Latest news with #Mangkwan
Metro
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Fans rave over 'best antagonist in cinema history' in Avatar 3 trailer
The trailer for James Cameron's highly anticipated threequel Avatar: Fire and Ash has finally dropped online – and there are already huge fans of one new character in particular. Avatar 3 isn't scheduled to arrive in cinemas until December, but the filmmaker has created some early buzz for the next instalment in his epic big-budget sci-fi franchise. Shot back-to-back with 2022's Avatar: The Way of Water, Fire and Ash sees the return of a sprawling cast including Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Kate Winslet, Stephen Lang, Jack Champion, Bailey Bass and Britain Dalton, plus new additions Oona Chaplin, Michelle Yeoh and David Thewlis. And it's Chaplin's Varang, the fiery and aggressive leader of the newly-introduced new Mangkwan clan (Ash People), who has excited a lot of fans after her scene-stealing appearance in the trailer. She's an intimidating figure in glimpses throughout, before her triumphant/terrifying moment at the end where she is seen warning Weaver's Kiri in menacing tones: 'Your goddess has no dominion here.' 'She's going to be one of the best antagonists of [sic] cinema history,' claimed one fan account after her fierce appearance in the trailer. 'She's gonna be such a sick villain,' added @NeekStreak, while @owenpratt93 observed: 'Varang already looks and feels like the best character of #AvatarFireAndAsh. The idea of a Na'vi who rejected Eywa is incredibly interesting, and this character oozes charisma even from just a few shots.' Another fan acknowledged they were 'losing their mind over Varang' while @MoFandoms commented: 'The way she said 'your goddess has no dominion here', I peed a little.' It comes after Cameron revealed the upcoming film's name and hinted at the antagonist at the D23 Disney fan event in California, which he appeared at last year August alongside Saldaña and Worthington. 'We're going into really challenging territory for all the characters that you know and love, and there are new characters – there's one especially, we think you're going to love, or maybe I should say love to hate!' he told the 12,000-stong audience, including Metro. He also promised that fans would get to see 'a lot more of Pandora that you never saw before' with new cultures, settings, creatures and biomes. 'Here's what I can tell you – the new film is not what you expect, but it's definitely what you want,' he concluded. Game of Thrones actress Chaplin, 39, is also the granddaughter of screen legend and comic Charlie Chaplin. She has also given a bit more insight into the 'unresolved trauma' of Varang and the Mangkwan after they were hit by a natural disaster, which caused her to shirk Pandora's spiritual entity, Eywa. 'She basically goes towards a different power, and tries to harness that, and in so doing kind of raises her people out of misery,' Chaplin explained to Empire magazine. 'It's easy to fall into the villain mentality, but actually she's the hero of her people because she's saved them out of misery and starvation and begging.' Avatar: Fire And Ash sees Jake (Worthington) and Neytiri's (Saldaña) family grappling with grief in the wake of the death of son Neteyam (Jamie Flatters) as conflict between the RDA and the Pandorans escalates after the Na'vi and Metikayina clan's hard-won victory at the end of Avatar: The Way of Water. The Mangkwan promise to bring more conflict too; Cameron first teased them in January 2023, saying that he was featuring 'different cultures from those I have already shown' and that he plans 'to show the Na'vi from another angle because, so far, I have only shown their good sides'. 'In the early films, there are very negative human examples and very positive Na'vi examples. In Avatar 3 we will do the opposite. We will also explore new worlds, while continuing the story of the main characters,' he explained to French publication 20 Minutes, via Total Film. 'I can say that the last parts will be the best. The others were an introduction, a way to set the table before serving the meal.' Had a sneak peek at the AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH trailer last night (in 3D) – and James Cameron has me convinced all over again. Phenomenal. Tremendous visuals, new antagonist Varang may become my next obsession. Nothing convinced me #Avatar 3 won't be bigger and better than the last — Tori Brazier (@dinotaur) July 23, 2025 I have seen the trailer for #AVATAR Fire and Ash, and it is as stunning as anyone is anticipating. James Cameron once again looks to be unleashing a powerful story that will resonate, and the visuals are (somehow) on another level. There is no doubt in my mind that this WILL be… — Austin Burke (@theBurk3nator) July 21, 2025 I just EXPERIENCED the #AvatarFireAndAsh trailer in glorious 3D. I'm breathless. Visuals expectedly surreal but man is the Ash People's landscape something to behold. Pandora Civil War loading. What a privilege it is to be alive during this revolutionary franchise. @screenrant — Liam (@LiamTCrowley) July 21, 2025 Journalists and tastemakers were previously lavishing the first proper look at Avatar: Fire and Ash with praise, after Disney secretly screened the trailer for them days ahead of its online release. 