Sigourney Weaver has confirmed her character in Avatar: The Way of Water, solving the mystery surrounding her return to the franchise.
The Alien star played Dr Grace Augustine in 2009's blockbuster Avatar from director James Cameron, who is stepping behind the camera once again for the hotly-anticipated sequel.
When it was first announced that Weaver would appear in The Way of Water, speculations started as to who she would play given that Dr Augustine died in the first film. It has finally been revealed that the actress stars as Na'vi teenager Kiri, the adoptive daughter of Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña) and Jake (Sam Worthington) – and you can see a first look at the character on the cover of Empire's magazine below.
Related: Avatar 2 star confirms long-running Quaritch fan theory
"I think we all pretty much remember what we were feeling as adolescents," Weaver told Empire.
"I certainly do. I was 5'10" or 5'11" when I was 11. I felt strongly that Kiri would feel awkward a lot of the time. She's searching for who she is. I was thrilled to be given that challenge by Jim."
What to Read Next
To prepare for the role, the Ghostbusters actress workshopped with a group of teenage girls.
"She looked younger, she had more energy, and she never quite stepped out of Kiri for our whole capture period," Cameron said of Weaver, referring to the underwater motion-capture technology used to bring the characters to life.
Related: Avatar 2's first plot details have been revealed
Recently, Kate Winslet also gave fans of the franchise a few insights into her character Ronal.
The Mare of Easttown star is one of the latest additions to the Avatar film series, alongside Everything Everywhere All At Once protagonist Michelle Yeoh, Oonah Chaplin and Vin Diesel.
"[She's] deeply loyal and a fearless leader," Winslet said of Ronal, in charge of the safety of the Metkayina clan with Tonowari (Cliff Curtis).
As per Cameron's ambitious plan, The Way of Water will be followed by three planned sequels, set to be released in 2024, 2026 and 2028 respectively.
Avatar: The Way of Water will be released in cinemas on December 16.
Best Entertainment and Tech Deals
Coronation Street X Joanie - Gilroy Retro Newton And Ridley Sweatshirt
Reporter, Digital Spy
Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy.
Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).
