A breathtaking fire sculpture inspired by the iconic Avatar franchise illuminated the Thames River in London today, captivating onlookers ahead of the UK premiere of Avatar: Fire and Ash. The monumental artwork, standing at an impressive 11 metres tall, features a stunning design that showcases the film’s signature banshee symbol, complete with a five-metre wingspan. Weighing over three tonnes, the sculpture combines the elements of fire and water, reflecting the themes central to the Avatar universe.
The fiery display serves as a vibrant introduction to the third installment of the popular film series, set to hit cinemas on December 19, 2023. Stars including Sigourney Weaver, Oona Chaplin, and Stephen Lang are expected to attend the UK premiere, adding a touch of glamour to the event.
Construction and Journey
Creating this magnificent piece involved a dedicated team of over 20 artisans who spent more than six weeks and 1,000 hours to bring the vision to life. The sculpture utilized a kilometre of steel piping, 60 flame bars, and 100 hoses to ensure a continuous blaze. Earlier in the day, the artwork made a dramatic passage through Tower Bridge aboard The Remus, a 32-metre-long barge, dazzling early morning spectators for a captivating fifteen minutes.
James Cameron, the writer and director of the film, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “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.”
Event Highlights
The sculpture’s fiery spectacle is designed to capture the essence of the new film, which explores the darker aspects of Pandora and introduces audiences to the Ash People, led by the fierce Verang, portrayed by Oona Chaplin. This visually stunning installation will be reignited on London’s South Bank tonight, with popular Radio 1 DJ Melvin Odoom set to host the event.
Following the display, the star-studded UK premiere will see the cast walk the red carpet, marking the film’s European debut. This event follows the world premiere held in Los Angeles and the European premiere in Paris, further establishing the film’s global significance.
As excitement builds for the release of Avatar: Fire and Ash, London’s Thames provided a fitting backdrop for a celebration that melds artistry and cinematic history, setting the stage for what promises to be another monumental chapter in the Avatar saga.
