Avatar: Fire and Ash plot details reveal how the Sully family has changed following The Way of Water‘s major death. A sequel to 2009’s Avatar, 2022’s The Way of Water jumps ahead 16 years and introduces Jake and Neytiri’s Na’vi family, including the oldest sibling Neteyam, his reckless younger brother Lo’ak (Britain Dalton), their younger sister Tuk (Trinity Bliss), and the adopted Spider (Jack Champion). During Avatar: The Way of Water‘s ending, Neteyam is tragically killed during a raid on the RDA, a death that is expected to have significant consequences in the upcoming Avatar: Fire and Ash.

Talking to Empire, the Avatar cast discussed how Neteyam’s death will affect their characters in the upcoming Fire and Ash. Dalton says that his death forces Lo’ak into a leadership role he never expected and leaves him feeling undeserving and guilt-ridden, as he believes he is only finally seen because of his brother’s death:

[Lo’ak] was born to be a leader. But he’s never been given the trust. When Neteyam dies… that’s no way that he ever imagined being finally able to be seen. He blames himself.

Bliss says that Neteyam’s death will deeply change Tuk, marking her first experience with loss, though she remains her strong, spirited self and may take on a bigger role in the Sully family:

I don’t think she’ll ever be the same. It’s the first time she’s experienced a death in her life. She’s still her small and mighty self, and maybe she’ll move up the Sully ranks.

For Spider, the son of RDA Colonel Miles Quaritch, Champion says that Neteyam’s death intensifies his inner conflict and guilt over saving his villainous father, pushing him to confront his idenтιтy and struggle with where he truly belongs:

He feels very conflicted. His “dad” is reborn into this Na’vi form and still as evil as ever, if not more so, and he still felt he had to save him. You see that guilt play out, and the evolution of Spider trying to figure out where he belongs.

Bailey Bᴀss says that Tsireya, Lo’ak’s closest friend and potential love interest from the Metkayina clan, will see her relationship with the Sully family “continue to grow” after Neteyam’s death, which also intensifies her inner struggle between following her upbringing and doing what she feels is right:

Tsireya has this turmoil between what’s right and standing up for people versus what you’re taught your entire life.

What Neteyam’s Death Means For Avatar: Fire & Ash

The Sully Family Will Be Deeply Affected

In Avatar: Fire and Ash, the Sully family will be deeply affected by Neteyam’s death, a loss that cuts deep through every layer of their dynamic. Jake and Neytiri, already burdened by the weight of parenthood and leadership, must now navigate the overwhelming grief of losing a son on top of that. Lo’ak, previously overshadowed by his older brother, is thrust into an unwanted spotlight, grappling with guilt and newfound expectations. Tuk’s innocence is shattered, while Spider struggles with idenтιтy and belonging. Neteyam’s death will reshape the Sully family’s future forever.

Our Take On The Sully Family After Neteyam’s Death

What Comes Next In Avatar: Fire & Ash

After Neteyam’s death, Avatar: Fire and Ash has the potential to explore a darker and more emotionally complex chapter for the Sully family. Neteyam’s death isn’t just an immense loss for the family, it’s a catalyst for what comes next. Through grief, guilt, and fractured bonds, the Sully family must evolve, offering Avatar: Fire and Ash the chance to continue deepening the franchise’s emotional depth.

Source: Empire