James Cameron’s highly anticipated film, Avatar: Fire and Ash, arrives in theaters globally on December 19. In advance of the debut, Cameron has lauded Sigourney Weaver’s remarkable transformation for her role in the new installment, emphasizing how her portrayal pushed boundaries in the franchise, which remains central to discussions about James Cameron Avatar Fire and Ash.
Cameron, in an interview with PEOPLE in December 2025, detailed the creative process he and Weaver embraced while developing the film and earlier chapters of the Avatar saga. At the time, Weaver was between 70 and 71 years old, but took on the challenge of capturing Kiri, a teenage character integral to the unfolding story.
“She was 70 and 71 across that period where she was capturing Kiri.”
— James Cameron, Director
Describing Weaver’s approach to her character, Cameron noted a significant shift in her demeanor and performance.
“I mean, she can capture Kiri tomorrow. Nothing’s changed. She’s a little bit older now, but she just came in a different person. She came in lighter and more open. I mean, she literally looked like she had gotten younger.”
— James Cameron, Director
Cameron recognized the transformation involved in playing such a young character at Weaver’s age, acknowledging it may be one of her most complex performances to date.
“Maybe one of the biggest acting challenges of her career.”
— James Cameron, Director
He elaborated on the depth required for the role, saying Weaver relived the anxieties of adolescence for her performance.
“Because in her mind, she had taken herself back to her 14, 15-year-old self. And by the way, it wasn’t all fun and light. It was the darkness of an anxious teenager.”
— James Cameron, Director
Cameron Reflects on How Weaver Approached Her Role
During his conversation with PEOPLE, Cameron revealed how Weaver’s previous work as Dr. Grace Augustine and her roles in the two preceding movies showcased her dynamic range. He explained that her performance brought a renewed vitality to the character, which sparked the idea of her playing not only her original character but also the daughter of her avatar counterpart.
“I thought, ‘Wow, if we could do that, what if Sigourney played her own daughter, or at least the daughter of her avatar self?’”
— James Cameron, Director
To bring this idea to life, Cameron invited Weaver to inhabit the mindset of a 15-year-old for the new movie.
“I said, ‘Sigourney, are you up for this? You want to try playing a 15-year-old?’ And we’d joke about it. I’d say, ‘Well, emotionally you’re 15.’ And so am I, by the way, I think we all are to some extent.”
— James Cameron, Director
Weaver’s recurring role as Grace Augustine, both in Way of Water and now in Fire and Ash, anchors the emotional continuity of the franchise. The future of the series remains uncertain as Disney has yet to confirm additional sequels beyond the current plan, despite ongoing anticipation among fans.
Mixed Reviews and Early Reception for Avatar: Fire and Ash
With the review embargo lifted on December 16, critics have started sharing their first impressions of James Cameron’s latest film. Avatar: Fire and Ash holds a 68% score on Rotten Tomatoes, derived from 187 professional reviews, suggesting a divided yet engaged critical response. Commentators like Blake Howard perceived a denser, more emotionally driven entry than previous chapters.
“The film is broader, messier, more overstuffed than the first two – and that’s the point. You feel the grief and conflict in the character beats: fire tribes, hallucinogenic rituals, Na’vi Maguas playing every side.”
— Blake Howard, Critic
Joanne Soh focused on the continuity of Cameron’s story choices while commending the film’s visual achievements.
“Do not expect Cameron to inject any freshness into the story or characters, but he will take you on an extraordinary three-hour visual expedition.”
— Joanne Soh, Critic
Rich Cline emphasized technical innovation alongside familiar thematic ground.
“James Cameron reveals stunning advances in performance-capture technology, as terrific details bring the characters to life. But aside from a few personal journeys, the plot never feels like it goes somewhere new.”
— Rich Cline, Critic
According to Deadline, Avatar: Fire and Ash is projected to earn between $340 million and $380 million during its opening, a significant though slightly lower estimate compared to 2022’s Avatar: The Way of Water, which debuted to $444 million worldwide. The film’s performance could influence Disney’s decisions regarding future sequels and the overall trajectory of the franchise.
As moviegoers anticipate the release, all eyes are on Sigourney Weaver’s notable role and the broader impact of James Cameron Avatar Fire and Ash, with industry stakeholders and fans closely watching how the evolving story resonates across audiences and shapes the future of cinematic innovation.
