Guillermo del Toro Calls Avatar: Fire and Ash an "Absolute Masterpiece"

Imagine getting a sneak peek at one of the most anticipated films years before its release, then having a cinematic titan like Guillermo del Toro declare it an "absolute masterpiece." Well, that's exactly what happened with James Cameron's upcoming Avatar: Fire And Ash, and del Toro isn't shy about his awe.

TL;DR

Guillermo del Toro calls Avatar: Fire and Ash an "absolute masterpiece" after an early screening, teasing big surprises.
He praises James Cameron as a modern myth-maker, comparing him to legends like George Lucas and Frank Baum.
The third Avatar film, releasing December 19, 2025, will introduce new Na'vi tribes, expand Pandora's lore, and continue to build Cameron's ambitious universe.

Guillermo del Toro's Stunning Praise for Pandora's Next Chapter

During a recent interview with Konbini, a French media outlet, the acclaimed director, known for visually stunning and emotionally rich films like his new Netflix release, Frankenstein, dropped a bombshell: he's already seen the third Avatar film. "I’ve seen the three Avatars. They are absolute masterpieces," del Toro stated emphatically. "I know where it’s going and I think it’s going to surprise a lot of people."

This isn't just a casual compliment; it's a profound endorsement from a fellow master of fantasy and storytelling. Del Toro further elevated Cameron’s achievement, likening him to only a handful of American creators who have forged entire mythologies. "You have [George] Lucas. You have the entire ‘Wizard of Oz’ mythology with Frank Baum. Jim is creating that with Avatar, and he’s going to take you places," he explained. This places Cameron in truly legendary company, underscoring the perceived depth and scope of the Avatar universe.

Their bond isn't new; it stretches back over three decades. Del Toro recalls meeting Cameron around 1991 or 1992, becoming fast friends. "Jim is my brother. We became brothers about 30-something years ago," he shared. Their friendship even included a unique living arrangement for a time, with del Toro staying at Cameron's house, a peek into their intertwined creative lives.

During their housemate days, they'd bond over anime. Cameron introduced del Toro to Patlabor, a classic mecha series, while del Toro returned the favor with Battle Angel, which later became the live-action Alita: Battle Angel, produced by Cameron. This shared passion for intricate, imaginative worlds clearly influenced both filmmakers and their mutual respect. Cameron's long-standing vision for Avatar dates back to these early days, with del Toro confirming Cameron was "already talking about Avatar in the '90s."

Their friendship extends beyond creative collaboration, delving into personal support. In 1997, when del Toro's father was kidnapped in Mexico, Cameron stepped in crucially. "He hired the negotiator, a quarter of a million dollars. He paid for the negotiator. We paid him back," del Toro recounted, highlighting the deep personal trust and support between the two directors.

"I’ve seen the three Avatars. They are absolute masterpieces. I know where it’s going and I think it’s going to surprise a lot of people."— Guillermo del Toro (Konbini interview)

Venturing Into the Unknown: What Avatar: Fire and Ash Holds for Viewers

So, what exactly is this "masterpiece" that awaits us? Avatar: Fire and Ash is currently slated for release on December 19, 2025, and clocks in at a substantial 195 minutes. James Cameron directs from a script he co-wrote with Amanda Silver and Rick Jaffa, promising another epic cinematic experience.

The story continues to follow Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldana) as they navigate Pandora. This time, their family will face an entirely new faction: the Ash People. This aggressive Na'vi tribe introduces fresh dynamics and challenges, with a new antagonist, Varang, joining forces with the familiar threat of Colonel Quaritch (Stephen Lang). Expect the visual landscape of Pandora to expand further, showcasing different environments and cultures we've yet to explore.

Franchise stalwart Sigourney Weaver, who returns as Kiri, has also hinted at the sheer ambition of the upcoming installments. She's read scripts for Avatar 4 and 5 and describes the undertaking as "unbelievable." Weaver emphasized the rigorous, fundamental acting work involved, stating, "People don't realize how fundamental the work is. They think that we're voicing these characters or that it's a cartoon." This highlights the immense effort poured into these films beyond just visual effects.

