‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’: The Na’vi Fire Clan, Explained

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James Cameron’s Avatar: Fire and Ash, expected to be a major holiday movie event in December 2025, will premiere on December 19th. This new installment won’t follow the story of the Metkayina clan from Avatar: The Way of Water. Instead, it will introduce audiences to the Mangkwan Fire Clan, also known as the Ash People, for the very first time.

With the new movie just around the corner, we’re getting a first look at the Fire Clan and their powerful leader, learning about their history, what they believe, who they’ve allied with, and their traditions. Following a heartbreaking event in the last film, the Ash People will challenge Sully (played by Sam Worthington) and likely spark another large conflict for the fate of Pandora.

What Is ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ About?


20th Century Studios

Years after the first film, Avatar: Fire and Ash is the third chapter in James Cameron’s stunning Avatar saga. Co-written by Cameron alongside Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver, the movie begins a year after the events of Avatar: The Way of Water. Jake Sully and Neytiri (played by Zoe Saldaña) are still grieving the loss of their Na’vi son, Neteyam (Jamie Flatters), and are trying to heal while living with the Metkayina clan.

While still mourning, Jake, Neytiri, and the Metkayina people are attacked by a particularly fierce Na’vi tribe who wield fire as their main power. This tribe, called the Mangkwan Fire Clan or the Ash People, is unlike any other Na’vi group, showing little respect for nature. These deep differences between the tribes lead to a large-scale conflict for the future of Pandora, and Sully must defend his family and fight with the Metkayina to protect their world.

The Avatar films aren’t known for complex plots; they’re all about breathtaking visuals and an incredibly immersive experience. Early reviews suggest the new film is packed with action, specifically intense battles between the Fire and Water Clans, and focuses on Sully’s struggle to keep his family safe, especially after already losing one child. He’ll do whatever it takes to protect them and the world of Pandora.

Who Are the Fire Clan, aka Ash People?


20th Century Fox

The Fire Clan, also called the Ash People, is a combative Na’vi tribe. They originally shared a common ancestry with the Omatikaya, but a volcanic eruption dramatically changed their way of life. The clan once lived around a huge central tree in their village, but a massive volcanic eruption destroyed it, leading them to become known as the Ash People. Following this disaster, they prayed to Eywa, their deity, hoping to be restored to their original form.

It’s really tragic how the Ash People’s pleas went ignored, because it completely changed them. They started to resent the natural world around them and abandoned the ancient Na’vi principles – what they called The Three Laws of Eywa. Basically, these laws were all about living with nature, not trying to dominate it. They specifically prevented building anything with stone, metal, or even plows – anything that would really disrupt the land. But when they broke those rules, they became the Fire Clan, and shockingly, they were the first Na’vi to start using human technology – even firearms! It’s a really interesting and sad part of their history, showing how desperation can lead to some pretty drastic changes.

Cut off from their traditions, the Fire Clan faced starvation until their leader, Varang (played by Oona Chaplin in Avatar: Fire and Ash), stepped in to save them. She rebuilt the tribe after a volcanic disaster, becoming a figure they deeply admire and would sacrifice everything for. Under Varang’s guidance, the Fire Clan grew in power, even forming alliances with the Resource Development Administration – a group known for exploiting resources – and the corrupt Marine officer Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang), the villain from the first two Avatar movies.

Led by Varang and supported by Quaritch, the Fire Clan has a single goal: to completely destroy the Na’vi and crush any opposition. They aren’t just targeting the good-natured Na’vi, but also aggressively attacking other tribes like the Aranahe and Tlalim. A prime example, shown in the 2023 video game Avatar Frontiers of Pandora‘s “From the Ashes” DLC, is the Fire Clan and RDA’s attack on the Aranahe, which resulted in the destruction of their sacred hometree in the Kinglor Forest.

The Fire Clan’s Function in ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash,’ Explained

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When the Fire Clan allies with the RDA to suppress the Na’vi rebellion, things become more complex. Director James Cameron explains the Fire Clan embodies the most negative traits of the Na’vi, reflecting what he sees as the anger and rage present in today’s world, as he told D3 Brazil (via SFF Gazette).

The Fire Clan is furious with the Omatikaya and Tlalim tribes and is turning to Varang for guidance. Cameron shared with Yahoo! Entertainment:

Varang leads a group who have suffered greatly, and that experience has made her tough. She’s fiercely protective of her people and will do whatever it takes to defend them, even if it means making difficult or morally questionable choices. With this film, we wanted to move away from simple, good-versus-evil storytelling. We’re aiming for a more nuanced approach that avoids portraying all humans as villains and all Na’vi as purely good.

Sully and Neytiri are fiercely protective of their family, including their children Lo’ak (Britain Dalton) and Tuk (Trinity Jo-li Bliss), and their adopted son, Spider (Jack Champion). Spider is unique because he’s fighting against the RDA and his own father’s goals. According to Champion, the upcoming film from James Cameron will feature an even more dramatic clash of cultures when the Fire Clan attacks, as he told The Hollywood Reporter.

Honestly, I was completely blindsided by the script – in the best way possible! It throws you for a loop when it unexpectedly changes direction, and that’s a real strength. Just when you think you’ve figured out the story, it completely subverts your expectations. Beyond that, we get to explore even more of Pandora and meet fascinating new cultures. In fact, I’d argue this one surpasses Avatar 2. I have a feeling each installment is going to build on the last, and we’re in for something truly special.

Cameron hinted at new characters being added to expand the story of Pandora in the upcoming Avatar 4. One of these characters is Peylak, played by David Thewlis, who leads the Tlalim Na’vi clan – known as the Wind Traders. While the Tlalim are currently presented as neutral in the ongoing conflict between the Na’vi and the RDA, significant events will unfold for them in Avatar: Fire and Ash.

The Fire Clan is a fierce and aggressive group known for using advanced weapons, even against members of their own tribe. Driven to hostility after a volcanic eruption devastated their lands, they’ve allied with the RDA and are determined to prevent the Na’vi from dominating Pandora. Look for Avatar: Fire and Ash in theaters on December 19, 2025.

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2025-10-27 01:26