In a surprising last-minute creative decision, director James Cameron has rewritten a key part of Avatar: Fire and Ash to bring back one of the most iconic creatures from the original film: the massive red flying mount, Toruk. Cameron revealed that he decided to reshoot scenes to include the great winged beast after realizing its absence was a missing piece in the hero’s journey.
The third film in the record-breaking franchise, which is set for release on December 19, 2025, will now see Sam Worthington’s character, Jake Sully, reunite with the powerful creature he once rode to victory. This addition is part of what Cameron describes as a “constantly evolving creative process,” and it has pushed the final runtime of the film to a full three hours.
Why James Cameron Brought Back the Toruk
During the production of Avatar: Fire and Ash, James Cameron had a sudden realization about the story. He explained that he had always expected audiences to wonder why Jake Sully never called upon the Toruk for help in Avatar: The Way of Water. The director had originally planned to save the creature’s return for a later sequel but changed his mind during the editing of the third film.
“I’ve always been waiting for the question, ‘Why doesn’t he just go get the big red bird and kill everybody like he used to do?’” Cameron said. “I was saving it for a later film. I was like, ‘F**k that! He should get the bird. Get the Toruk.’ There’s something in Jake’s destiny that requires it, right?”
This creative impulse led Cameron to immediately re-write a section of the film. The production went back to shoot two or three new scenes centered on Jake retrieving the Toruk, while removing other material to make room for the new narrative thread. The director and cast were thrilled with the change, feeling that it was the right decision for the character.
Why the Toruk’s Return Matters
The Toruk is a crucial part of Jake Sully’s history among the Na’vi. In the first Avatar film, bonding with the fearsome, dragon-like creature was a legendary feat that solidified Jake’s status as a leader and a unifying figure for the Na’vi clans. His ability to ride the Toruk, also known as the “Last Shadow,” was a pivotal moment that helped turn the tide in the final battle against the RDA.
Its absence in The Way of Water was notable, especially as the Sully family faced new and powerful threats. By bringing the Toruk back in Fire and Ash, Cameron is not just answering a potential fan question but is also re-introducing a key element of Jake’s identity and power. The creature is shown in trailers taking down a Scorpion attack vehicle, suggesting it will play a significant role in the film’s aerial combat sequences.
Why the Movie is Three Hours Long
The decision to add new scenes with the Toruk had a direct impact on the film’s length. James Cameron confirmed that Avatar: Fire and Ash will run for approximately three hours. This continues the trend of long runtimes for the franchise, following The Way of Water, which had a runtime of three hours and twelve minutes.
“So I just re-wrote it, and we went back and we shot two or three scenes around that concept, and I threw some stuff out and stuck that in. And we’re at three hours, big surprise! But it works beautifully, and the actors were super-excited about that idea,” Cameron stated.
While the exact final runtime is not yet locked, as Cameron is known for tweaking his films deep into post-production, his comments indicate that the current version of the movie is about three hours long. This does not include the end credits, which could add another 10-12 minutes.
Why This Movie is a Big Deal for the Franchise
Avatar: Fire and Ash is a critical project for the future of the series. The film’s story picks up about a year after the events of The Way of Water, with Jake and Neytiri’s family still grappling with the grief of their son Neteyam’s death. Their mourning is interrupted when they encounter a new and aggressive Na’vi tribe known as the Ash People, led by Varang, played by Oona Chaplin.
The film also sees the return of the villainous Colonel Miles Quaritch, who forms a dangerous new alliance. The story of Fire and Ash is designed to bring a certain narrative closure, as the second and third films together tell one big story. The planned fourth and fifth films would then jump forward in time and tell a new, connected story.
However, James Cameron has indicated that the future of the franchise depends on the success of Avatar: Fire and Ash. The film carries immense expectations, as its predecessor grossed $2.3 billion worldwide. The director has stated that if the third film is profitable enough, he will move straight into the next sequels. If not, he may pause the franchise to work on other projects or find ways to reduce soaring production costs.
The Bigger Picture for James Cameron
For James Cameron, filmmaking is a fluid process. He is deeply involved in the visual effects, working to foster a “creative culture” among his team where artists think like storytellers. He emphasizes that this human creativity is why generative AI will never replace artists in the filmmaking process.
His commitment to detail and willingness to make significant changes late in production, as seen with the Toruk, show his hands-on approach. The majority of Fire and Ash was filmed alongside The Way of Water between 2017 and 2019, but Cameron’s creative impulses continue to shape the film even in the final stages of post-production.
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