The first trailer for James Cameron’s *Avatar: Fire and Ash* left me in awe, and I’m not ashamed to admit it.

The follow-up to 2009’s *Avatar* and 2022’s *Avatar: The Way of Water* appears just as stunning as its forerunners. The trailer entranced me with visions of shimmering, balloon-like creatures and the return of the beloved tulkun from *Avatar: The Way of Water*. Nevertheless, what truly piqued my interest was the unveiling of the Mangkwan clan, a new Na’vi group that Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña) will encounter.

Every *Avatar* film has introduced a fresh Na’vi clan. *Avatar* presented the Omatikaya clan, who dwell in the forests, while *Avatar: The Way of Water* showcased the Metkayina clan, residing near Pandora’s reefs. These clans became allies of Jake and Neytiri, but that will not hold true for the Mangkwan clan in *Avatar: Fire and Ash*.

Referred to as the Ash People, the Mangkwan inhabit ashy, volcanic landscapes and seem to align with *Avatar* antagonist Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang). Their leader, Varang (Oona Chaplin), appears to be immune to fire, capable of setting her hands ablaze without harm. Is she a firebender? Are we witnessing a crossover between *Avatar* and *Avatar: The Last Airbender*? At last, the *Avatars* meet.

In all truth, watch the complete trailer above for an in-depth look at the Ash People and the breathtaking alien environments of *Avatar: Fire and Ash*. From just these two minutes, it seems the *Avatar* franchise is set to clinch another Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.

*Avatar: Fire and Ash* arrives in theaters on Dec. 19.