A stunning fire sculpture inspired by the Avatar film series illuminated the Thames River in London today, as the city prepared for the UK premiere of Avatar: Fire and Ash. Standing at an impressive 11 metres tall and weighing over three tonnes, the artwork showcased the iconic banshee symbol, complete with a five-metre wingspan and the franchise’s signature flaming ‘A’ emblem.
The fiery display precedes the film’s release on December 19, 2025, and is positioned on the South Bank, creating a breathtaking spectacle against the backdrop of the historic Tower Bridge. This installation will be reignited for the public in the lead-up to the premiere, where a star-studded cast, including Sigourney Weaver, Oona Chaplin, and Stephen Lang, will make appearances.
Creating this magnificent sculpture required a dedicated team of over 20 artists who spent more than six weeks and 1,000 hours to complete the project. The construction utilized a kilometre of steel piping, along with 60 flame bars and 100 hoses to ensure a continuous blaze.
In a statement, James Cameron, the writer and director of the film, expressed his excitement for the event: “London holds a special place in my heart. To celebrate the upcoming release of the next instalment, Avatar: Fire and Ash, what better way than to be on the River Thames, under the iconic Tower Bridge, combining the elements of fire and water that are the lifeblood of the Avatar films. We can’t wait for you to journey back to Pandora with us.”
Earlier today, the sculpture embarked on a dramatic journey through Tower Bridge aboard The Remus, a 32-metre-long barge. For fifteen minutes, it dazzled onlookers along the river, showcasing the spirit of fire central to the narrative of the new film, which introduces the Ash People, led by the fierce character Verang, portrayed by Oona Chaplin.
The evening’s festivities will be hosted by Melvin Odoom, a popular Radio 1 DJ, as anticipation builds for the UK premiere, where the film’s cast will grace the red carpet for its European debut. This enthralling London event follows the world premiere in Los Angeles and the European premiere in Paris, highlighting the global impact of the Avatar franchise.
As the flames danced on the Thames, Londoners and film fans alike were treated to a glimpse of the magical world awaiting them in the latest installment of this beloved series.
