Zoe Saldaña has opened up about her challenging experience portraying Neytiri in the upcoming film Avatar: Fire and Ash, revealing that this latest role demanded more from her than previous installments in the iconic franchise. As she steps back into the shoes of Neytiri, Saldaña reflected on the emotional depth required to embody a character grappling with profound loss and hatred.
The title of the new film serves as a poignant reflection of the narrative’s themes, as writer/director James Cameron explained that “fire” symbolizes hatred, anger, and violence, while “ash” represents grief and loss. This journey of Neytiri, following the heart-wrenching loss of her son, Neteyam, paints a vivid picture of the cycle of sorrow and vengeance that ensnares her character. Cameron commented, “People are stuck in an unresolved part of that cycle,” highlighting Neytiri’s internal struggles as she navigates her feelings towards the Sky People and particularly the human character, Spider.
Saldaña acknowledged that while the film was not solely crafted around her character, the demands placed upon her in this installment were significant. During a recent press event in Miami, she shared her struggles with portraying a Neytiri who is deeply affected by grief, saying, “It was just hard to be in her skin…. Neytiri’s a character that, since the beginning, has always been defined by her faith.”
Filming for Avatar: The Way of Water and Avatar: Fire and Ash took place concurrently in New Zealand, which added another layer of complexity to Saldaña’s preparation. As a mother to young children, she found balancing her personal life with the intense emotional demands of her character particularly challenging, recalling the emotional whiplash she experienced while transitioning between her family life and her portrayal of Neytiri’s trauma.
In this narrative, Neytiri engages in a raw expression of grief, which has led to her embracing a mindset fueled by hatred and anger. Cameron emphasized this shift in her character, noting, “She becomes deeply racist, in a way,” indicating how the grief consumed her ability to see beyond her pain. Saldaña described the weight of this hatred as “heavy” and “intoxicating,” allowing her to navigate her character’s emotional battlefield.
To fully realize this portrayal, Saldaña relied on unwavering support from her cast and crew, likening their bond to family. She expressed gratitude for the safe environment they fostered, which allowed her to explore such intense emotions. Reflecting on her growth as an actress, Saldaña noted that her younger self, driven by ambition and curiosity, might not have had the same depth of understanding that comes with age and experience.
As she prepares audiences for the emotional journey that Avatar: Fire and Ash promises to deliver, Saldaña’s insights not only shed light on her character’s struggles but also highlight a deeper narrative about resilience, transformation, and the enduring nature of love amid loss. With this film, she aims to bring to life the authentic complexities of human emotion, enriching the cinematic landscape of the Avatar universe.