Avatar 3 Update: How Did ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ End 3 Years Ago?

Three long years after “The Way of Water,” fans are finally set to experience the third episode of the Avatar saga, titled “Of Fire and Ashes.” But before you dash to the theaters for its release on December 17, a quick recap might be necessary: how did Avatar 2 end?

An Epic and Heart-Wrenching Finale

After hiding within the Metkayina tribe, the Sully family is found by the villainous Colonel Quaritch, who relentlessly pursues them, seeking revenge for the events of the first film. The saga’s antagonist has vowed to destroy Jake, his sworn enemy, and shows no signs of backing down.

With extreme brutality, Quaritch attacks anyone in his path, targets the water tribe, and eventually captures Jake and Neytiri’s children, taking them hostage. Sully then decides to stop running! He takes his fate into his own hands by confronting Quaritch and his minions on the massive SeaDragon ship.

A massive battle ensues between the Na’vi, the Metkayina, the tulkuns, and the human forces. Quaritch forces Jake to surrender, but the intervention of Payakan turns the tide! The tulkun attacks the ship, kills a large portion of the crew, and causes severe damage that leads to its sinking.

During the evacuation, Neteyam, Jake and Neytiri’s eldest son, manages to rescue Lo’ak, Tsireya, and Spider, but he is severely injured by gunfire and succumbs to his wounds.

A Tragic Shipwreck

Jake, Quaritch, Neytiri, and Tuk find themselves trapped on the sinking vessel. Sully then confronts the colonel and strangles him, leaving him for dead. He is later rescued by Lo’ak and Payakan. Meanwhile, Kiri manages to save Neytiri and Tuk with the help of marine creatures she has deeply bonded with.

Despite all the harm he has caused, Spider, Quaritch’s son, chooses to save his father at the last moment, unable to let him die. A complex moral bond emerges between them. Although human, Spider decides to stay with the Na’vi and the Sully family.

However, he keeps it a secret from Jake and Neytiri that he saved Quaritch. This secret sets the stage for dramatic revelations in the third installment. Devastated by Neteyam’s death, the Sullys hold an underwater funeral ceremony for him.

Jake and Neytiri connect with their son through the aquatic Tree of Souls. Jake definitively abandons his role as a warrior chief in flight, realizing that his family’s place is now with the Metkayina. “There’s no more running. This land is our home,” Jake Sully declares.

What to Expect in Avatar 3?

This ending sets up several intriguing paths for the third installment, particularly regarding the development of the characters. Jake and Neytiri, grieving the death of Neteyam, will embrace a destiny of resistance, no longer fleeing.

As for Quaritch, he will become more complex, torn between his Na’vi body and his human legacy. His son, Spider, loves the Sullys but saved his father. This secret could cause a major rift with Jake and Neytiri, potentially leading to a split between humans and Na’vi.

Moreover, the conflict is escalating from local skirmishes to a civilization war, involving other Na’vi families. Indeed, James Cameron confirmed that Avatar 3 will introduce the People of the Ashes (the Mangkwan), a Na’vi clan associated with fire and morally more ambiguous. This will likely shatter the notion that all Na’vi are united and peaceful.

To find out what happens next, make sure to visit theaters starting December 17!

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