Zoe Saldaña: Avatar: Fire and Ash cast & characters: Meet the stars behind the film and the roles they play

James Cameron's next epic chapter in the sci-fi saga, Avatar: Fire and Ash, is set to hit the theatres on December 19, 2025. The film, which follows a new plot direction from the previous installments, features the returning core cast in its vast ensemble with Sam Worthington as Jake, Zoe Saldaña as Neytiri, and Sigourney Weaver as Kiri.

The plot also introduces the fiercely antagonistic Na'vi tribe known as the Ash People (or Mangkwan Clan), led by the new character Varang (Oona Chaplin). For the first time, the story will have a Na'vi villain in contrast to the previous chapters, which had human antagonists.

Zoe Saldaña, Oona Chaplin and other notable actors in James Cameron's upcoming Avatar: Fire and Ash

Zoe Saldaña at the Avatar: Fire And Ash World Premiere (Image via Getty)

Saldaña is set to reprise her role as Neytiri Sully, Jake Sully's wife, in Avatar: Fire and Ash. The American actress has established herself as a lead actress, featuring in all of the Avatar film series so far.

Among the Marvel fans, she is known for her portrayal of Gamora, the deadly yet conflicted assassin and "most dangerous woman in the galaxy" from Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy films. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Saldaña last appeared in her iconic character in the 2019 film Avengers: Endgame.

She also took on the iconic role of the communications officer Nyota Uhura in the rebooted Star Trek films.

Sam Worthington at the Avatar: Fire And Ash World Premiere (Image via Getty)

Jake Sully, portrayed by Sam Worthington, is a defining figure in the Avatar saga. Originally arriving as a human and a Marine veteran, who initially served as an informer for the ruthless Colonel Miles Quaritch, Jake's loyalties radically shifted. He fell deeply in love with Neytiri and embraced the Na'vi culture, ultimately becoming their close ally and Quaritch's arch-rival.

Beyond his role in Cameron's Avatar films, Worthington is known for leading the post-apocalyptic action film Terminator Salvation as the human-cyborg Marcus Wright. He also starred as the demigod Perseus in the fantasy epic Clash of the Titans and its sequel.

Sigourney Weaver at the Global Premiere Of Avatar: Fire And Ash (Image via Getty)

In Avatar: Fire and Ash, Sigourney Weaver returns as Kiri, the adopted teenage daughter of Jake and Neytiri. Born mysteriously from Dr. Grace Augustine's inactive avatar, she is deeply connected to Eywa and the living forces of Pandora, displaying unusual abilities tied to the planet's ecosystem.

Weaver is most famously for her role as Ellen Ripley in the Alien franchise, a performance that revolutionized action heroines and earned her an Oscar nomination. She also starred as the possessed cellist Dana Barrett in the classic comedy Ghostbusters. The American actress is also set to appear in Bryan Fuller's upcoming horror thriller, Dust Bunny.

Oona Chaplin at the Avatar: Fire And Ash (Image via Getty)

Oona Chaplin plays Varang, the leader of the Ash People, a new, hostile tribe of Na'vi introduced in Avatar: Fire and Ash. Varang's character is expected to bring a challenging new dynamic, as her clan represents a darker side of Pandora, opposing the established Omaticaya and Metkayina clans.

Chaplin is widely known for her performance as Talisa Maegyr in HBO's fantasy drama series, Game of Thrones. She also starred in other acclaimed series like the period dramas Taboo, The Crimson Field and dystopian anthology series Black Mirror. Chaplin had a brief role in the James Bond film Quantum of Solace.