The first look at Zoe Saldaña’s character, Neytiri, in Avatar: Fire and Ash has officially been revealed, offering fans a glimpse into the major emotional struggles ahead for the Na’vi warrior.
In an image shared by Empire magazine, Neytiri is shown looking fierce and ready for battle, reflecting the deep anger and grief she carries after the events of Avatar: The Way of Water.
Zoe Saldaña spoke about Neytiri’s journey in the third film, explaining that the devastating loss of her son, Neteyam, has transformed her into a character driven by intense rage.
She says that Neytiri will question everything—her relationships with her family, her people, and even her own identity. This emotional turmoil will play a major role in her development, forcing her to confront painful truths about her place within Na’vi society.
One of the biggest challenges for Neytiri in Avatar: Fire and Ash is her conflict with Varang, the leader of a new tribe, the Ash People. Played by Oona Chaplin, Varang is described as a formidable opponent, someone who will challenge Neytiri both physically and ideologically. Saldaña notes that Varang is “her match,” hinting at a complex and intense rivalry between the two.
The film picks up directly after Avatar: The Way of Water, with the Sully family grieving Neteyam’s death while dealing with an escalating colonization effort by the RDA. The Sully family, along with the Metkayina clan, must navigate this growing threat, with the younger characters like Lo’ak, Kiri, and Tuk taking on more prominent roles.
Avatar: Fire and Ash will also expand the world of Pandora by introducing two new tribes: the Ash People and the Wind Traders. These new cultures will add depth to the story, exploring both the darker and lighter sides of Na’vi society. The film is set to hit theaters on December 19, 2025.
Fans of the Avatar series can expect an emotionally charged and action-packed continuation of the saga, with Neytiri at the center of a dramatic transformation.