Avatar: Fire and Ash Keeps Jake Sully as the Central Character
Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third installment in James Cameron’s Avatar franchise, maintains Jake Sully as the lead protagonist of the film. Sam Worthington reprises his role as Jake Sully, continuing the character’s journey that began in the original Avatar film over a decade ago.
In this latest chapter, Jake Sully faces new challenges on Pandora alongside his family. The film picks up two weeks after the events of Avatar: The Way of Water, with Jake now established as a father and leader of his people. His character has evolved significantly throughout the franchise – starting as a soldier, then becoming a leader, and now navigating the responsibilities of parenthood while protecting his family and the Na’vi civilization.
The central conflict of Avatar: Fire and Ash revolves around a new threat to Pandora. Jake and his wife Neytiri must confront the Ash People, a violent and power-hungry Na’vi tribe led by a ruthless leader named Varang. This new antagonist forces Jake and his family to fight for their survival and the future of Pandora itself. The film explores how Jake’s attempts to stay out of conflict ultimately fail, resulting in tragic consequences for his family.
Jake’s character continues to be defined by his commitment to the Na’vi and his family. Throughout the film, the theme of family loyalty remains central, with the phrase “Sullies stick together” reflecting Jake’s unwavering dedication to protecting those he loves. His role as a father adds emotional depth to his character, as he must balance his desire to protect his children with the demands of leadership during wartime.
Stephen Lang returns as Miles Quaritch, Jake’s arch-rival, continuing their conflict from previous films. Quaritch’s vendetta against Jake remains unchanged, with his obsession with defeating Jake Sully driving his actions throughout the story. This ongoing rivalry provides continuity to the franchise while keeping Jake at the center of the narrative tension.
The supporting cast, including Kate Winslet as Ronal and other returning characters, surrounds Jake’s story but does not overshadow his role as the primary protagonist. Jake Sully remains the emotional and narrative anchor of Avatar: Fire and Ash, with the film’s plot, conflicts, and character development all centered on his journey and decisions.
Avatar: Fire and Ash had its world premiere on December 1, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood and is scheduled for theatrical release in the United States on December 19, 2025.
Sources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avatar:_Fire_and_Ash
https://letterboxd.com/film/avatar-fire-and-ash/
