In December 2009, James Cameron‘s revolutionary 3-D epic shattered box office records with its set far away in the universe standards (quite literally). ‘Avatar‘ was a movie ahead of its time in every sense you wanna think about it. The film not only caught the intrigue of audiences with its stunning visuals and compelling storyline but also launched the careers of its talented cast into the stratosphere.
From Sam Worthington’s transformation into a Na’vi protector to Zoe Saldaña‘s fierce Neytiri, each character of this iconic sci-fi has etched their names into cinematic history along with the actors who took up the job of their lifetime. Now, over a decade and a sequel titled ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ later, they’re still on our minds. Why not catch up with the original cast of this Hollywood gem and find out where their careers have taken them after Pandora?
1. Sam Worthington – Jake Sully
Sam Worthington catapulted into the spotlight as one of Hollywood’s iconic protagonists, Jake Sully. A former Marine falls headfirst in the industrial conflict of Pandora and from there on, he falls into a deeper cave called love with the enemy’s daughter, such a classic. Following his breakout role in Avatar, Worthington continued to make waves in Hollywood with diverse projects spanning genres, from action and adventure to drama, he’s had a taste of it all.
After Pandora, Worthington starred in blockbuster films like ‘Clash of the Titans’ (2010) and its sequel ‘Wrath of the Titans’ (2012), refining his action-hero chops. He even explored darker characters in films like ‘The Debt’ (2010) with acclaimed actress Jessica Chastain and ‘Man on a Ledge’ (2012). In recent years, Sam has been quite a regular on the screen. Take his Hulu true crime miniseries ‘Under the Banner of Heaven’ (2022) and he also featured alongside Kevin Hart in Netflix’s heist comedy ‘Lift’ (2024). His return to Pandora in ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ was a wave of nostalgia we all needed and thankfully we’ve got more coming our way with future sequels.
Off-screen, Sam Worthington married model Lara Bingle in 2014, and the couple now share three children. Despite a brief legal dispute with a paparazzo in 2014, Worthington continues to shine both on and off the screen.
2. Zoe Saldaña – Neytiri
Zoe Saldaña’s as Neytiri, the kickass Na’vi warrior of Pandora set the standard for character definition. The performance she delivered in ‘Avatar’ spellbound audiences and solidified her as a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood. Before donning the iconic blue skin, Saldaña had already made a name for herself by showing her skills in various films, including ‘Center Stage’ (2000) and ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl’ (2003).
But after ‘Avatar’ the word success took upon new meaning. Saldaña continued to thrive in the sci-fi genre, starring as Uhura in the ‘Star Trek’ reboot films (‘Star Trek’, ‘Star Trek Into Darkness’, and ‘Star Trek Beyond‘). Then she went back to the vibrant side of the universe but this time she picked green for her iconic character of Gamora in Marvel’s ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ trilogy. Her notable appearances in the Avengers series cemented her status as a key player in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This character made her the only person to star in both of the world’s highest-grossing movies, ‘Avatar’ and ‘Avengers End Game’.
In addition to her blockbuster silver screen roles, Saldaña has also dipped her toes into the world of television. She has starred in the Taylor Sheridan series ‘Special Ops: Lioness’ (2023) alongside Nicole Kidman. On the other side of the screen, Zoe Saldaña married Italian artist Marco Perego in 2013, and together they have three children.
3. Sigourney Weaver – Dr. Grace Augustine
Sigourney Weaver’s portrayal of Dr. Grace Augustine, the visionary scientist, added gravitas to ‘Avatar‘s masterful cast. Weaver, already a Hollywood icon known for her roles in classic pieces of ‘Alien’, ‘Ghostbusters’, and ‘Gorillas in the Mist’, brought forth depth and experience to her character in James Cameron’s tale.
Post-Avatar, Weaver expanded her repertoire, winning a Grammy Award for narrating ‘The Daily Show With Jon Stewart Presents Earth’ (the Book). She even surprised fans with a cameo in ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ (2021) and starred in Prime Video’s ‘The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart’ (2023). Her return to Pandora in ‘Avatar: The Way of Water‘ was welcomed by the fans and showed her enduring commitment to the franchise. Along with a sparkling Hollywood career, Sigourney’s personal life has also only flourished. She has been married to director Jim Simpson since 1984, and they share one child.
