Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Avatar: The Way of Water!
Avatar: Fire and Ash is poised to take audiences on an emotional journey as it continues the epic saga of Pandora. Set to release on December 19, 2025, this third installment has begun unraveling its narrative threads, especially in light of a pivotal death that occurred in Avatar: The Way of Water—the loss of Neteyam.
In a revealing interview with Empire, actors Britain Dalton (Lo’ak) and Trinity Bliss (Tuktirey) shared insights about the profound effects of Neteyam’s death on their characters. Dalton emphasized, “[Lo’ak] was born to be a leader, but he blames himself for his older brother’s death.” This internal struggle is set to play a significant role in shaping Lo’ak’s journey.
Bliss describes Avatar: The Way of Water as “a coming of age for Tuk,” noting how the tragedy affected Tuktirey deeply. She confessed, “I don’t think she’ll ever be the same,” yet hinted that this could open opportunities for her to ascend within the Sully family dynamics, saying Tuk may “move up the Sully ranks.” In her words:
Neteyam’s (Jamie Flatters) death in The Way of Water will hit all the young characters hard — especially Dalton’s Lo’ak. “[Lo’ak] was born to be a leader,” Dalton says. “But he’s never been given the trust. When Neteyam dies… that’s no way that he ever imagined being finally able to be seen. He blames himself.”
Those shockwaves ripple down to Bliss’ Tuktirey, the baby of the family, too. “[The Way of Water] was quite a coming of age for Tuk,” she says. “I don’t think she’ll ever be the same. It’s the first time she’s experienced a death in her life. She’s still her small and mighty self, and maybe she’ll move up the Sully ranks.”
Neteyam’s Death Has Changed Them Forever
While the plot details surrounding Avatar: Fire and Ash remain largely under wraps, the emotional ramifications of Neteyam’s death will undoubtedly influence the psyche of both Lo’ak and Tuktirey. As they grapple with their grief, the shadow of Neteyam looms large, fundamentally altering their paths moving forward.
Lo’ak’s sense of guilt may transform him into a more cautious character, despite having been set up as a future leader within the Sully clan. As we dive deeper into the family’s complex dynamics, this guilt could serve as both a burden and a catalyst for his growth.
The Death Has A Massive Impact
Neteyam’s death stands out as the most significant loss in the Avatar franchise to date, resonating deeply with fans. While characters like Colonel Quaritch and Dr. Grace experienced deaths in the first film, they returned in alternate forms. Neteyam’s absence, however, will be keenly felt, and there are currently no indications that he will make a reappearance in the upcoming third film.
This profound void left in the wake of his death is expected to serve as a major emotional driver for Avatar: Fire and Ash. As the Sully family navigates their grief, fans can look forward to a character-driven exploration of loss, responsibility, and resilience. The rich tapestry of emotions promises to unfold, inviting audiences to experience the depth of these characters as they honor Neteyam’s memory while forging their own destinies.
The anticipation builds not just for the visual spectacle expected from Avatar but also for a narrative that digs into the heartache of its beloved characters. Will Lo’ak rise above his guilt? How will Tuktirey’s transformation influence the family’s future? As the release date approaches, speculation continues to swirl, leaving fans eager for the next chapter in this epic saga.