'As stunning as anyone is anticipating,' tweeted film critic Austin Burke, who also noted that 'the visuals are (somehow) on another level'. 'There is no doubt in my mind that this WILL be the biggest movie of 2025, and epic doesn't feel like it does this trailer justice…' Meanwhile, @TheOscarRace simply announced, 'It's going to be the best film of the year', while ScreenRant's @LiamTCrowley admitted he was 'breathless'. 'What a privilege it is to be alive during this revolutionary franchise,' he added. 'Nobody is touching Cameron visually. The next Avatar looks amazing,' posted Kit Stone. Others had exciting comparisons for the film on the strength of the first trailer alone. 'It's insane we're getting Last of the Mohicans meets like Empire Strikes Back!' suggested @MOVIEDEATHS. 'Giant action set pieces somehow the visuals look even better than Way of Water [sic].' More Trending Thanks to the success of Avatar: The Way of Water, which is currently the third highest grossing film ever behind the first Avatar – having made over $2.3million at the box office – we will also get Avatar 4 and 5. But not until December 2029 and December 2031, respectively. Avatar: Fire and Ash releases in cinemas on December 19, 2025. A version of this article was first published on July 23. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Film hailed 'best sci-fi of all time' now available to stream for free MORE: Critics breathless over 'phenomenal' first Avatar: Fire and Ash trailer ahead of imminent release MORE: James Cameron labels Christopher Nolan's Oscar-winning triumph 'a moral cop out'
Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
'Avatar: Fire and Ash' first trailer reveals a dazzling return to war-torn Pandora — and it's ignited the internet
Disney has officially revealed the stunning first trailer for James Cameron's next "Avatar" film, "Avatar: Fire and Ash," which is set to hit theaters on December 19, 2025, three years after "Avatar: The Way of the Water." Footage of the trailer leaked online after it appeared exclusively in theaters alongside "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" over the weekend. Now, Disney has posted the trailer for "Avatar: Fire and Ash" online for everyone to see just how epic this threequel looks — and the internet is ablaze with hype. With glimpses at new tribes, characters, and formidable threats, the trailer delivers a powerful taste of the next sweeping and visually dazzling chapter in the Avatar saga. And it's clear that "Fire and Ash" will be the most intense entry in the series yet. You can check out the "Avatar: Fire and Ash" trailer below. The footage indicates that James Cameron hasn't strayed far from his signature storytelling style — and why would he? When a formula's already made billions at the box office, you don't mess with it. Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and his family face their greatest foe yet in Varang (Oona Chaplin), the ferocious leader of the Mangkwan, also known as the Ash People. The Mangkwan are shown as a battle-hardened and power-hungry clan, wielding fire with precision. In the trailer, they're seen shooting fire from their fingertips, launching blazing arrows, and torching parts of the forest. Their domain is striking and unforgiving, marked by scorched earth and a massive volcano. It's a stark contrast from the aquatic homeland of the Metkayina clan we saw introduced in "Avatar: The Way of Water." In one particularly ominous moment, Varang tells a captive Kiri (Sigourney Weaver): 'Your goddess has no dominion here.' Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. As the threat of all-out war rages, for the first time, we start to see deep divisions emerge among the Na'vi. Jake Sully's family and the Metkayina will have to join forces to have any chance of stopping the Mangkwan's path of destruction. There's also the return of Colonel Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang), now in his Avatar form, who ventures alone into Mangkwan territory and appears to side with the villains based on the red, white, and black war paint on his face In addition to Lang and Worthington, "Fire and Ash" cast members include Zoe Saldaña, Britain Dalton, Jack Champion, Trinity Jo-Li Bliss, Giovanni Ribisi, Edie Falco, Brendan Cowell, Matt Gerald, Kate Winslet, Cliff Curtis, Bailey Bass, Jemaine Clement and David Thewlis. The official description of "Fire and Ash" reads: 'Jake and Neytiri's family grapples with grief after Neteyam's death, encountering a new, aggressive Na'vi tribe, the Ash People, who are led by the fiery Varang, as the conflict on Pandora escalates and a new moral focus emerges.' "Avatar" fans are already raving about the trailer across social media. In just a few hours, the trailer has chalked up nearly 1 million views. One film critic wrote on X: 'The visuals are (somehow) on another level. There is no doubt in my mind that this WILL be the biggest movie of 2025, and 'epic' doesn't feel like it does this trailer justice.' Another critic said it was "some of the most beautiful footage I've seen all year [and I was] struck by the real sense of doom and rage — fist fights inside of cosmic volcanoes, heroes terrified, huge aerial battles.' "Avatar: Fire and Ash" will premiere in theaters on December 19, 2025. It's the third in a series of five "Avatar" movies Cameron plans to direct. At the moment, "Avatar 4" is set for December 21, 2029, and "Avatar 5" will arrive December 19, 2031. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
