Avatar 3, known as Fire and Ash, packs in so much action and new ideas that some characters end up feeling underused. The movie introduces the Ash People, a fierce group of Na’vi led by the villain Varang, who have a tragic backstory that makes them more than just bad guys.https://comicbook.com/movies/news/zoe-saldana-admits-there-are-scenes-in-avatar-3-she-completely-forgot-about-until-she-saw-the-movie/ This shift breaks the old pattern where all Na’vi were good and humans were the only enemies, adding fresh layers to Pandora’s world.https://comicbook.com/movies/news/zoe-saldana-admits-there-are-scenes-in-avatar-3-she-completely-forgot-about-until-she-saw-the-movie/
Director James Cameron focuses on epic visuals and big battles, which often steal the spotlight from familiar faces. Zoe Saldaña, who plays Neytiri, even said she forgot about some scenes until she saw the final cut because filming took so long and there was so much going on.https://comicbook.com/movies/news/zoe-saldana-admits-there-are-scenes-in-avatar-3-she-completely-forgot-about-until-she-saw-the-movie/ During production, actors like her had to zero in on their own parts amid the chaos, leaving less room for everyone else’s stories to shine.
The trailers highlight Varang and her tribe, hinting they could become standout characters with real depth.https://comicbook.com/movies/news/zoe-saldana-admits-there-are-scenes-in-avatar-3-she-completely-forgot-about-until-she-saw-the-movie/ But this means returning heroes from the earlier films might get pushed aside to make space for the new threats. Fans have long noted that Avatar movies prioritize stunning effects over deep plots, and Fire and Ash seems to lean even harder into spectacle.https://comicbook.com/movies/news/zoe-saldana-admits-there-are-scenes-in-avatar-3-she-completely-forgot-about-until-she-saw-the-movie/
In past Avatar stories, side characters sometimes faded into the background once the main action ramped up. Fire and Ash follows suit by building out Pandora with these antagonistic Na’vi, which dilutes screen time for the core family. Saldaña’s comment shows how overwhelming the shoot was, suggesting directors cut or shortened moments to fit the runtime, making some roles feel like quick cameos.
This pattern echoes issues in other big franchises where new elements crowd out old favorites. The result is a film that wows the eyes but leaves viewers wanting more from characters they love.
Sources
https://comicbook.com/movies/news/zoe-saldana-admits-there-are-scenes-in-avatar-3-she-completely-forgot-about-until-she-saw-the-movie/
https://screenrant.com/avatar-last-airbender-season-2-trailer-toph-netflix-change/
