Zoe Saldaña Shares the Emotional Challenge Behind Avatar: Fire and Ash

Known for her powerful performances in some of Hollywood ’s biggest franchises, Zoe Saldaña is set to return to the big screen in James Cameron ’s highly anticipated Avatar: Fire and Ash. After breaking box office records with the first two Avatar films, Saldaña is once again stepping into the role of Neytiri, bringing her signature dedication and depth to the character.

Balancing Motherhood and a Demanding Role

During a recent interview, Saldaña reflected on the personal toll of filming the latest Avatar installment. As she was expanding her own family, the actress found it especially tough to portray a mother who had just suffered a devastating loss. She shared,

On a personal level, I was expanding my family. So, to get to leave my babies at home and come to work and play a woman who had just buried one of her children, it was hard.

This candid admission came in response to questions about the darker aspects of Neytiri’s journey in the new film, which director James Cameron has described as a story centered on family. Saldaña, who shares three sons—Cy, Bowie, and Zen—with her husband Marco Perego, has always been open about the challenges of balancing her career and motherhood.

Star-Studded Cast and Franchise Legacy

Saldaña will be joined by Sam Worthington, reprising his role as Jake Sully, and Sigourney Weaver as Kiri. The film also features Stephen Lang, Kate Winslet, Oona Chaplin, and David Thewlis, among others. The Avatar franchise has become a cinematic phenomenon, with the original 2009 film grossing $2.9 billion worldwide and its 2022 sequel, Avatar: The Way of Water, earning $2.3 billion. The upcoming Fire and Ash is expected to continue this legacy, though its ratings and box office numbers are yet to be seen.

Family Support and Life in the Spotlight

Despite her high-profile career, Saldaña and her husband have managed to keep their children out of the public eye. She’s spoken about how her kids react to seeing her as Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy, saying,

I see how he’s trying to place me in his mind like, ‘OK, you’re mama, but you’re also Gamora…They’re going to watch these movies, and it’s going to be a part of what they like and what excites them. And the fact that that gives me street cred with my kids, it’s fun, it’s great.

Saldaña has also shared moments from set visits, where her sons saw her in full costume, and has expressed how difficult it can be to spend long periods away from her family. She’s offered words of encouragement to other mothers pursuing their dreams, reminding them that their ambitions are important for their children, too.

James Cameron’s Vision for the Theatrical Experience

Director James Cameron is known for pushing the boundaries of filmmaking, and with Avatar: Fire and Ash, he’s once again introducing new techniques to the industry. In a message to theater technicians, Cameron wrote,

Dear Theater Technician, My team and I are very excited to deliver AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH, over to you, to present to the public.

He included specific instructions for projection settings to ensure audiences experience the film exactly as intended. Cameron’s attention to detail highlights his commitment to delivering a truly immersive cinematic event.

Avatar: Fire and Ash is set to hit theaters on December 19, 2025.