I got an early look at the 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' trailer, and now I'm burning to see more
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Last night, I attended a media screening for "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" at IMAX Sydney that held a special bonus for those who turned up early: Disney would be offering an early look at the upcoming trailer for "Avatar: Fire and Ash" ahead of the film, and not only that, the trailer would be shown in IMAX 3D. In fact, the trailer wasn't just shown once, but on a loop for around 20 minutes. I stopped counting after the first few times, but I would estimate that the trailer was shown around ten times in a row. Admittedly, the trailer kinda lost some of its initial wow factor after a few watches. That said, I'm still really excited to see the movie, as it looks like the most epic entry in the 'Avatar' franchise yet. While the trailer itself isn't online yet, it will be attached to theatrical showings of "The Fantastic Four: First Steps", which releases this Friday in the US. In the meantime, here's what I saw. The darkest 'Avatar' entry yet Right from the outset, it's clear that "Fire and Ash" will be the most intense chapter in the "Avatar" saga yet. For the first time, we see hostility amongst the Na'vi clans, with Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and the oceanic Metkayina clan drawn into a conflict with the Mangkwan clan, or Ash People, as they're also known. The Mangkwan are a clearly formidable clan, demonstrating a mastery of fire. Throughout the trailer, they are shown spreading fire from their fingertips, shooting flaming arrows, and burning down sections of forest. The trailer also shows the return of Colonel Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang), whose Avatar form is shown walking alone into the Ash People territory. It's a more desolate area than we're used to seeing on Pandora, with an enormous volcano spewing red lava in the distance in one shot. A formidable foe The Ash People are led by Varang (Oona Chaplin), a Na'vi female with an unsettling presence who wears a red and black headdress and red war paint on her hands and face. At one point, Ouaritch is shown wearing the same red paint, indicating he will team up with the Varang in an attempt to take down the Sully family once and for all. Although the trailer doesn't outright explain the conflict, it's clear that the Ash People are ideologically opposed to the typical Na'vi way of life, outright rejecting the deity Eywa and choosing to live disconnected from the natural world that other Na'vi hold sacred. It also appears that Kiri (Sigourney Weaver) will once again play a major part in the story. In the trailer, we see Ronal (Kate Winslet) tell her, "If there's something you can do, then you must do it." During another moment, Varang eerily leans in towards Kiri and delivers the trailer's standout line, "Your goddess has no dominion here." Everyone is in a dark place As for Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña), it appears as though the Sully matriarch has grown even angrier since the events of "Avatar: The Way of Water", with Jake at one point telling her "You cannot live like this, baby.... In hate!" Elsewhere, the trailer has plenty of action, including large-scale battles, the return of the Tulkun, and the character of Spider (Jack Champion) still seemingly torn about whether to side with the Na'vi or his fellow humans. For me, the trailer's most tantalizing moment is the scene depicting Jake's capture by human forces, where he's led before cheering crowds taking photos. Could this be the end of Jake Sully? I certainly hope not. Needless to say, I can't wait to see more of "Avatar: Fire and Ash". It looks to be the most epic and emotional entry in the series yet, and I've learned to never doubt director James Cameron. "Avatar: Fire and Ash" hits theaters on December 19 in the US and UK, and December 18 in Australia. With my hype for the movie now at an all-time high, I think I'll be diving into the "Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora" video game while I count the days until opening night. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button. More from Tom's Guide The first reactions for 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' are in 'Predator: Badlands' is the 'Alien' crossover I was secretly hoping for DC studios lassos 'Supergirl' screenwriter to pen 'Wonder Woman' reboot Solve the daily Crossword
Tom's Guide
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
I got an early look at the 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' trailer, and now I'm burning to see more
