(Courtesy of Disney) James Cameron's latest Avatar movie opens with a scene of innocent wonder. Two young brothers soar through the air on winged beasts, taking in the vertiginous views of their majestic home world. Both are Na'Vi, lithe bipedal inhabitants of the verdant moon Pandora introduced back in 2009 in the series' first entry. The boys experience Pandora as a playground, its psychedelic flora and fauna a boundless source of delight. The catch is that one of the brothers is dead.
Avatar: Fire and Ash is now ablaze in theaters, with the ongoing story of Jake Sully and the survival of the indigenous Na'vi in the face of colonizing, space-faring humans. This time, audiences witness the emergence of the Mangkwan, a violent clan dwelling near the volcanic fires of Pandora. It is well-documented that James Cameron intends his Avatar saga to span a total of five movies.