In a recent interview, Zoe Saldaña revealed some new information about Na'avi clan known as the "Ash People," but Saldaña gave more context to the Sully family and their futures.
In the years since the release of Avatar: The Way of Water, audiences have been eagerly theorizing about where the franchise could go next. These theories are pretty much endless, as Cameron plans to make five Avatar movies in total, and would be willing to let another director lead Avatar 6 and 7. However, one concept that seems to be almost universal at this point is that many believe Jake Sully will die Avatar: Fire & Ash. Weirdly enough, Saldaña's comments are fairly vague, but they do point towards the Sully theory being true.
Zoe Saldaña Hints The Sully Family Will Break Up In Avatar: Fire & Ash
How Saldaña Hints At Sully's Tragic Fate
While talking to Variety, Saldaña explained that Avatar: Fire & Ash would see the Sully family in a time of turmoil following the death of Neteyam at the end of Avatar: The Way of Water. In particular, she said, "It’s going to be an emotional roller coaster...Now, [the Sully's] have to make really strong decisions. Do they stay united and find common ground, or do they go their separate ways?" There's little doubt that the Sullys are going to be in a tough spot in Avatar 3, and Saldaña makes it seem like they're even at risk of falling apart.
To some, Saldaña's comments could be attributed to the fact of Neteyam's death. The loss of their child could definitely put a wedge between Jake and Neytiri, and their children. Yet, it seems more likely that other forces are going to come between the Sullys besides just grief. Namely, the loss of Jake could send the entire family into a tailspin, as each member has to decide whether to stick together and or pursue their own goals. Presumably, Jake Sully's death wouldn't come until the end of the movie, but either way, Saldaña's explanation hints at trouble for the Avatar family.
Loak Was Already Being Set Up As Jake Sully's Replacement After Avatar: The Way Of Water
Avatar Has Far More Exciting Characters Now
Aside from Saldaña's interview, many believe that Jake's death is imminent because Avatar: The Way of Water seemed to set up a new main character in Loak. Despite seeming to be the black sheep of the family who gets into constant trouble, Loak proves himself to be integral when he befriends the tulkan, Payakan. This shows Loak's ability to face his own fears, understand others, and master important skills. Plus, now that Neteyam is gone, Loak will most likely step up into a bigger role in Avatar: Fire & Ash. This is the perfect transition for him to take Jake's place.
In a similar vein, Avatar: The Way of Water generally made it so that Jake would not have to be the sole main character anymore.
In a similar vein, Avatar: The Way of Water generally made it so that Jake would not have to be the sole main character anymore. Although Avatar originally establishes an entire world of Na'vi characters, it is undeniable that Jake is the true main character. He gets more depth, more screen time, and more development. Yet, after The Way of Water, the Avatar franchise offered up new characters who could be even more compelling than Jake, and Loak is certainly one of them. Avatar: Fire & Ash will hopefully develop Kiri and Spider as well.
Why Loak Should Take Jake Sully's Place As Avatar's Lead Character In Avatar 4 & Beyond
Avatar Is Setting Up For An Epic Story
As tragic as the death of Jake would be, it would be a strong move for the franchise as a whole. Jake was a fantastic hero in the first two Avatar movies, but to maintain the franchise's epic scale, each movie will have to be bigger and better. This means time ing and shifting power/alliances. Having Loak take his father's place would be perfect because it would give audiences someone new to learn about and root for, but with Jake's same fighting spirit. Loak could carry out the second half of the franchise just as well as Jake.
James Cameron's Avatar 3: Plot Theory
Here’s our Avatar 3 plot theory that deepens the universe and embraces unexpected twists.
Ultimately, Avatar is already planting the seeds of a really epic and intense tale, and Jake's death seems to be the next big move. Though it is sad, it makes sense considering how many new young characters have been introduced and how willing Jake is to protect his family. Plus, Saldaña has already confirmed that Avatar: Fire & Ash will be full of tragedy and discord. Thus, Avatar: Fire & Ash may just prove audiences right about their Jake Sully theory.
Avatar: Fire and Ash
- Release Date
- December 19, 2025
- Director
- James Cameron
- Writers
- Amanda Silver, Rick Jaffa, James Cameron
- Producers
- Jon Landau, James Cameron
- Prequel(s)
- Avatar, Avatar: The Way of Water
Cast
Jake Sully
Neytiri
Kiri
Colonel Miles Quaritch
- Franchise(s)
- Avatar
