Kiri is presented in recent Avatar films as a pivotal character whose unique origin and spiritual connection to Eywa position her as one of the saga’s most important figures, though whether she is the single “most important” depends on how you weigh spiritual significance versus political and narrative roles[2][3].
Essential context and supporting details
– Who Kiri is and why she matters: Kiri is introduced as the adopted daughter of Jake Sully and Neytiri and is revealed to have been born from the Avatar body of Dr. Grace Augustine, which gives her an unusual origin among the Na’vi and humans[2][3]. This origin ties her directly to the franchise’s long-running mystery about Eywa, the living network that connects Pandora[2][3].
– Spiritual and plot significance: Kiri demonstrates abilities and sensitivities that other Na’vi do not, including a pronounced ability to sense and interact with Eywa and to influence wildlife and plant life, which the films present as evidence that Eywa is an active, guiding presence on Pandora[2][3]. In subsequent storytelling she attempts direct contact with Eywa and plays a central role in scenes that suggest she can bridge the physical world and Eywa’s immaterial network[2].
– How critics and coverage frame her importance: Film and entertainment outlets argue Kiri may be the narrative key to healing Pandora and redefining the series’ future, with some pieces calling her the franchise’s most important character because she proves Eywa’s existence and acts as a conduit between people and the planet[1][3]. Discussion around her role also appears in behind-the-scenes notes and fan analysis, with some sources treating elements of her arc as surprising or contentious among viewers[4][5].
– Counterpoints and nuance: Importance can be judged several ways. Jake Sully and Neytiri remain central as leaders and catalysts for clan unity and resistance, and Eywa as a concept continues to shape events even when unseen[3]. Some viewers and analysts treat Kiri’s abilities and the narrative convenience of her origin as debatable plot developments, with fan-curated sites cataloging mixed reactions and labeling parts of her portrayal as implausible or an “ass pull” in storytelling terms[5].
– Creative and production notes: Coverage indicates that Kiri’s prominence was significant enough in the later films’ production discussions, including claims that elements of her role were controversial during development[4]. That suggests filmmakers intentionally amplified her spiritual and thematic weight in the saga.
Relevant perspective for answering “Is Kiri the most important character?”
– If “most important” means the character who proves Eywa’s reality and whose existence changes the franchise’s metaphysical stakes, then Kiri is argued to be the most important[2][3].
– If “most important” means the character who drives political leadership, military outcomes, and clan cohesion, then Jake, Neytiri, and other leaders retain primary importance[3].
– If “most important” is judged by fan consensus, reactions vary: some celebrate her as central to the future story, while others question aspects of her origin and narrative function[5].
Sources
https://www.fanbolt.com/161738/sigourney-weavers-kiri-the-avatar-alien-messiah-plot-we-arent-talking-about-enough/
https://comicbook.com/movies/feature/16-years-later-the-most-important-avatar-character-is-finally-revealed-and-their-look-isnt-surprising/
https://comicbook.com/movies/list/5-important-avatar-details-to-remember-before-fire-and-ash-including-a-character-youve-never-seen/
https://screenrant.com/avatar-fire-and-ash-spider-role-important-explained-james-cameron/
https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/YMMV/AvatarFireAndAsh
