One spirit, many lives

How a familiar spirit in Avatar takes on a fresh identity for a new generation

The Avatar movie franchise has been around long enough to grow with its audience, and with each new release, fans are left comparing what it once was to what it is now. From the original Avatar (2009) to The Way of Water (2022) and the newest, Fire and Ash (2025), the series continues to evolve, but not without mixed reactions.

For Mateo Sanchez said (11), “The older films still hold the strongest place in my heart.

While he appreciated the visuals and world-building of the franchise, the newest movie didn’t land the same way for him. Sanchez said it was “confusing and longer than expected.” He also mentioned being surprised by some of the character choices, especially the increased conflict between characters who are technically on the same side. Still, he acknowledged that the franchise continues to push its story in new directions.

Alitzah Martinez (11) had a more positive outlook. She found the newer movies fascinating, especially The Way of the Water, which stood out to her because of the inclusion of new spiritual animals and a generally deeper connection to the world of Pandora. Although she hasn’t seen Fire and Ash yet, she’s optimistic. “I’m hoping the new film will live up to the second one, with more fighting, and the strong connections between the characters.”

Izaah Lutzker (11) said, “The newer Avatar movies are cool to watch, especially because of the advanced visuals and action scenes,” but he felt that sometimes the story was harder to follow than the original.

Lutzker explained, “The Way of Water looked really impressive, but it felt slower in certain parts, making it difficult for me to stay fully engaged the entire time.” He believes the movies are getting more intense, and said he likes how the newer films raise the stakes for the characters. “I enjoy seeing the environment and tribes introduced on Pandora; it helps the world feel bigger and more detailed. It doesn’t feel like the same movie over and over.” Although he agrees that the films can feel long, he thinks the emotional moments and action scenes make up for it.

As the series expands, audiences are no longer just impressed by visuals alone but are looking for stronger storytelling, clearer character development, and pacing that keeps them engaged. At the same time, the franchise continues to attract attention for its ambition.

Each new release introduces fresh settings, cultures, and conflicts on Pandora, allowing the story to grow beyond what was established in the original film. This expansion has helped keep this series relevant, especially for younger audiences who are experiencing the franchise for the first time through the new movies rather than the 2009 original.

There is also a shared sense of anticipation surrounding the future series. Even among viewers’ criticism, curiosity remains strong about where the story will go next. The promise of deeper connections and the more intense conflicts has many hoping that future films will refine the balance between spectacle and storytelling.

As Avatar continues to evolve, it faces the challenge to satisfy long-time fans while also appealing to new generation viewers. Whether through improved pacing, clear character motivations, or stronger emotional arcs, audiences are eager to see how the franchise will adapt. With more films planned, the success of Avatar will likely depend on its ability to grow while staying true to the elements that originally captured the viewers’ attention.