Sigourney Weaver on Kiri, Eywa, and Teaming Up with Cameron
Sigourney Weaver opens up about her role as Kiri in Avatar: Fire and Ash, reuniting with James Cameron, and the film’s exploration of loss and healing. In cinemas 19 December.
Sigourney Weaver is back in the world of Pandora, this time stepping into the shoes of Kiri in Avatar: Fire and Ash. Kiri, a unique Na'vi, is the child of Dr Grace Augustine’s Avatar and has been taken in by Jake Sully and Neytiri. She’s got a few tricks up her sleeve—mystical abilities that let her connect with other creatures and even pull off the odd miracle. Still, she’s just a kid, and the mystery of her father hangs over her story.
Weaver says the film digs into Kiri’s strange bond with Eywa, the spiritual force of Pandora, and follows her as she finds her feet in the middle of chaos. The character’s journey is all about discovery, both of herself and the world around her, as she’s drawn into events much bigger than she ever expected.
Back on Set with James Cameron
Weaver’s long-standing partnership with director James Cameron goes back to their days on Aliens in 1986. She reckons working with him is a bit of a dream gig for any actor.
Cameron’s approach is to let you find your own way into the character, without much hand-holding at the start.
He’s big on letting the cast experiment and see what comes out in the moment, which Weaver says makes the whole process feel fresh and exciting every time.
She points out that Cameron’s style is all about giving actors space to play around and discover new things about their roles as filming goes on. It’s a way of working that keeps things lively on set and helps the cast bring something real to the screen.
Digging Into Grief and Breaking the Cycle
The story doesn’t shy away from tough topics. Cameron has said the film is about more than just action and spectacle—it’s a look at grief, trauma, and the struggle to break out of old patterns of violence. These themes run through Kiri’s journey, shaping her choices and the way she sees the world.
Weaver has a bit of a laugh about being cast as a 14-year-old, given her own age, but she’s quick to point out that Kiri’s emotional depth is what really matters. The role lets her tap into a different side of herself, bringing a sense of vulnerability and hope to the character.
What’s Next for Fans
Avatar: Fire and Ash lands in cinemas on 19 December. Punters keen to know more about the release, the cast, or what’s in store for the story can check out the latest guides and updates. For now, Weaver’s return as Kiri promises a fresh look at Pandora and the challenges its people face.