Avatar: Fire and Ash is still a few months away, but the first official trailer will be shown before screenings of The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Fans who can’t catch it in theaters will get to watch it online later. Early reactions from journalists are already flooding in, and they say it looks just as spectacular as the previous Avatar films, maybe even darker and grittier.
Doug Jamieson on X (@itsdougjam) shared, “Got to see the AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH trailer early. Nothing else to say but it looks every bit as spectacular as the previous films. Darker vibes to everything, plus a tantalising glimpse of the antagonist Varang. Ready to return to Pandora in December.”
Austin Burke (@theBurk3nator) added, “I have seen the trailer for #AVATAR Fire and Ash, and it is as great 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 the biggest movie of 2025, and epic doesn’t feel like it does this trailer justice… It is truly beyond epic. THE HYPE IS REAL.”
Many reactions highlight the “great visuals” and new volcanic environments on Pandora, noting a shift in tone. The world feels “darker and meaner, more aggressive” this time around. Oona Chaplin’s performance as Varang, the antagonist leading the fire-based Na’vi clan called the Mangkwan Clan or “Ash People,” is also getting praise for creating a compelling foil to Jake and Neytiri.
Caught the trailer for AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH (in high frame rate 3D) and the world of Pandora feels darker and meaner, more aggressive. Oona Chaplin’s Varang carves a compelling antagonist for Jake and Neytiri, looking forward to more of her. pic.twitter.com/pzrVT15yrX
— Erik Anderson (@awards_watch) July 22, 2025
Just saw the AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH trailer in 3D on the big screen, and it looks like James Cameron’s third chapter in this epic saga is set to deliver once again! The trailer leans heavily on the stunning visuals, giving us glimpses of the new volcanic environments on Pandora &… pic.twitter.com/mVuYTgEZA0
— Matt Neglia (@NextBestPicture) July 21, 2025
AVATAR: FIRE & ASH looks crazy good! Emotional, action-packed, filled with surprises, and it looks fantastic in Dolby 3D HFR with Atmos. Day one! pic.twitter.com/uJycipIR6C
— Adam Hlaváč (@adamhlavac) July 22, 2025
Got to see the AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH trailer early. Nothing else to say but it looks every bit as spectacular as the previous films. Darker vibes to everything plus a tantalising glimpse of the antagonist Varang. Ready to return to Pandora in December. #Avatar pic.twitter.com/WhamUPEzVb
— Doug Jamieson (@itsdougjam) July 22, 2025
The franchise is finally back, and it’s bringing new challenges for Jake Sully and Neytiri’s family. The new clan introduced, the “Ash People,” led by Varang, will add fresh drama and tension. The cast includes familiar faces like Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Kate Winslet, Giovanni Ribisi, Edie Falco, and Jermaine Clement.
Avatar: Fire and Ash is scheduled to hit theaters on December 19, 2025. The next sequel, Avatar 4, is planned for release in 2029. For those curious, check out our list of upcoming movies or jump to our movie release dates page.