Remember Neytiri, the fierce warrior princess from Pandora in “Avatar”? Well, in the second movie, “The Way of Water,” she takes a turn down a darker path. And you know what? That’s exactly where she needs to stay in the upcoming “Avatar 3.”
Sure, some folks might prefer happy sunshine princesses, but Neytiri’s anger and grief make her more interesting. They show she’s not just some pretty face, but a real person who’s been through a lot. Let’s break it down.
Remember Hometree? That giant tree that was her life, her family, everything? Gone. Blasted to bits by those pesky Sky People (human invaders, yuck!). Imagine losing your entire neighborhood, school, and favorite bakery in one blow. Yeah, that’ll mess you up.
Then there’s Spider. Half-Na’vi, half-human, raised by the Sullys. It’s hard enough for Neytiri to trust any Sky Person, let alone one living in her family. It’s like finding a cockroach crawling around your birthday cake. You might try to tolerate it, but it’s always gonna creep you out.
And don’t forget Kiri. Jake and Neytiri’s adopted daughter, born from the spirit tree. This kid’s like magic mixed with mystery, and Neytiri doesn’t quite know what to make of her. It’s like having a talking pet rock that also controls the weather. Cool, but also kinda unsettling.
So, in “The Way of Water,” Neytiri’s not exactly Ms. Sunshine and Rainbows. She’s angry, she’s scared, and she’s got some serious trust issues. And that’s what makes her a good character!
Here’s why “Avatar 3” needs to keep this darkness going:
1. It makes things real. Remember how everyone loved Darth Vader? He wasn’t exactly a choirboy, but his dark side made him a complex, fascinating character. Neytiri can be the same. Her flaws and struggles make her relatable, even if we wouldn’t want to trade places with her.
2. It raises the stakes. If everyone’s always happy and singing Kumbaya, there’s no tension, no drama. Neytiri’s darkness throws a wrench in the good-vs-evil machine. It makes you wonder, will she overcome her anger? Will it consume her? It’s like watching a tightrope walker – one wrong step and she’s toast.
3. It opens up new story possibilities. Imagine Neytiri leading a band of rebel Na’vi, all fueled by their own personal demons. Or picture her struggling with her emotions, pushing away Jake and Kiri. These are the kind of twists and turns that make a story exciting.
Of course, Neytiri’s darkness shouldn’t become all-consuming. We still need to see glimpses of the brave warrior princess we know and love. But if “Avatar 3” gives us an angry, conflicted Neytiri, it could be the franchise’s darkest and most powerful chapter yet.
So, James Cameron, listen up! Give us the Neytiri we deserve: a flawed, fierce, and unforgettable hero who’s not afraid to embrace her inner darkness. The future of Pandora, and our movie night popcorn supply, depends on it.