James Cameron made significant last-minute changes to the ending of his latest film, Avatar: Fire and Ash, which premiered in theaters on December 19, 2023. The director decided to reshoot crucial scenes to align the film’s conclusion with its anti-colonialist themes, ultimately altering the narrative direction that had initially been planned.
Cameron admitted that the original ending involved the character Jake Sully, played by Sam Worthington, uniting the various clans of Pandora by arming them with automatic weapons. Upon reflection, Cameron recognized that this approach echoed historical instances of American colonialism, where native populations were often displaced and harmed by armed settlers. In an interview with The National, he stated, “At a certain point, it just hit me – maps to colonial history. Arming the tribes and pitting them against each other is actually the wrong thing.”
The director felt strongly that he could not depict Jake as perpetuating similar injustices, saying, “That was part of the North American genocide of indigenous people. I can’t have Jake doing the same thing.”
Reshooting the ending required considerable effort, including the removal of previously filmed material and the involvement of the original cast. Fortunately for Cameron, the actors were enthusiastic about revisiting their roles. Worthington emphasized that reshoots are common in the Avatar franchise, explaining, “I’d get a call saying, ‘hey man, can you come in? I want to try something out.’ You never really stop painting. You never really leave ‘Avatar.’”
As Avatar: Fire and Ash continues to garner attention, it currently holds a 67% rating on the Tomatometer and a 91% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have praised the film for its stunning visuals and complex themes, even as discussions about its narrative choices unfold.
This latest installment of the Avatar series aims to resonate with audiences by challenging colonial narratives and presenting a more nuanced view of conflict and unity among the Na’vi people. The film invites viewers to reflect on the implications of power dynamics and historical context, making it more than just a visual spectacle.
For those eager to experience the revised ending of Avatar: Fire and Ash, the film is currently screening in theaters worldwide.
