As the audience donned 3D glasses upon entering the final presentation at CinemaCon 2025, it became clear that a return to Pandora was imminent. Indeed, Disney unveiled the first-ever footage from Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third installment in James Cameron’s epic fantasy franchise.

Although Cameron was not present, he entrusted the presentation to Neytiri herself, Zoe Saldaña. The footage commenced with the water tribe, the Metkayina, navigating through wreckage, possibly from the previous film, followed by scenes of the younger characters, including Lo’ak, Kiri, and Tsireya, socializing.

Tsireya says to Lo’ak, “The strength of your ancestors is here,” as she touches his chest.

The Wind Traders arrive, and the Metkayina welcome them with enthusiasm. The atmosphere is friendly, with characters cheering and younger ones, like Kiri and Spider, riding alongside. Cameron’s affection for these characters is evident in the way he films these scenes. The ships, resembling flying pirate vessels with translucent sails, glide through the air as tribe members issue orders, evoking a sense of serenity.

The ships float through the mountains, accompanied by other Na’vi, including Neytiri on her Ikran, while Spider playfully dangles his foot off the side. The scene remains peaceful until Neytiri spots something in the sky and alerts Jake. The Ash tribe emerges, exuding a menacing presence due to their bright red war paint and the sparks emanating from their Ikrans.

The Ash tribe launches a surprise attack on the heroes, engaging in a massive midair battle. Jake and Neytiri retaliate, but the Ash tribe’s flaming arrows ignite the Wind tribe’s ships.

Jake is seen trekking across Pandora, walking past massive volcanoes and eventually arriving at the Ash tribe’s gate, surrendering himself. He and Neytiri have a heart-to-heart with Lo’ak, warning him against living in hate and sharing a hug.

Tonowari, the water tribe’s leader, expresses concerns about defeating enemies from the stars. The Ash tribe is then seen forming an alliance with Quaritch and the human army.

Neytiri, hospitalized and frantic, calls out for her children as a raid unfolds. A glimpse of a Tulkun’s eye is shown, and the scene concludes with a massive battle on floating rocks, resembling wreckage from an ongoing battle. Neytiri clashes with the Ash tribe’s leader, who wields a flame-thrower-like weapon, stating, “Your goddess has no dominion here,” indicating their disbelief in Ewa.

The film balancing the serenity of the Wind tribe, the kinetic energy of the Ash tribe, and the water people, now including the Sully family, promises an intense narrative, with not everyone likely to survive.

Avatar: Fire and Ash is set to release on December 19, with Cameron still working on the project.

For more io9 news, check out the upcoming release dates for Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek, as well as the future of the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about Doctor Who.