Kate Winslet did film new underwater scenes for Avatar 3, also known as Avatar: Fire and Ash. She reprises her role as Ronal, a free diver of the Metkayina clan, and is shown performing extensive underwater sequences, including a remarkable seven-minute and fifteen-second underwater take. To prepare for these scenes, Winslet, along with other cast members, underwent rigorous training in free diving and underwater performance capture, practicing in a massive 680,000-gallon water tank designed to simulate the underwater environment of Pandora. This training was essential to capture authentic emotional performances while submerged, a technique that James Cameron’s production team pioneered and refined for the Avatar sequels[1][2][3][4].
The new documentary titled Fire and Water: Making the Avatar Films, which premiered on Disney+ on November 7, 2025, offers an in-depth behind-the-scenes look at this process. It highlights the extreme physical demands placed on the actors, including Winslet, who had to master breath-holding and underwater acting skills to deliver convincing performances. The documentary reveals how the cast’s ability to free dive and perform underwater was crucial to the film’s groundbreaking motion capture technology, which blends human emotion with advanced visual effects to bring the underwater world of Pandora to life[1][3][5].
Kate Winslet’s involvement in these underwater scenes is part of a larger effort by the Avatar production team to push the boundaries of filmmaking technology. The underwater performance capture required actors to hold their breath for extended periods while expressing complex emotions, a feat that Winslet and her co-stars achieved through intense training and dedication. This approach allows the film to maintain a high level of realism and emotional depth, distinguishing it from traditional CGI-heavy productions[1][2].
In summary, Kate Winslet not only filmed new underwater scenes for Avatar 3 but also played a significant role in advancing the underwater performance capture techniques that define the visual and emotional impact of the Avatar sequels. Her commitment to mastering free diving and underwater acting exemplifies the innovative spirit behind James Cameron’s ambitious cinematic vision for the Avatar franchise[1][2][3][4].