Last night, I attended a media screening for "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" at IMAX Sydney that held a special bonus for those who turned up early: Disney would be offering an early look at the upcoming trailer for "Avatar: Fire and Ash" ahead of the film, and not only that, the trailer would be shown in IMAX 3D. In fact, the trailer wasn't just shown once, but on a loop for around 20 minutes. I stopped counting after the first few times, but I would estimate that the trailer was shown around ten times in a row. Admittedly, the trailer kinda lost some of its initial wow factor after a few watches. That said, I'm still really excited to see the movie, as it looks like the most epic entry in the 'Avatar' franchise yet. While the trailer itself isn't online yet, it will be attached to theatrical showings of "The Fantastic Four: First Steps", which releases this Friday in the US. In the meantime, here's what I saw. Meet Varang in Avatar: Fire and among the first to watch the trailer, exclusively in theaters this weekend with The Fantastic Four: First Steps. 21, 2025 Right from the outset, it's clear that "Fire and Ash" will be the most intense chapter in the "Avatar" saga yet. For the first time, we see hostility amongst the Na'vi clans, with Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and the oceanic Metkayina clan drawn into a conflict with the Mangkwan clan, or Ash People, as they're also known. The Mangkwan are a clearly formidable clan, demonstrating a mastery of fire. Throughout the trailer, they are shown spreading fire from their fingertips, shooting flaming arrows, and burning down sections of forest. The trailer also shows the return of Colonel Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang), whose Avatar form is shown walking alone into the Ash People territory. It's a more desolate area than we're used to seeing on Pandora, with an enormous volcano spewing red lava in the distance in one shot. The Ash People are led by Varang (Oona Chaplin), a Na'vi female with an unsettling presence who wears a red and black headdress and red war paint on her hands and face. At one point, Ouaritch is shown wearing the same red paint, indicating he will team up with the Varang in an attempt to take down the Sully family once and for all. Although the trailer doesn't outright explain the conflict, it's clear that the Ash People are ideologically opposed to the typical Na'vi way of life, outright rejecting the deity Eywa and choosing to live disconnected from the natural world that other Na'vi hold sacred. It also appears that Kiri (Sigourney Weaver) will once again play a major part in the story. In the trailer, we see Ronal (Kate Winslet) tell her, "If there's something you can do, then you must do it." During another moment, Varang eerily leans in towards Kiri and delivers the trailer's standout line, "Your goddess has no dominion here." As for Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña), it appears as though the Sully matriarch has grown even angrier since the events of "Avatar: The Way of Water", with Jake at one point telling her "You cannot live like this, baby.... In hate!" Elsewhere, the trailer has plenty of action, including large-scale battles, the return of the Tulkun, and the character of Spider (Jack Champion) still seemingly torn about whether to side with the Na'vi or his fellow humans. For me, the trailer's most tantalizing moment is the scene depicting Jake's capture by human forces, where he's led before cheering crowds taking photos. Could this be the end of Jake Sully? I certainly hope not. Needless to say, I can't wait to see more of "Avatar: Fire and Ash". It looks to be the most epic and emotional entry in the series yet, and I've learned to never doubt director James Cameron. "Avatar: Fire and Ash" hits theaters on December 19 in the US and UK, and December 18 in Australia. With my hype for the movie now at an all-time high, I think I'll be diving into the "Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora" video game while I count the days until opening night. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
James Cameron had "too many great ideas" for Avatar: The Way of Water, so the cut content became Avatar 3 which "will actually be a little bit longer" than its 3-hour predecessor
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. James Cameron said we were supposed to meet the Ash clan in Avatar: The Way of Water - but the story was saved for Avatar: Fire and Ash. "In a nutshell, we had too many great ideas packed into act one of movie 2," Cameron told Empire. "The [film] was moving like a bullet train, and we weren't drilling down enough on character. So I said, "Guys, we've got to split it.'" The Ash clan, aka the Mangkwan, will make their first appearance in the third installment, with Oona Chaplin starring as Varang, as their leader. Added Cameron: "Movie 3 will actually be a little bit longer than movie 2." This is a bit wild given that Avatar: The Way of Water has a runtime of 3 hours and 12 minutes. I'm not a betting woman but I'm going to go out on a limb and say it's probably around 3 hours and 30 minutes. The cast includes Sam Worthington as Jake Sully, Zoe Saldaña as Neytiri, Sigourney Weaver as Kiri, Stephen Lang, Kate Winslet, Giovanni Ribisi, Edie Falco, and Jermaine Clement. David Thewlis is set to join the franchise for Avatar 4 and Avatar 5. Avatar 3: Fire and Ash hits theaters on December 19, 2025. Avatar 4 is set to hit theaters in 2029. For more, check out our list of the most exciting upcoming movies in 2025 and beyond, or, skip ahead to our complete list of movie release dates.