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4. Michelle Rodriguez – Trudy Chacón
Michelle Rodriguez brought Trudy Chacón, the heroic transport pilot, to life with her trademark intensity and charisma. Rodriguez, known for her roles in ‘Girlfight’ (2000) and another cult classic, the ‘Fast & Furious,’ franchise, has now solidified her status as an action star.
Following her performance in ‘Avatar’, Rodriguez continued to dominate the genre, reprising her role as Letty Ortiz in the ‘Fast & Furious‘ series. She also made a notable appearance in the TV show ‘Lost’. Rodriguez’s career took a turn towards fantasy with her role of Holga in ‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ (2023), proof of her versatility as an actress. Despite declining a return for the ‘Avatar’ sequel, Rodriguez’s impact on Hollywood remains undeniable.
5. Stephen Lang – Col. Miles Quaritch
Stephen Lang’s cruel character of Col. Miles Quaritch, the formidable head of RDA’s security force succeeded in leaving a lasting impression that lasted a decade. Lang, a seasoned actor with a diverse background, brought depth and much menace to the villain of 2009’s most talked-about movie.
Post-Avatar, Lang continued to excel on screens both small and big, starring in hits like ‘Don’t Breathe’ (2016, 2022) and ‘The Lost City’ (2022). His contributions to cinematic history and storytelling have earned him many honors. We have the Empire State Archives and History Award for advancing the understanding of history in society to count a few. With a career spanning decades, Lang remains a formidable presence in the halls of Hollywood.
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6. Giovanni Ribisi – Parker Selfridge
Giovanni Ribisi’s in the shoes of Parker Selfridge, the ambitious RDA executive, added the well-demanded complexity to ‘Avatar‘s narrative. Ribisi who is also known for his roles in ‘Friends’ and ‘Gone in 60 Seconds’, brought a blend of charm and ruthlessness to the character.
After riding the high of ‘Avatar’s success, Ribisi continued to diversify his portfolio with hit films like ‘Ted’ (2012) and its sequel, making good use of his comedic talents. He returned to Pandora in ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ (2022), solidifying the notion that it’s hard to stay away from the groundbreaking franchise. To give a little update on Ribisi’s personal life, he has welcomed twins with interior designer Emily Ward.
7. Laz Alonso – Tsu’tey
Laz Alonso’s portrayal of Tsu’tey, the fierce Omaticaya warrior, resonated with audiences for its strength and authenticity. Alonso, who transitioned from hosting to acting, has showcased his acting prowess in films like ‘Jarhead’ (2005) and the ‘Fast & Furious’ series. Post-‘Avatar‘, Alonso’s career soared with roles in TV series like ‘Breakout Kings’ and ‘The Mysteries of Laura’ before he landed another life-changing role in Prime Video’s ‘The Boys‘ as Mother’s Milk.
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8. CCH Pounder – Mo’at
CCH Pounder as Mo’at, our badass heroine Neytiri’s mother and spiritual leader of the Omaticaya clan was something we’d today call a perfect casting. Pounder added depth and wisdom to the character. Celebrated for her extensive television work, in shows like ‘ER’ and ‘The Shield’, she brought gravitas to the Na’vi culture.
After ‘Avatar’, Pounder continued to shine, voicing Amanda Waller for DC and starring in ‘NCIS: New Orleans’ for seven seasons. Her return to Pandora in ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ was a soothing, time-traveling experience and it also solidified her legacy as a versatile actress committed to her craft.
9. Joel David Moore – Dr. Norm Spellman
Joel David Moore’s in the suit of Dr. Norm Spellman, an anthropologist studying the Na’vi. An important contributor who added a sense of wonder to ‘Avatar‘s complex yet fascinating narrative. Moore, known for roles in ‘Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story’ and ‘Bones’ kept his work list filled post -‘Avatar‘. He directed films like ’Youth in Oregon’ (2016) and ‘Some Other Women’ (2023).
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