The latest installment of the *Avatar* franchise, *Avatar: Fire and Ash*, redefines the longstanding rivalry between Jake Sully and Colonel Miles Quaritch. Released on December 19, 2025, the film presents a nuanced exploration of their relationship, moving beyond the initial military conflict portrayed in the original *Avatar*.
In the first film directed by James Cameron, Jake Sully, portrayed by Sam Worthington, and Colonel Quaritch, played by Stephen Lang, represented opposing forces: the soldier and the militarized invader. Their conflict was clear-cut, defined by orders and brute force. However, as Jake spends time among the Na’vi, his loyalties shift, causing him to reject the human military mission and turn against Quaritch.
In *Avatar: The Way of Water*, Quaritch’s character undergoes a transformation as he inhabits a Na’vi avatar body. In *Fire and Ash*, this evolution continues, as Quaritch begins to view Pandora from the perspective of those he once sought to destroy. During an interview with ScreenRant, Worthington and Lang discussed how their characters have been reshaped by their experiences on Pandora.
Worthington noted, “When they drive the Na’vi body, they become more human. They lose a lot of that.” He highlighted a role reversal in their relationship: “In this one, I’m kind of telling him, ‘This is what you’ve got to see and learn about Pandora, don’t go too far into the woods.’”
Lang added that despite the changes, a military hierarchy remains, as they still refer to each other as Colonel and Corporal. “It’s almost like they’re striving to hold onto something they remember,” he said, acknowledging the fear of change that both characters face.
The dynamic between Jake and Quaritch shifts significantly throughout *Fire and Ash*. Worthington believes that halfway through the film, there is a palpable change in their relationship, indicating that the energy is leaning in a different direction. This complexity adds depth to what began as a straightforward conflict.
The film also introduces new characters, such as Oona Chaplin’s Vaarang, leader of the Na’vi Ash People, who further influences Quaritch’s evolving perspective. As Quaritch connects with Vaarang, his understanding of the Na’vi and his relationship with Pandora deepen.
Despite the ambitious narrative, *Avatar: Fire and Ash* faces high expectations, projected to open with approximately $350 million globally. This figure pales in comparison to its predecessors, each of which grossed around $2 billion. The film’s critical reception has been mixed, currently holding a score of 69% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 203 reviews, marking it as the lowest-rated film in the franchise.
Nevertheless, *Fire and Ash* continues James Cameron’s commitment to character evolution, using Jake and Quaritch to delve into themes of identity, power, and transformation. As audiences revisit this complex rivalry, the film promises to offer a richer understanding of both characters, moving beyond the simplicity of hero versus villain to explore the intricacies of their journey on Pandora.
