While he may not be nine feet tall or blue, Spider, the human character from Avatar played by Jack Champion, has become a central figure in the franchise. Set to continue his journey in the upcoming film, Avatar: Fire and Ash, Spider’s experiences are pivotal, shaping significant segments of the storyline.
Although writer-director James Cameron remains somewhat ambiguous about whether the fourth and fifth Avatar films will proceed as planned, Jack Champion recently shared insights with io9 indicating that he has filmed “more than just a little bit” for the next adventure.
“I think we’ve all filmed a couple of, what’s the word, flashback scenes?” Champion stated. “Honestly, we’ve filmed more than just a little bit, at least for me. I filmed a decent amount of flashbacks. I really hope we get to make four and five because it’s such a mind-bending, crazy story that has to be told.”
The reason Champion’s role is particularly extensive is due to his noticeable growth since filming began. Looking significantly older in 2025 compared to 2017, when the second and third films were shot, Champion acknowledged the unique filming challenges presented by the character’s maturation. Cameron anticipated this and ensured that all necessary takes featuring a younger Spider were completed before the actor physically changed.
“It was a challenge,” Champion admitted. “Because I would be in The Way of Water, and the next scene that same day would be set after the third film. I’d be thinking, ‘Okay, wait. How much has my character gone through?’”
After witnessing the events of Fire and Ash, fans are eager to see Spider back on screen, especially following the intense circumstances faced in Avatar: The Way of Water. There, Spider discovers that his late father, Miles Quaritch (portrayed by Stephen Lang), had a copy of his consciousness sent to Earth, where it was placed in a Na’vi Avatar, returning to Pandora to confront Jake Sully. It’s a heavy burden for any child, especially when Spider ultimately sacrifices for his father’s sake at the film’s climax.
Curious about what lies ahead? You can catch the excitement when Avatar: Fire and Ash debuts on December 19. As for Avatar 4, it’s currently set for release on December 21, 2029.
What are the main themes explored in the Avatar series? The series deeply delves into themes like environmentalism, family, and the conflict between technology and nature, reflecting contemporary global issues.
How does Jack Champion’s character develop throughout the series? Spider evolves significantly, grappling with complex family dynamics and moral dilemmas, showcasing personal growth and resilience.
When can we expect to see more Avatar films? Following the release of Avatar: Fire and Ash on December 19, 2025, Avatar 4 is scheduled for December 21, 2029, which will continue to explore the franchise’s expansive universe.
For those eager for more entertainment news, keep your eyes peeled for updates on upcoming Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, as well as everything exciting in the DC Universe and the future of Doctor Who. There’s plenty to explore, so don’t hesitate to continue your journey with related content at Moyens I/O.