James Cameron has shared Disney CEO Bob Iger’s thoughts on the upcoming film Avatar: Fire and Ash. The movie, slated for release on December 19, 2025, continues the saga of Jake Sully and his family as they face off against the Mangkwan, a clan of Na’vi allied with Quaritch.
According to a report by Puck, Cameron discussed an earlier, longer version of Avatar: Fire and Ash with Iger, which was initially 18 minutes longer than the final cut. Iger expressed his admiration for the movie, even in its extended form, describing it as “magnificent.” During a conference call with other studio executives who raised various concerns, Iger confidently dismissed these issues, signaling strong support for the film:
“He’s interesting. He doesn’t weigh in until it’s something for me to show. His comment when he watched it for the first time, even though it was at 3 hours, 23 minutes, not including credits at that point, so it’s gotten about 18 minutes shorter since then. He said, ‘Yeah, I know you’re going to keep chopping away at it, but it’s magnificent.’ He basically said, ‘I love this film.’
It was interesting because there were other heads on the Zoom call that were bringing up notes. And he said, ‘Yeah … I didn’t have a problem with that.’ And he basically shot them down on their notes. And I was like, ‘Okay, we’re done here.’
The positive feedback from Iger bodes well for Avatar: Fire and Ash, which introduces a new dynamic with a Na’vi group as antagonists for the first time. The film also deals with the aftermath of Neteyam’s death from Avatar: The Way of Water and explores how Jake’s family copes with their loss.
The version Iger viewed is slightly longer than what audiences will see in theaters, with the final cut running 195 minutes, or 3 hours and 15 minutes, including credits. The CEO’s endorsement suggests that the film will be another innovative and captivating addition to the Avatar series.
New characters will join the ensemble in Avatar: Fire and Ash, including Oona Chaplin as Varang, leader of the Mangkwan, and Edie Falco as General Frances Ardmore, who replaces Quaritch. David Thewlis will also appear as Peylak, leader of the Wind Traders. These additions are set to deepen the exploration of Pandora’s complex societal and ecological conflicts.
While Iger’s approval shows Disney’s confidence in the film’s potential, its box office performance is crucial, especially as it sets the stage for the planned sequels, Avatar 4 and Avatar 5. Predictions suggest that the movie’s domestic opening weekend might bring in about $110 million, which is slightly lower than its predecessor’s $134.1 million.
With Iger’s strong backing, Avatar: Fire and Ash is poised to be a significant and possibly the most compelling chapter in the Avatar franchise to date.
Avatar: Fire and Ash is scheduled to hit theaters on December 19, 2025.
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
