Washington [US], April 4 (ANI): Disney debuted the first footage from James Cameron's highly anticipated film 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' at CinemaCon on Thursday night, giving theater owners a glimpse into the next installment of the beloved franchise.

Introduced by James Cameron in a video segment, the footage showcased the increased emotional depth and complexity of the film, which promises to deliver a thrilling conclusion to the trilogy, as per The Hollywood Reporter.

Cameron teased that the film's heroes will face not only the human invaders but also new adversaries, the Ash people.

Zoe Saldana, who plays Neytiri, took the stage to introduce the footage, explaining that 'Fire and Ash expands the beautiful world of Pandora and introduces two new clans, the Wind Traders and the Ash People,' as quoted by The Hollywood Reporter.

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The footage, which ran for approximately three minutes, opened with Neytiri telling Jake, 'The strength of the ancestors is here.'

The scene then shifts to a dramatic battle sequence, with Jake imploring Neytiri to let go of her hatred. The footage concluded with a character lamenting, 'We cannot defeat this enemy that comes from the stars,' as per The Hollywood Reporter.

Cameron's confidence in the film is evident, with the director teasing that it's 'really fucking cool' and that audiences will 'love it.'

The film's release is set for December 19, and it promises to be a major tentpole for the studio.

The success of the Avatar franchise is undeniable, with the first two films breaking box office records.

The original Avatar, released in 2009, became the highest-grossing film of all time, earning USD 2.9 billion globally, as per The Hollywood Reporter.

The second installment, 'The Way of Water', released in 2022, became the third highest-grossing film of all time, surpassing expectations to earn USD 2.3 billion globally, as quoted by The Hollywood Reporter.

Cameron has teased that 'Fire and Ash' will be a bit longer than 'The Way of Water,' which clocked in at 3 hours and 12 minutes.

As per The Hollywood Reporter, the film's official description promises a gripping storyline, with Jake and Neytiri's family grappling with grief and encountering a new, aggressive Na'vi tribe, the Ash People.

The film boasts an ensemble cast, including Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Britain Dalton, Jack Champion, Trinity Jo-Li Bliss, Stephen Lang, Giovanni Ribisi, Edie Falco, Brendan Cowell, Matt Gerald, Kate Winslet, Cliff Curtis, Bailey Bass, Jemaine Clement, and David Thewlis.

Cameron plans to release five Avatar films in total, with Avatar 4 set for December 21, 2029, and Avatar 5 on December 19, 2031. (ANI)