James Cameron's Avatar franchise made a long-awaited return to the big screens with Avatar: The Way of Water, a sequel that arrived over a decade after the original. The Avatar universe has swiftly grown into a massive phenomenon, with successive films raking in billions, a variety of comic adaptations, and a forthcoming Avatar game that will intertwine with the movies. Unlike the significant time gap between the first two films, Avatar 3 is set to be released relatively soon, hitting theaters in late 2025.
While the cast of Avatar 2 expanded substantially compared to its predecessor and built upon the foundation laid in the first film, some characters were notably absent from Avatar: The Way of Water. Furthermore, certain returning cast members received limited screen time to develop their characters. This is why it is essential for the third installment to incorporate these characters more prominently.
Neteyam (Played By Jamie Flatters)
In Avatar 2, the cast introduced Jake as starting his own family with Neytiri, including their eldest child, Neteyam, who was 15 years old and showed great potential for future Avatar films. Neteyam was portrayed as the successor to Jake and the leader of the next generation. This built up anticipation for the future Avatar movies. However, shockingly, Neteyam was killed off, disappointing many viewers.
Despite his death, there is the possibility of Neteyam returning in Avatar 3, considering the concept of death being not the end in the Avatar universe and the revival of previous characters. However, bringing back Neteyam may not be the best decision in this case. His death serves a crucial purpose in the storyline of future Avatar movies, allowing Jake to rise and fight back. Bringing the character back would undermine the significance of this development.
Lyle Wainfleet (Played By Matt Gerald)
: Jamie Flatters has already been chosen to portray Neteyam in Avatar 3, suggesting the character's return in the third installment. However, it is unclear whether Neteyam will be alive or if his appearance will be through a flashback sequence.Lyle Wainfleet, the mastermind behind the viral Avatar meme, emerged as Quaritch's trusted aide, featuring prominently in both Avatar movies. In a surprising turn of events in Avatar 2, however, Sully cast him off the boat. Although his survival seemed improbable after such a seemingly mundane demise, it is highly unlikely that he would meet such a simple end, given his role as one of the secondary antagonists in the series.
Eywa
He played a more prominent role in the second movie compared to the first, and this could potentially be further expanded upon in future installments. Due to the groundwork laid with Quaritch's potential redemption in Avatar: The Way of the Water, it is possible that he may align himself with the Na'avi. As a result, Lyle Wainfleet could emerge as the primary antagonist of the series.
Eywa, a prominent figure in the Avatar universe, is believed to be the deity by the Na'avi people. However, there is a possibility that Eywa functions more like a parasite, thriving on the resources of Pandora. The Na'avi society adheres to three specific laws dictated by Eywa: "Do not construct anything with stones, avoid using mechanical tools, and refrain from utilizing metals found in the earth." These laws serve as a clear distinction between the Na'avi and the humans. Interestingly, despite inhibiting the progress of the Na'avi, these regulations might prove advantageous for their species. After all, it was the human race's compliance with similar rules that ultimately led to the destruction and depletion of Earth's precious resources.
Eywa's deep connection to Kiri, one of Sully's children, enabled her to engage with the diverse species on Pandora, providing valuable assistance on numerous occasions. Although Eywa remains shrouded in mystery, some perceive her as an obstructive force, hindering the progress of the Na'avi through her laws, while others believe she seeks the best for the Na'avi people. Regardless, the goddess is set to make a triumphant return in future Avatar films, where she may assume an even more significant role than initially anticipated. Avatar 3 promises to delve into Eywa's character, unraveling the enigmatic nature that surrounds her.
Norm (Played By Joel David Moore)
Initially a member of the Pandora program, Norm developed a dislike for Sully. However, he later became a crucial intermediary between the Na'vi and human culture. In the first movie, Norm played a significant role by assisting Sully in learning about Na'vi traditions and joining their side in the war against the RDA. After the conflict, Norm remained on Pandora as one of the scientists left behind. While his role in the sequel was more limited, he provided assistance to Kiri in a few key moments. Excitingly, Norm's character is anticipated to have a more prominent and enjoyable presence in Avatar 3, as actor Joel David Moore has hinted at upcoming storylines that will focus on his character's family dynamics.
With a vast Avatar universe filled with numerous captivating characters, there simply isn't enough screen time in the movie to fully delve into each character and their stories. However, with three more movies currently being developed, the Avatar universe is poised to grow even further, introducing additional Na'vi tribes. Undoubtedly, fans will be thrilled to witness the return of these beloved characters.