Avatar: Fire and Ash’s new trailer revived excitement in fans worldwide not only because of its stunning visuals, but for an unexpected casting choice that links two iconic properties, actress Oona Chaplin, recognizable to fans for her memorable role as Talisa Stark in HBO’s Game of Thrones, portraying the powerful Na’vi warrior Varang in the upcoming Avatar sequel—and fans are already making comparisons.
In the trailer, we are introduced to Chaplin’s character as chief of the Ash Clan, a new tribe of fire users that rival the spiritual power of Eywa—the goddess worshiped by most Na’vi clans. One particular line, “Your goddess has no dominion here,” has circulated, and fans are celebrating her as a powerful, revolutionary figure. The line has also been interpreted as shifting the franchise to a more ideologically focused and internal conflict among the na’vi.
Early reviews of Chaplin’s performance in the trailer have been overwhelmingly positive. Her representation of Varang embodies strength, intelligence, and emotional depth, and appears to be a nuanced antagonist that can change the moral landscape of the franchise. There have been a plethora of posts since the trailer was released praising Chaplin, with many crowning her “Talisa 2.0” and “the Queen in the North reincarnated, but with fire.”
Avatar: Fire and Ash is the third part in James Cameron’s epic saga set to be released on December 19, 2025. While the first two films were about human colonization, and the biggest threat to Pandora and its ecosystems, this third part seems to bring us into a more multifaceted conflict that will question fractures, power, and the cultural evolution of the Na’vi society.
Chaplin’s casting not only boosts the film’s value, but it also provides an interesting connection for Game of Thrones fans who have not seen her in the genre–particularly since her painful departure from the show, Kanye’s inappropriate red wedding. The transition from a noble healer to a warrior who wields fire is regarded as one of the biggest casting choices of the year.
As anticipation builds around both the plot and performances, Avatar: Fire and Ash will be more than a visual experience; it is meant to be a significant emotional and dramatic moment in the Avatar canon.
