James Cameron is all set to return to theatres with the third installment in the Avatar franchise, titled Avatar: Fire and AshJames Cameron is following in the footsteps of Christopher Nolan, who premiered an exclusive first look at his upcoming film Odyssey only in cinemas. The acclaimed director is set to unveil the first trailer for his latest Avatar sequel, Avatar: Fire and Ash, which will be attached to The Fantastic Four: First Steps set to release in theatres this weekend. The announcement was made via the official Avatar social media handles.Scheduled for a global release on December 19, 2025, Avatar: Fire and Ash marks the third chapter in Cameron’s multi-billion-dollar sci-fi saga. The film was shot back-to-back with Avatar: The Way of Water, with production having started as early as 2017. Interestingly, the release will arrive exactly ten years after its original projected date of Christmas 2015.A first-look image, released Tuesday, offers fans a glimpse of the clan leader Varang, portrayed by Oona Chaplin. The story will continue the journey of Jake Sully and Neytiri, as the Na’vi confront a growing threat from the Ash People, a breakaway faction that has turned its back on Pandora’s spiritual traditions.Meet Varang in Avatar: Fire and Ash.Be among the first to watch the trailer, exclusively in theatres this weekend with The Fantastic Four: First Steps. pic.twitter.com/MZi0jhBCI5— Avatar (@officialavatar) July 21, 2025Also Read | The unique appeal of James Cameron’s AvatarIn a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter last year, James Cameron shared early insights into the film while revealing its title. “There are new cultures and settings and creatures, and new biomes. You will see a lot more of Pandora, the planet, that you’ve never seen before. The new film is not what you expect, but it’s definitely what you want,” said Cameron.Avatar: Fire and Ash is expected to take a darker and more mature turn than its predecessors, with sources close to the production suggesting it will explore themes of violence, grief, and consequences. The title itself hints at this shift, if fire symbolizes hatred, rage, and destruction, then ash represents what remains: the grief, loss, and emotional fallout. Following Fire and Ash, 20th Century Studios has two more Avatar sequels in the pipeline. Avatar 4 is currently slated for release on December 21, 2029, with Avatar 5 expected to arrive on December 19, 2031.Click for more updates and latest Hollywood News along with Bollywood and Entertainment updates. Also get latest news and top headlines from India and around the World at The Indian Express.© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd