Will Na’vi Fight Each Other?
In the world of Avatar, the tall blue Na’vi people have always seemed united in their love for Pandora and their goddess Eywa. But the new movie Avatar: Fire and Ash shows that not all Na’vi get along. For the first time, different Na’vi groups turn against each other in fierce battles. This comes from details shared by director James Cameron and early reviews of the film. Check out more on the real-life inspirations for these fiery Na’vi at https://www.slashfilm.com/2057128/james-cameron-real-life-inspiration-avatar-fire-and-ash-new-navi-clan/.
The story picks up after Avatar: The Way of Water. Jake Sully and his family face threats from humans, but now a new enemy rises from within the Na’vi. This group is called the Mangkwan, or Ash People. They live in a dead volcano that erupted long ago, turning their once-green home into ash and fire. Unlike other Na’vi who bond with Eywa through nature, the Ash People blame her for their suffering. They reject her and embrace violence instead. Their leader, Varang, is a powerful witch played by Oona Chaplin. She masters fire and leads her people in brutal ways, like running through flames and even scalping other Na’vi. Reviews describe her as rageful and bloodthirsty, teaming up with human colonel Miles Quaritch against Jake’s clan. See a movie review that dives into this clash at https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/movie-review-war-avatar-fire-ash-128448816.
James Cameron explains that a big volcano blast shattered the Ash People’s faith in Eywa. Without her guidance, they changed into a dark, warlike tribe. This makes them different from the forest Omatikaya or ocean Metkayina clans. The Ash People fly smoke-belching creatures and ally with human invaders for weapons and power. They challenge Jake’s group over recovered human guns from the sea, asking if Na’vi should fight like humans do. Battles include wild aerial fights, jail breaks, and huge showdowns across land, sea, and sky. One review calls the Ash People “kamikaze-prone zealots” who make scary villains. Read about their wild side here: https://www.myneworleans.com/movies-you-need-to-see-avatar-fire-and-ash/.
These fights add tension to Jake and Neytiri’s family. Neytiri questions her life with Jake as Na’vi turn on Na’vi. Quaritch even hesitates when humans call the Ash People savages, showing messy alliances. Cameron drew from real fire dancers in Papua New Guinea for their fiery rituals, where men dance with masks and sparks to honor spirits. This mix of cultures makes the Ash People feel real and dangerous.
Sources
https://www.slashfilm.com/2057128/james-cameron-real-life-inspiration-avatar-fire-and-ash-new-navi-clan/
https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/movie-review-war-avatar-fire-ash-128448816
https://www.myneworleans.com/movies-you-need-to-see-avatar-fire-and-ash/
https://movieweb.com/avatar-3-ash-people-difference-eywa-left-them-james-cameron/
