ookeeperRuntimeObjectThe forthcoming Avatar: Fire & Ash seeks to introduce a wealth of new elements while also building upon the aspects that audiences appreciated in its predecessors. This approach will extend to Pakayan, the tulkun (space whale) introduced in Way of Water as an outcast among his people due to killing the humans responsible for his mother’s death. Throughout the film, he forms a bond with Jake Sully’s teenage son Lo’ak and plays a crucial role in the climax by unleashing a rampage that saves his fellow Tulkun from vicious whalers.

The Avatar franchise has consistently demonstrated a fondness for animals, so it is only natural that Pakayan will have a more substantial role in the upcoming installment. In an interview with Empire Magazine, VFX supervisor Richard Baneham revealed that the positive reception of Pakayan – which has recently included Twitter users praising him as a great character in Hollywood – prompted the team to “take him to the highest level.” Within the film, he will cross paths with Ta’nok, a fellow outcast who will become his love interest. Baneham hinted that the pair share a “really great dynamic” together, and given the franchise’s penchant for love stories, it is possible that a scene featuring the two on a date may be in the works.

Ta’nok is not the only Tulkun set to appear in the film. Fire & Ash will delve deeper into Tulkun society, introducing a Patriarch and Matriarch who govern over their clan. According to Baneham, the Matriarch will be depicted in “full regalia,” complete with rings and tattoos that “suggest history beyond what we’re seeing.” For those who were captivated by the undersea world in Water, Pakayan is poised to offer more of the same when Avatar: Fire & Ash is released on December 19.

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