Avatar: Fire and Ash – What Really Happens in the Finale
Jake Sully unites Pandora’s clans for a massive showdown against the RDA and Ash People, leading to fierce battles, tense standoffs, and uncertain futures for key characters.
The closing moments of Avatar: Fire and Ash kick off with Jake Sully breaking free from RDA hands, thanks to a rescue effort by Neytiri, Spider, and Dr Ian Garvin. Once he’s back with the Metkayina, Jake wastes no time gathering the local clans, gearing up for a fight after learning the RDA and Scoresby are out to hunt the Tulkun for Amrita—a rare substance taken from the whale-like creatures, rumoured to have anti-ageing effects for humans. Payakan, previously shunned by the Tulkun for his violent streak, manages to persuade the matriarchs to join the fight, with a bit of help from Lo’ak. The fact that Payakan’s only surviving family member has been left badly injured and blinded by the RDA tips the scales in his favour.
With the clans on side, Jake returns to his old mate, the Toruk—a massive, fiery orange bird he once bonded with—to become Toruk Makto again and lead the Na’vi into battle. The clans lie in wait as Scoresby and the RDA close in, ready to take out the Tulkun. But this time, the Tulkun aren’t having it. They strike back, sinking several boats and catching the RDA off guard. Meanwhile, the Na’vi take to the skies, launching their own assault.
Turning Tides and Desperate Moves
Just as things seem to be going the Na’vi’s way, the Ash People show up, swinging the momentum back to the RDA. Quaritch, who’s been benched by General Ardmore for losing focus, also turns up, keen to settle scores—especially since Jake still has his human son, Spider. When the situation looks grim, Kiri decides to dive underwater and connect her queue, a risky move given her epilepsy, which can trigger seizures during such connections. Spider tags along, using his own queue for the first time after Kiri’s powers saved him earlier, letting him breathe Pandora’s air. Even with their efforts, it’s not enough—until the youngest Sully, Tuk, joins in.
The trio manage to reach Eywa, the guiding force of Pandora. It’s a tense moment, as it’s unclear if Eywa will intervene. Suddenly, a swarm of Tsyong—the squid-like creatures Lo’ak encountered earlier—descend on the RDA, turning the tide. The humans are either drowned or devoured. Payakan’s wounded family member grabs Scoresby and drags him into the depths, leaving his fate sealed.
Final Confrontations and Uncertain Fates
The battle isn’t over yet. Varang snatches Tuk, prompting the Sully family to give chase. Jake and Lo’ak step in to help, and in a nod to Aliens, Kiri (played by Sigourney Weaver) manages to scare Varang off Neytiri. This sets up a final showdown between Jake and Quaritch, who end up brawling in a massive anti-gravity well. Spider is caught in the chaos, nearly falling to his death, which forces both men to pause their fight to save him. Jake offers Quaritch a hand, hoping to bring him over, but Quaritch, spooked by Neytiri and the others, throws himself backwards, disappearing into the flames below. His fate is left hanging, but it’s doubtful he’s truly gone.
In the aftermath, Spider uses his queue to visit the Tree of Souls, where he sees the departed, including Dr Grace Augustine and Neteyam. Ronal, who dies during the final battle, is helped by Neytiri to deliver her child before passing. Payakan is welcomed back from exile. The Sully family find a moment of peace, though with Quaritch’s fate unresolved, there’s every chance more trouble is on the horizon if another sequel gets the green light.