Magic, mystery abound as filmmaker James Cameron takes us back to Pandora for ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’

HOLLYWOOD — “Avatar: Fire and Ash” is about to light up the box office with the latest sequel from filmmaker James Cameron.

“And so it’s much more of a story where the characters draw you along with their troubles and their triumphs and tragedies,” said Cameron.

“Avatar: Fire and Ash” continues to follow the family we met in the first “Avatar” movie. But their world has gotten scarier with new characters and a nasty new villain. Cameron has devoted years to bringing the “Avatar” movies to life.

“I think empathy and love are our superpowers that are our one chance to survive,” said Cameron.

But in this movie, we also see hate, racism, grief and combat. It tells a big story, and the cast feels honored that Cameron is the one turning the cinematic pages.

“Jim tells these stories with his heart. That’s what he does,” said Sam Worthington. “And he loves these characters, and he loves this world, and it gives him a canvas to really pack it with these questions that he has and he’s not giving you answers but he’s definitely giving an audience questions and a lot to think about.”

“And it’s such an amazing adventure. He has outdone himself once again, which I thought was impossible,” said Sigourney Weaver.

“When I express myself, I’m not coming with difficulty, I’m coming with passion and I’m coming with love and ideas because I care deeply about what I do as well,” said Zoe Saldaña. “And when I am met by a director that gives me that kind of space, my God, I thrive!”

“Avatar: Fire and Ash” is very visual in its storytelling, including one gripping fight between the characters played by Saldaña and Oona Chaplin, who brings the villainous Varang to life.

“You know, that wasn’t in the script, but I said, ‘Come on, how can you put them both in the same battle space and not have them go for it?” Cameron said.

“Avatar: Fire and Ash in in theaters Friday.

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