Jack Champion made a significant impact on the film industry when he was cast as Spider in “Avatar: The Way of Water” at just 12 years old. Now 21, the actor reflects on how this role has fundamentally shaped him, as he prepares for the release of “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” the latest installment in James Cameron’s expansive sci-fi universe. The long-awaited sequel signifies not just a part of Champion’s career but has become intertwined with his personal growth over nearly a decade.
Set on the vibrant moon of Pandora, the “Avatar” franchise is renowned not only for its box-office success but also for its exploration of themes such as environmentalism, colonization, and a deep spiritual connection to nature. The Na’vi, Pandora’s indigenous inhabitants, serve as a focal point of these themes. Spider, also known as Miles Socorro, uniquely exemplifies the intersection between humanity and the Na’vi. Raised within the Sully family, Spider is both an outsider and an insider—his character embodies the universal longing for acceptance, resonating with Champion’s own experiences during his formative years on set.
Filming for “Avatar” began in 2017, and as Champion prepares for the arrival of “Fire and Ash,” he reflects on the journey: “It feels like it’s a long time coming,” he shares. As he recalled his earlier days on set, Champion acknowledged the emotional rollercoaster that accompanied the lengthy production process. “I also wanted to be a normal kid and have normal experiences in life, but I couldn’t have that while filming for months and months on end,” he admitted.
This personal connection extends into the darker narratives woven into “Fire and Ash,” particularly relating to Spider’s bond with the Sully family, which is filled with love but also distance and heartbreak. Champion reveals, “He always wanted to be part of the Sully family,” making his portrayal both complex and relatable.
Champion’s first encounter with “Avatar” was memorable—it was a late-night viewing at home, and he was captivated by the film’s stunning visuals. Now, years later, he finds himself fully immersed in the universe that enchanted him as a child. Reflecting on the unique evolution of his character through adolescence, he sees a parallel between himself and Spider, both navigating the journey of finding their place in their respective worlds.
When asked about the aspects of Spider that resonate with him personally, Champion highlights the character’s unwavering loyalty to friends and family, something he embodies as well. Yet, he also expresses a yearning for Spider’s bravery and adventurous spirit, traits that he admires deeply.
If given the opportunity to incorporate any element of Na’vi culture into his daily life, Champion wishes for the ability to spiritually connect with nature in a profound way—symbolized by the idea of a physical bond with nature that could deepen human experiences and connections.
As “Avatar: Fire and Ash” approaches its release, Champion hopes audiences walk away feeling creatively fulfilled, their imaginations stirred. He invites fans to pay close attention to Spider’s emotional journey in this narrative, emphasizing the character’s growth and the importance of connection in a world filled with challenge and wonder. The anticipation surrounding this release echoes the shared experience of growth, making it a significant moment not just for fans but for Champion himself.