Why People Think Quaritch Will Switch Sides in Avatar 3 Fire and Ash
Colonel Miles Quaritch has always been one of the most unpredictable characters in the Avatar franchise. In the original film, he was a straightforward villain – a military commander willing to do whatever it took to destroy the Na’vi and secure resources for the human colonists. But his journey has become far more complicated, especially after the events of Avatar: The Way of Water.
In that second film, Quaritch died in his human form but was brought back as a “recombinant” – his consciousness transferred into a new Na’vi body. This transformation fundamentally changed who he is as a character. He’s no longer purely human, and he’s no longer purely Na’vi either. He exists in this strange middle ground, which has sparked intense speculation among fans about where his loyalties might go in the upcoming third film.
Director James Cameron has been surprisingly open about Quaritch’s internal struggle in Avatar: Fire and Ash. According to Cameron, Quaritch is experiencing what he calls an “identity crisis.” The character is grappling with a deeply philosophical question: is he the same person he was before, bound by the memories and personality of his human self, or is he someone completely new? This existential dilemma is central to understanding why people believe he might switch sides.
One of the most telling hints comes from Cameron’s own comments about the character’s future. Cameron stated that Quaritch has an interest in Spider Socorro, Jake’s biological son. This relationship is significant because it represents something beyond pure revenge or military objectives. A father’s connection to his son could be the emotional anchor that pulls Quaritch away from his destructive path. Cameron explained that Quaritch “could connect, he could plug in – Jake wants him to.” This suggests that Jake Sully himself sees potential for Quaritch to become an ally rather than an enemy.
The filmmaker also revealed that having two characters simply trying to kill each other for three movies would be “very uninteresting.” Instead, Cameron promised that things would get “much snakier” and that “Quaritch’s soul is very much in play in movie three.” This language suggests a genuine internal conflict rather than a predetermined outcome. Quaritch isn’t just a villain going through the motions – he’s a character whose fundamental nature is being questioned.
The new threat in Avatar: Fire and Ash also plays a role in this theory. The Ash People, led by the fierce warrior Varang, represent a new enemy that could force unlikely alliances. In a recently released clip, Quaritch approaches Varang’s encampment and attempts to make a deal with her, offering weapons and technology in exchange for her cooperation. This shows Quaritch actively working to build relationships and negotiate rather than simply destroy. If Quaritch can ally with the Ash People, why couldn’t he eventually align with Jake and his family against a common threat?
The recombinant nature of Quaritch’s existence also matters. As a Na’vi, he’s now biologically connected to Pandora in a way he never was as a human. He can breathe the air, swim in the waters, and experience the world through Na’vi senses. This physical transformation could lead to a spiritual or emotional transformation as well. Many fans believe that living as a Na’vi might gradually change Quaritch’s perspective on the world and the people he once sought to destroy.
Cameron’s emphasis on the complexity of Quaritch’s character suggests that a simple redemption arc or a straightforward betrayal wouldn’t be satisfying storytelling. Instead, the director seems to be building toward something more nuanced – a character who might work with Jake not out of pure goodness, but out of necessity, self-interest, or a genuine shift in his understanding of what matters. The fact that Jake would “rather have this guy on his side” indicates that the protagonist sees value in Quaritch beyond just defeating him.
The timing of these revelations is also significant. With Avatar: Fire and Ash set to release on December 19, 2025, Cameron has been carefully dropping hints about Quaritch’s arc without giving away the actual outcome. This measured approach to discussing the character suggests that his role in the film is genuinely surprising and worth protecting from spoilers.
Ultimately, people believe Quaritch will switch sides because the character has been fundamentally transformed by his resurrection as a recombinant Na’vi. His identity crisis, his connection to Spider, the new threats on Pandora, and Cameron’s own statements all point toward a character in flux. Whether he becomes a true ally or simply a temporary partner in survival remains to be seen, but the evidence strongly suggests that Quaritch’s role in Avatar: Fire and Ash will be far more complex than simple villainy.
Sources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avatar:_Fire_and_Ash
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1mDP3f-RMY
