Decoding the Conclusion of Avatar 2: Unveiling the Way of Water's Ending
Unveiling the highly anticipated sequel, Avatar 2, James Cameron takes us on a thrilling journey in The Way of Water Delve into the captivating ending that not only leaves us in awe but also sets the stage for the much-awaited Avatar 3
Avatar: The Way of Water picks up where we left off with Jake and Neytiri. So how exactly does Avatar 2 conclude, and what does it set up for Avatar 3? Fans have been eagerly awaiting the return to Pandora after 13 years, and the sequel does not disappoint.
We dubbed it "a breathtaking, cinematic masterpiece; James Cameron has returned, and perhaps he truly is the king of the world."
Although the first film is a standalone, Avatar 2 is the initial installment of four planned sequels - so, let's delve into the conclusion of the movie and its implications for the future.
Avatar 2 ending explained
In Avatar: The Way of Water, the waves of Quaritch (Stephen Lang) and his squad of RDA combatants descend on the shores of the Metkayina clan. Initially, the clan's leaders are reluctant to engage in war, but after the RDA brutally kills a Tulkun (considered to be spirit sisters and brothers of the Na’vi), they seek revenge.
The children of Jake and Neytiri embark on a mission to locate the Tulkun outcast, who has been targeted for elimination after being hit with a tracking dart. Despite freeing him, they are apprehended by Quaritch and ensnared in a huge fishing net, then fastened to the railing of the boat.
Tulkun, the outcast, observes Lo’ak from beneath the water. Enraged and distressed, the whale thrashes wildly on the seabed before launching out of the water and onto the ship, taking down any of the RDA members who weren’t crushed under its weight. Some are “finned” while others are thrown into the water. Scoresby, the cruel whaler, has his arm ripped off by his own explosive harpoon, a moment of intense catharsis.
As the kids manage to break free, Jake and Quartich engage in a long and brutal fight, exchanging gunfire and biting each other’s banshees. In the midst of the chaos, Neteyam is shot and killed while attempting to help Lo’ak and Spider escape. Neytiri screams in anguish over the loss of her son, as Quaritch offers Jake the same choice: his life for his daughters’ lives.
Jake locates Tuk, only to find Quaritch threatening Kiri with a knife. In a bold move, Neytiri eliminates all remaining RDA soldiers and wounds Spider in a calculated effort to unsettle Quaritch, who is revealed to be his son. Neytiri's actions force Quaritch to release Kiri. Just when it seems like they are safe, Jake confronts Quaritch one-on-one. Meanwhile, Tuk is pulled into the sinking ship, prompting Neytiri to go after her, leaving Spider and Kiri stranded as the boat starts to sink and rise unpredictably.
Jake ultimately triumphs over Quaritch, appearing to defeat him underwater – but this leaves him submerged. Lo’ak locates him and instructs him on how to breathe in order to survive, while Kiri harnesses her abilities to summon the shimmering, underwater fireflies (essentially the ocean’s equivalent of wood sprites) to locate Neytiri and Tuk, leading them to safety.
20th Century Studios
Quaritch, to everyone's surprise, was not killed. Spider discovers him convulsing underwater and, despite his better judgment, saves him. Bruised, battered, and alone, Quaritch is left behind as Spider returns to Jake and Neytiri, refusing to go with him. Quaritch then flies off on his own, presumably back to the RDA base.
The movie concludes with Neteyam's funeral, as the golden tentacles of the seabed gently envelop and embrace his energy for the last time. Jake and Neytiri are formally welcomed into the Metkayina clan. "I can't run from it, this is my fortress," Jake declares as the camera closes in on his serene face. As in the original film, his eyes open and the credits roll.
How does Avatar 2 set up Avatar 3?
Spider remains one of the most enigmatic figures in the story. While we are unaware of his parentage, it is evident that his interaction with Quaritch will undoubtedly develop and pose a threat to Jake and Neytiri. It is likely that this will become a significant relationship in the upcoming sequel(s).
In an interview with The Indian Express, Stephen Lang expressed his hopes for the character, stating, "I hope the character defies expectations and surprises people with what he goes through and becomes. I think you will recognize him, but within a different framework. The attitude, swagger, and qualities of leadership will still be there."
He continued, "If you have expectations, they will be fulfilled. He is always looking for a fight, that is his mission. However, I believe there will be surprises as we continue to explore this character's full potential. Bringing the role back just to repeat itself would be pointless and uninteresting. So, expect the unexpected."
There is an immense curiosity surrounding Kiri, including questions about her birth and connection to Eywa compared to others. Additionally, there is speculation about whether she possesses special powers. The answers to these questions remain unknown.
You can purchase Avatar: The Way of Water in 4K UHD here, and it is also available for streaming on Disney Plus. For more coverage, check out our other content below.
Explore our in-depth coverage of Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora below:
Find out how to rejuvenate your energy and improve your health, learn the tips for fast traveling, discover if you can interact with your Ikran, check the system requirements for Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, and find out about crossplay and cross-progression. Also, learn if the game offers multiplayer or co-op, if it is considered canon, if you can play as a human character, and if it will be available on PS4 and Xbox One. Note: Clicking on product links may result in us earning a small affiliate commission.
Editor's P/S
As a hard fan of the Avatar series, I was eagerly anticipating the release of Avatar 2: The Way of Water, and I must say, it exceeded my expectations. James Cameron has once again created a visually stunning and emotionally captivating cinematic experience. The film's conclusion is both satisfying and thought-provoking, leaving me eager for the next installment.
The ending of Avatar 2 sets the stage for the upcoming sequels in several ways. Firstly, it introduces new characters and expands the Na'vi culture, particularly the Metkayina clan. This opens up the possibility for future stories exploring different aspects of Pandora and its inhabitants. Secondly, the film leaves several unresolved conflicts, such as the ongoing war between the Na'vi and the humans, and the fate of Quaritch, who is left alive and presumably seeking revenge. These unresolved plotlines create anticipation and excitement for the future of the franchise.
