Edie Falco on Stepping Back into Pandora: A Glimpse into the Highly Anticipated Third Installment of the Avatar Franchise
Actress Edie Falco, renowned for her roles in critically acclaimed television series, is once again embracing the expansive universe of Pandora as she discusses her experience working on Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third installment in James Cameron’s groundbreaking film series. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the 62-year-old star, who portrays the formidable antagonist General Ardmore, expressed profound admiration for director James Cameron’s visionary approach to filmmaking.
Falco shared her insights at a recent New York City screening for Mayor of Kingstown season 4, highlighting the unique honor of contributing to Cameron’s imaginative world. “It’s another whole world,” Falco remarked, emphasizing the director’s unparalleled ability to bring his grand visions to life. “It’s kind of a great honor to be a part of the stuff that James Cameron imagines and makes happen. He’s quite astonishing in that regard.” She further elaborated on Cameron’s innovative spirit, stating, “He’s invented machines and [new] ways of shooting, and to be invited to be a part of that, I’m very lucky.”
The collaboration with the 71-year-old visionary director proved to be a refreshing experience for Falco, who noted a distinct difference from her previous directorial collaborations. “He’s like a little kid, you know? He’s got all kinds of ideas and [curiosity], and he has the sort of excitement about making a story that you do when you first start out,” she explained, commending his enduring passion for storytelling.
While specific plot details for Avatar: Fire and Ash, now in theaters, remain closely guarded by the cast, James Cameron himself has offered tantalizing glimpses into what audiences can expect. In an interview with France’s 20 Minutes, Cameron revealed plans to introduce a new facet of Pandora and its indigenous Na’vi people, specifically focusing on the “Ash People.” This new clan represents a significant departure from previous depictions. “The fire will be represented by the ‘Ash People.’ I want to show the Na’vi from another angle because, so far, I have only shown their good sides,” Cameron stated. “In the early films, there are very negative human examples and very positive Na’vi examples. In Avatar 3, we will do the opposite.”
Further expanding on the thematic depth, Cameron told Deadline at the 2023 Critics’ Choice Awards, “Fire has a symbolic purpose in the film, and there’s a culture that is specifically around that concept. That’s probably saying too much as we speak.” He also confirmed the introduction of two entirely new cultures, broadening the narrative scope beyond the previously encountered Omaticaya and Metkayina clans. “You’re going to meet two completely new cultures in the next film,” he detailed, indicating a more expansive exploration of Pandora: “and it kind of [roves] a little more freely around the world of Pandora to different places.”
Falco, reprising her role as General Ardmore from Avatar: The Way of Water (2022), joins a stellar ensemble cast including Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Joel David Moore, Jack Champion, Stephen Lang, and Britain Dalton. Adding to the new cultural dynamic is Oona Chaplin, who is set to play Varang, the leader of the “Ash People.” Empire magazine has described this new Na’vi group as “an aggressive, volcanic race,” promising a complex and intriguing addition to the richly textured world of Avatar.
Avatar: Fire and Ash is currently playing in theaters, inviting audiences to immerse themselves once again in Cameron’s unparalleled cinematic vision and the evolving story of Pandora.