The Future Beyond Fire and Ash: A Sprawling Mythology in the Making

The scope of Cameron's vision doesn't end with Fire and Ash. Plans are firmly in place for Avatar 4 and Avatar 5, with tentative release dates set for 2029 and 2031, respectively. This extended timeline allows for a truly sprawling narrative, building on the mythological foundations del Toro so admires. Cameron himself has even suggested Avatar 3 could be the best in the series yet and potentially even longer than The Way of Water's already impressive 3-hour-12-minute runtime.

Some might argue that del Toro's glowing review could be influenced by his close friendship with James Cameron. While personal connections can certainly foster a positive outlook, del Toro is also a filmmaker renowned for his distinct artistic vision and critical discernment. His public praise for The Way of Water in 2022 as a "staggering achievement" happened before his comments on Fire and Ash, suggesting a consistent, genuine admiration for Cameron's work that transcends mere friendship.

Another consideration is the film's potentially lengthy runtime. While The Way of Water proved audiences would sit through a lengthy epic, 195 minutes (or potentially more) is still a significant commitment. However, for a film promising a rich, immersive world and a complex mythology, such a duration can be seen as a necessary canvas for storytelling. Cameron's track record with extended cuts and ambitious narratives often justifies the investment of time for viewers seeking a truly expansive cinematic experience.

Example: The Patient Gardener of Pandora's Ever-Expanding World

Think of James Cameron as a patient gardener tending to an enormous, intricate ecosystem. Just as he spent decades nurturing the Avatar concept before the first film bloomed, and then over a decade for the next, his approach to Fire and Ash and subsequent sequels is a testament to meticulous world-building. This isn't about rushing a product; it's about carefully cultivating a universe layer by layer. Del Toro, having seen the fruits of this long labor, clearly recognizes that dedication when he speaks of Cameron creating "an entire mythology" that will take viewers to "new places."

What to Keep in Mind as Pandora Expands

A Visionary's Seal of Approval: Guillermo del Toro's "masterpiece" label isn't given lightly, highlighting the potential for Fire and Ash to redefine epic filmmaking.
Mythology in the Making: Expect more than just a sequel; prepare for deeper lore and world-building that elevates Avatar into a pantheon of cinematic sagas, compared to works like Star Wars and The Wizard of Oz.
New Faces, New Conflicts: The introduction of the aggressive Ash People promises fresh antagonists and cultural explorations within Pandora's diverse landscape, keeping the narrative dynamic.
Long Haul, Big Payoff: With Avatar 4 and 5 already in the pipeline, Fire and Ash is a crucial piece of a much larger, ambitious narrative puzzle that requires patience but promises a grand payoff.
Behind-the-Scenes Deep Dive: For those eager to understand the magic, the Of Fire and Water documentary, released on Disney+ on November 7, offers a fantastic look into the making of these complex films.

Frequently Asked Questions About Avatar: Fire and Ash

Q: When does Avatar: Fire and Ash officially release? A: The film is currently slated to hit theaters on December 19, 2025. Q: How long is Avatar: Fire and Ash? A: The confirmed runtime for the film is 195 minutes (3 hours and 15 minutes). Q: Where can I watch the previous Avatar films? A: Both Avatar and Avatar: The Way of Water are currently streaming on Disney+. Q: What is the documentary Of Fire and Water about? A: Released on Disney+ on November 7, 2025, this documentary offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process and making of the Avatar films.

Sources:

Collider, "Guillermo del Toro Has Already Seen James Cameron's Avatar 3 and Called It a 'Masterpiece'," November 15, 2025
MovieWeb, "Guillermo del Toro Calls James Cameron's Avatar Films 'Absolute Masterpieces'," November 19, 2025
Collider, "What To Expect From Upcoming ‘Avatar’ Movies: Cast, Story, Release Date, and Everything We Know," November 15, 2025
GeekTyrant, "Guillermo del Toro Has Seen AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH and Says It’s Going to 'Surprise a Lot of People'," November 14, 2025
ComingSoon.net, "Guillermo del Toro Has Seen Avatar 3, Gives Reaction," November 10, 2025