Avatar 3: Fire and Ash is a little ways off—with less than a year to go before its release—but the first look is already here. Empire released a cover earlier this month featuring actor David Thewlis' character Peylak in the Avatar franchise. Fans may recognize Thewlis' name from other popular franchises, such as Harry Potter, Wonder Woman, and Dragonheart.
As for Thewlis' character, Peylak isn't the adversary audiences expect him to be. Contrary to those misconceptions, Peylak is a member of a playful clan called the Tlalim who ride atop jellyfish type creatures, as seen in the concept art above. The movie's costume designer calls the clan "colorful" and "upbeat." Deborah L. Scott added that they're reminiscent of the "circus in town," which we can assume means they're a peaceful type.
Unfortunately for Peylak, the Ash clan called Mangkwan is another sect. Details on them are still unclear, but anyone labeled as antagonistic never has good intentions. In all likelihood, they'll be the ones to go on the offensive when more humans invade Pandora. The first two military waves failed, losses they won't take sitting down. Perhaps the subtitle of Fire and Ash hints at what's to come.
The second film concluded with Earth's military taking a more aggressive approach, and it's only a matter of time before they set fire to the entire planet. Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), his newfound clan, and allies are fighting back, perpetuating the fighting further. It'll go on forever, that is, until military leaders decide to scorch the entire planet. Burning the sacred tree was their last resort in the first film—odds are the human factions will use a nuclear option. They only need the minerals beneath the surface, so torching the rest doesn't matter, at least to the emotionless military element.
The silver lining is the new clans may turn the tide. While not on the same side, the alien military is both of their enemies. Stopping them will supersede any cause for infighting, unifying them without intending to. And the saying "the enemy of my enemy is my friend" will be more apt than ever. First impressions of the Ash clan suggest they're not easy to get along with and don't play well with others, but a collective goal—like stopping a nuke—could go a long way to mending bridges. That's not to say they'll be as boisterous as the Tlalim, though breaking bread at the same table sounds possible.
The question remains, though: what does Peylak have in mind? A joyful personality is one thing, but he'll have realistic expectations for his clan in the present climate, like any leader would. Soldiers invading his world, torching most of it, won't go unnoticed. So, while Peylak's people give off the appearance of carny folk, audiences should be wary of their motivations. For all we know, a seat at the Metakayina table might place others in a dangerous predicament. In cases of survival, deals get made. What better way to secure their survival than to turn over Jake Sully and the remaining rebels? It would guarantee their survival and then some, unless the army negs the deal, which is often the case in military occupations.
Avatar: Fire and Ash premieres in theaters on December 19, 2025.