yet his goals—especially ties to colonial aims and his alliance with Varang—keep him opposed to Na’vi faith and communities in practical terms[1][4]. Film coverage frames this as an “identity crisis” Cameron intends to explore further, meaning Quaritch’s full understanding or acceptance of Eywa is deferred to later sequels rather than settled in Fire and Ash[1].
Key points
– Quaritch experiences inner conflict and exposure to Eywa-related phenomena, but he does not become a believer within Avatar 3’s runtime[1][3].
– Cast and director commentary frame his arc as the start of a possible redemption or conversion, not a completed spiritual transformation[1][2].
– The film leaves Quaritch’s fate and ultimate relationship to Eywa ambiguous, intentionally setting up future exploration in subsequent films[3][6].
Sources
https://www.inverse.com/avatar-3-ending-explained-does-it-set-up-avatar-4
https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a69805012/avatar-fire-ash-stephen-lang-quaritch-varang-relationship/
https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/sci-fi-movies/avatar-fire-and-ash-ending-explained-who-dies/
https://screenrant.com/avatar-fire-and-ash-varang-quaritch-relationship-explained-stephen-lang/
https://collider.com/avatar-fire-and-ash-ending-explained/
