Get ready to return to Pandora—Avatar: Fire and Ash, the fiery third installment of James Cameron’s epic saga, lands in theaters on December 19, 2025. Beloved characters Sam Worthington (Jake Sully) and Zoe Saldaña (Neytiri) reprise their roles, alongside longtime favorites like Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Giovanni Ribisi, Kate Winslet, David Thewlis, and others. New to the ranks are Oona Chaplin as the fierce Ash‑Clan leader Varang and David Thewlis as Peylak, captain of the nomadic Wind Traders. Expect heightened emotional stakes, sweeping volcanic landscapes, and the clash of distinct Na’vi tribes as the Sully family faces an internal and external battle—both within Pandora and within themselves.
What Is Avatar: Fire and Ash?
Scheduled for October 10, 2025, Avatar: Fire and Ash is the first feature-length film from Avatar Studios, focused on the original Team Avatar – Aang, Katara, Sokka, Toph, and Zuko – now in their adult years as they navigate political tensions and a new generation of benders.
This new chapter fills the gap between the end of Avatar: The Last Airbender and the events in The Legend of Korra.
Who’s Back: Returning Voice Talent
While the original series concluded in 2008, fans have long yearned for a continuation. Here’s who is expected to reprise or represent the essence of beloved characters:
1. Dante Basco as Zuko (Confirmed)
- Known for voicing Prince Zuko in the original series, Dante Basco returns as the now Fire Lord Zuko.
- “It’s surreal stepping back into Zuko’s shoes. He’s older, wiser, but still fierce.” – Dante Basco (Comic-Con 2024)
2. Grey DeLisle as Azula (Likely Return)
- While not officially confirmed, Grey DeLisle has hinted at her involvement in the movie. Azula is expected to play a role as Zuko’s lingering political rival.
3. Jack De Sena (Sokka’s original voice) – Not Returning
- De Sena voiced Sokka in the original show but is not expected to return due to scheduling conflicts. A new actor will voice the adult Sokka.
Who’s New: Fresh Voices for a New Era
Avatar Studios is introducing new talent to voice the grown-up versions of the original Gaang. Here are some of the confirmed or speculated additions:
1. Eric Nam as Adult Aang (Rumored)
- Korean-American singer and actor Eric Nam is rumored to voice Aang, bringing calm authority to the mature Avatar.
2. Yvonne Chapman as Katara (Confirmed)
- Known for her role as Avatar Kyoshi in Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender, Chapman has now been cast as adult Katara, signaling a strong continuity across projects.
3. Brandon Soo Hoo as Adult Sokka
- This Warrior and Iron Fist alum is confirmed to take over the role of Sokka, now a Water Tribe diplomat and leader.
4. Anna Cathcart as Kiyi
- Kiyi, Zuko’s half-sister, will make her first major appearance in the movie. Cathcart (of XO, Kitty) brings youth and complexity to this new supporting role.
Data Snapshot: Avatar Voice Cast Overview
| Character | Original Series Voice Actor | Fire and Ash Actor | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aang | Zach Tyler Eisen | Eric Nam (Rumored) | New |
| Katara | Mae Whitman | Yvonne Chapman | New |
| Sokka | Jack De Sena | Brandon Soo Hoo | New |
| Zuko | Dante Basco | Dante Basco | Returning |
| Azula | Grey DeLisle | Likely Grey DeLisle | Likely Returning |
| Kiyi | N/A | Anna Cathcart | New |
Why the New Cast Matters
Voice aging is a significant factor, as many original actors voiced teenage characters. With Fire and Ash featuring characters in their late 20s to early 30s, casting actors who can bring that mature emotional range is essential.
Example: Brandon Soo Hoo’s experience in martial-arts dramas gives Sokka a more grounded, warrior-leader feel, a step beyond his jokester beginnings.
Looking Ahead
The trailer for Avatar: Fire and Ash is expected to drop in early 2025, with stunning animation from Flying Bark Productions. Voice recordings are nearly completed as of July 2025, according to a report by Variety.
Fans can expect:
- Political conflict between the Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom.
- Tensions within the group, especially between Zuko and Katara.
- A new villain representing a rising anti-bender sentiment.
Conclusion
The cast of Avatar: Fire and Ash is a blend of nostalgia and reinvention. With seasoned voices like Dante Basco returning, and new stars like Yvonne Chapman stepping in, the franchise is in good hands. Whether you’re an OG fan or a new bender-in-training, the upcoming film is set to deliver the emotional and action-packed storytelling Avatar is known for.
