Stephen Lang Sets the Record Straight on Quaritch in Avatar 3

Stephen Lang has built a reputation for playing tough, hyper-masculine characters, and his turn as Quaritch in the Avatar series certainly fits that mould. But off-screen, Lang is quick to distance himself from the kind of toxic masculinity his characters sometimes represent. He’s not interested in pushing any sort of ‘alpha male’ agenda, and he’s made it clear that his personal values are a far cry from the blokes he portrays on screen.

Lang’s Take on Masculinity and His Own Image

Lang has spoken candidly about how he sees himself compared to the roles he takes on.

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’s happy to play these parts, but he doesn’t want anyone to mistake the act for the real thing.

Even Quaritch, the main antagonist in the Avatar films, isn’t just a one-note villain. Lang reckons the character is more complex than he’s often given credit for, and he’s keen to point out that Quaritch’s actions aren’t driven by misogyny or a need to dominate women.

Quaritch: More Than Just a Villain

While Quaritch’s military background and aggressive style might make him seem like the poster boy for a certain type of masculinity, Lang argues that’s not the full story. The character recognises strength in others, especially the women he faces. He sees Neytiri as a genuine rival, not someone to be dismissed or belittled.

The third film in the series digs deeper into Quaritch’s personality, showing moments where he’s vulnerable and even forming an unexpected bond with Varang, the Ash clan’s leader.

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.

Lang doesn’t mind being typecast if the role is interesting, and Quaritch is a character he’s happy to revisit.

What’s Next for Quaritch?

As for what’s ahead, the third film leaves Quaritch’s fate up in the air. For those who haven’t caught the latest instalment, it looks like he meets his end in Fire & Ash, but with this franchise, you never really know. His body isn’t shown, and considering his knack for surviving the impossible, punters are left guessing.

Lang himself has kept things vague about whether he’ll be back.

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 history of bringing characters back from the brink, there’s every chance Quaritch could return if a fourth film gets the green light. Whether he’ll get a shot at redemption is anyone’s guess.

Avatar: Fire & Ash is currently screening in cinemas.