A new reveal about Avatar: Fire and Ash may be causing more confusion than clarity. Empire recently revealed a new image of Quaritch and Spider together on screen, with the latter’s back turned towards Quaritch.

Quaritch was the main villain of the first Avatar film in 2009, but he was killed in battle in his human form. He ended up coming back for Avatar: The Way of Water, revived as an avatar. But this was not the only twist regarding the Stephen Lang character.

Quaritch also ended up leaving behind a human son. In The Way of Water, a young boy named Spider was raised by Jake and Neytiri, and the final act revealed that Spider was Quaritch’s son. Given the pair’s connection, it will be interesting to see them reunited on screen. Despite this intrigue, however, there are big questions that arise regarding the character’s comeback.

Quaritch & Spider Reunite In Avatar 3 – But How?

Will Spider Choose To Leave Or Be Forced?

At this point, Quaritch and Spider will certainly reunite for Avatar: Fire and Ash. Lang spoke about them reconnecting in an interview with Empire, noting, “they reconnect out of necessity.” Check out the full quote from Lang below:

“They reconnect out of necessity. Their connection is not a solo connection. There are times when everybody comes together on some level. But, when enemies cooperate, you can be sure betrayal is just around the corner.”

“Spider confuses Quaritch. But Quaritch wants clarity. There is something about Spider that Quaritch really loves — not a word we ᴀssociate with him. I think respect and admiration really develop in spades, as well as animosity and manipulation. The relationship will deepen — for better or worse.”

But by the end of Avatar: The Way of Water, Spider has returned to being with the Sully family. To go back to Quaritch, he will have to be captured again or otherwise make his way back to his biological father.

There are some possibilities where this could happen. As of now, it is confirmed that the Ash clan will attack other Na’vi during the film. Perhaps, Spider could get swept up in this attack and end up with Quaritch that way.

It is also possible that Spider could seek out his dad of his own volition. However, the new image shows him with a Metkayina tattoo, which suggests that the human boy is fully integrated with his Na’vi family. As such, one is still left wondering how on Earth Quaritch ends up with his son once again.

Quaritch & Spider’s Story Should Be A Big Part Of Avatar: Fire & Ash

They Contribute To The Family Themes

Even if the circumstances of their reunion are unclear, Spider and Quaritch should be a big part of Avatar: Fire and Ash. One of the key thematic elements introduced in The Way of Water was the idea of family and what makes a family.

As a father-son duo, Quaritch and Spider would contribute to this theme, but they would also complicate it. The threequel could see Spider torn between the family he has from his genetics and the found family he has formed with Jake and his group. This could create a grounding emotional dilemma for Avatar 3.

Could Quaritch Be Redeemed In Avatar 3 Or Beyond?

Avatar 3’s Run Time Would Allow For Time To Explore

So far, Quaritch has been a bad guy and not the best father. But if he and his only known son reconnect in Avatar: Fire and Ash, it could show a softer side of the otherwise malevolent character.

This could send Quaritch on a redemption arc in Avatar 3 or a later franchise entry. The upcoming film has a lengthy runtime, so it can explore broad character developments in depth. Plus, the next one could end up being a positive turn for Quaritch.