"Fire and Ash," James Cameron's third "Avatar" film, arrives in theaters Dec. 19. The franchise introduces a 'fierce' new villain in Varang, played by Oona Chaplin. Why, yes, Oona Chaplin is related to Charlie Chaplin. Oona Chaplin brings some serious fire to the “Avatar” sci-fi franchise as its newest antagonist. But playing the villain Varang – who’s very much the heroine of her own story – was also a life lesson for the actress with a familiar last name. “I learned to take up more space, and not to apologize for just being there,” says the granddaughter of Charlie Chaplin. Varang "would teach me and then I would bring it and then she would teach me again. It was very cool.” “Avatar: Fire and Ash” (in theaters Dec. 19), the third movie in director James Cameron’s blockbuster series, catches up with Jake (Sam Worthington), Neytiri ( Zoe Saldaña ) and their Na’vi family on Pandora a year after the death of eldest son Neteyam. Join our Watch Party! Sign up to receive USA TODAY's movie and TV recommendations right in your inbox The new adventure finds them meeting – and coming into conflict with – the Ash People, a clan led by the zealous Varang who are forever changed by tragedy and trauma. And her teaming with bad guy Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang) creates more problems for the returning heroes. USA TODAY has an exclusive sneak peek at the new “Avatar” character, portrayed by Chaplin via performance capture technology. Here’s what you need to know about Varang, Chaplin and her iconic family legacy: The new villain in ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ has a tragic backstory Chaplin, 39, a veteran of TV shows like “Game of Thrones,” “Taboo” and “Black Mirror,” acknowledges that Varang is unlike any other character she’s played. “I’ve been a good person for most of my career,” she says with a laugh. Varang “is very fierce.” And the Ash clan is also different from the other Na’vi that “Avatar” fans have met because they have an antagonistic relationship with the deity Eywa. Varang and her people lived near a volcano until it erupted and everything was destroyed. “When they really needed Eywa, Eywa wasn't there and didn't show up for them,” Chaplin says. “So you can imagine the depth of despair and the grief and the pain.” In the aftermath, Varang harnessed the power of the thing that devastated them – fire – and became its devotee. She then galvanized the Ash clan and turned their trauma into their greatest strength. “When they go into battle, it's just like nothing you've ever seen. It's like a wildfire. They're unstoppable," says Chaplin, whose Varang combines smarts with power. “She's spicy, man. I really like her. I wouldn't go about things in the same way, but I have a lot of compassion for her because she does what she has to do.” Source: https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/movies/2025/11/26/oona-chaplin-avatar-fire-and-ash/87378164007/