The initial press screening for Avatar 3 reveals that the new film in the series has had a controversial start in the cinema world. Avatar: Fire and Ash, which opens on December 19th, was shown to a limited number of press members at a special screening in the US.
Avatar 3 press screening held
While critics haven’t been able to publish comprehensive reviews, initial impressions shared on social media indicate a reception that has garnered both praise and criticism. These early reviews suggest that Avatar 3 has a weaker impact compared to previous films in the series.

A significant portion of those attending the screening noted that Avatar 3 bears striking similarities to the second film. It was noted that the story structure, narrative choices, and overall atmosphere largely follow the pattern of Avatar: The Way of Water.
James Cameron’s attempt to maintain the formula he adopted in previous films while expanding the Pandora universe has disappointed audiences, especially those who expected new concepts and narrative experiments in this film. The common view that the film repetitively follows the same approach has become a central element of criticism.
Another point of intense criticism is the film’s 3-hour and 15-minute runtime. Even some critics, who praise Cameron for his technical excellence, argue that the film doesn’t fully fill this length. Some note that the length occasionally disrupts the rhythm, particularly in the middle section.
On the other hand, positive reviews of Avatar 3 are also strong. The majority of viewers report that Cameron has once again delivered the series’ trademark captivating world-building at a high level.
Fire and Ash is emphasized as a visually compelling film, continuing the series’ trajectory and being an impressive production in terms of technical achievement and cinematography. Those who have experienced the film consider Avatar 3 a must-see in the cinema.
In short, initial reviews suggest that Avatar 3 is a sequel that is technically strong but falls short of expectations in terms of content and innovation. Considering the impact of the previous films in the series, it is eagerly awaited to see how Fire and Ash will be received at the box office and audience levels.

