James Cameron Explains the 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' Scene That Shocked Fans — and Why He Wouldn't Cut It
One particular moment in Avatar: Fire and Ash has sparked widespread discussion among critics and audiences alike — an intense, provocative encounter between the movie’s two main antagonists, Col. Miles Quaritch, portrayed by Stephen Lang, and Varang, the Ash People’s witch-queen played by Oona Chaplin.
James Cameron explains why the intense Quaritch–Varang scene in Avatar: Fire and Ash stands out, reveals it’s his favorite moment, and shares how Oona Chaplin won the role.
20th Century Studios/Courtesy Everett Collection
The scene, which carries a heavy mix of sensuality, hallucinogenic elements, and power-driven tension, is strikingly bold for the typically family-oriented Avatar franchise. Beyond its shock value, it stands out as one of the film’s most compelling and unpredictable sequences — and it may even be director James Cameron’s personal favorite.
During the moment, Quaritch enters Varang’s tent hoping to persuade the volatile leader of the Ash People to form an alliance. However, Varang quickly flips the dynamic, forcing Quaritch to ingest a hallucinogenic substance before seductively slicing his chest with a blade, asserting her dominance.
Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Cameron explained why the scene resonates so strongly with him. He said viewers are left uncertain about what will happen next, emphasizing that both characters are deeply engaging and that Chaplin’s presence is especially captivating. Cameron described her performance as “mesmerizing,” noting that the word consistently comes to mind when reflecting on the scene.
Cameron further elaborated that he didn’t fully grasp the depth of what he had written until he saw the actors bring it to life. He described the exchange as a “double seduction,” explaining that while Quaritch initially seeks to manipulate Varang, she appears to gain control over him — even as Quaritch secretly executes a plan that ultimately succeeds. From a storytelling perspective, Cameron said he was very satisfied with the psychological complexity at play.
His attachment to the scene was so strong that he strongly opposed an attempt by the editing team to cut it in half while trimming the movie to its final runtime of three hours and 15 minutes. Cameron recalled bluntly telling them to restore every line, joking that removing it would leave them out of a job.
Notably, this very scene is what secured Chaplin the role during her audition. As previously reported, the former Game of Thrones actress outperformed three established film stars. Cameron explained that her audition conveyed sexuality, dominance, rage, and multiple emotional layers. He said Chaplin moved seamlessly between these elements in a way the other actors did not, convincing him that she understood the character on a deeper level.
Chaplin later admitted that after filming the scene, she spent months doubting her performance and considered asking Cameron for a reshoot. She explained that the moment was crucial to Varang’s backstory and that she wanted to authentically reflect the character’s trauma and resilience.
Eventually, she worked up the nerve to speak with Cameron. Instead of agreeing to a reshoot, he invited her into his private cinema and showed her the completed scene, telling her it was his favorite in the entire film.
Avatar: Fire and Ash is now playing in theaters.
