The latest installment of the Avatar franchise, titled Avatar: Fire and Ash, pushes the longstanding rivalry between Jake Sully and Colonel Miles Quaritch into new dimensions. Released on December 19, 2025, this film explores the evolution of their relationship against the backdrop of Pandora’s rich and transformative environment.
Originally introduced in James Cameron‘s 2009 film, Jake Sully and Quaritch represented clear opposing forces: a soldier grappling with his identity and a militarized invader driven by orders and domination. Jake’s journey alongside the Na’vi fundamentally reshaped his values, prompting him to reject the human military’s mission and oppose Quaritch directly. In Avatar: The Way of Water, Quaritch’s transition into a Na’vi avatar challenges his existing worldview, as he begins to perceive Pandora through the very lens he seeks to destroy.
During a recent interview with ScreenRant, both Worthington and Lang discussed how their characters have shifted since the first film. Worthington noted that once Jake and Quaritch inhabit their Na’vi forms, they shed much of their original military mindset. He remarked, “I think when they drive the Na’vi body, they become more human.” This shift is evident in their evolving interactions; the once clear-cut roles of good and evil are now more nuanced.
Lang echoed these sentiments, stating, “They do maintain that hierarchy. We still address each other as Colonel and Corporal.” He emphasized that this dynamic reflects their struggle to hold onto their past identities amid significant change. For Quaritch, deeply rooted in military culture, embracing this new reality presents a formidable challenge.
The film’s narrative explores how prolonged exposure to Pandora forces both characters to confront their evolving identities. Quaritch’s relationship with Oona Chaplin’s character, Vaarang, a leader of the Na’vi Ash People, introduces further complexity. As Quaritch engages with Vaarang, his views on the Na’vi and his connection to Pandora begin to transform.
Despite its ambitious storytelling, Avatar: Fire and Ash faces the challenge of meeting the high expectations set by its predecessors, which each grossed over $2 billion. Current projections suggest a global opening of around $350 million. However, early reviews indicate a mixed reception, with a score of 69% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 203 reviews. This represents the film’s lowest score in the franchise, highlighting a more divisive critical response.
Nevertheless, Cameron’s commitment to developing complex character arcs continues to shine through in this installment. The film delves into themes of identity, power, and transformation, particularly as Jake and Quaritch navigate their intertwined fates on Pandora.
As audiences prepare for the release, the evolving relationship between Jake Sully and Colonel Quaritch stands out as one of the most emotionally layered storylines in the franchise. The film invites viewers to consider not just the conflict between characters, but also the deeper transformations that occur when one immerses themselves in a foreign world.
