Stephen Lang Sets the Record Straight on His Avatar 3 Villain

Stephen Lang has built a reputation for playing tough, hyper-masculine characters, and his portrayal of Colonel Quaritch in the Avatar series is no exception. Yet, despite his on-screen persona, Lang insists that these roles don’t reflect who he is off camera. He’s quick to distance himself from the idea of promoting any kind of toxic or "alpha" masculinity, making it clear that his real-life values are far removed from those of his most famous characters.

Lang’s Perspective on Masculinity and His On-Screen Image

Lang has often been cast as the hard-edged antagonist, but he’s not interested in embodying that attitude in his personal life. In his own words:

I left the man club some years ago. My sons are beautiful guys, and my daughters are extremely amazing humans, as is my wife. I have no interest in promoting some idea of masculinity that is either aggressive or more important than anyone else. I play it. I love playing it. I enjoy it. But I, I don’t want to ever be thought of as some lunkhead male who’s promoting some form of alpha masculinity ’cause that’s not who I am and not what I want to do.

He emphasizes that while he enjoys taking on these roles, he doesn’t want to be seen as someone who champions outdated or harmful ideas about what it means to be a man.

Quaritch: More Than Just a Villain

Lang believes that Quaritch is a much more layered character than many give him credit for. While the colonel’s military background and aggressive demeanor might make him seem like a textbook example of toxic masculinity, Lang argues that there’s more beneath the surface. He points out that Quaritch recognizes and respects the strength of the women around him, especially Neytiri, whom he sees as a formidable opponent.

The third installment in the series delves deeper into Quaritch’s vulnerabilities, even exploring his emotional connection with Varang, the Ash clan’s leader. Lang says he doesn’t mind being typecast as long as the roles are interesting, and Quaritch’s evolving story keeps him coming back for more.

He acknowledges the power of the women in his life, acknowledges Mrs. Sully as one tough cookie. His former partner, who is the mother of Spider [ Jack Champion], she was a tough cookie. If I’m getting typed in some way, I don’t mind it because the roles are good. But as I’m, in a way, segueing into older roles, for obvious reasons — and I like that too! I don’t mind getting old. I just want to stay old for a really long time.

What’s Next for Quaritch in the Avatar Universe?

As for Quaritch’s fate, the third film leaves things up in the air. While it appears that he meets his end in Avatar: Fire & Ash, the movie never actually shows his body. Given his history of surviving the impossible—including a literal resurrection—fans are left wondering if he’ll return in the next chapter.

Lang himself is tight-lipped about what’s ahead, but he hints at the complexity of his character’s journey:

The line that I don’t say when I take that is ‘F**k it’ because that’s really what it is. It’s a ‘F**k it’ moment. This is too confusing and complex for me. I’ve done plenty. I really won’t say more than that about it.

With James Cameron ’s knack for surprising audiences, it wouldn’t be a shock to see Quaritch back in action if a fourth film gets the green light. Whether he continues down his current path or finds redemption remains to be seen.

Avatar: Fire & Ash is now playing in theaters.