The Avatar franchise has become one of the most visually immersive and ambitious cinematic experiences ever created. From the breathtaking landscapes of Pandora to the emotional depth of its characters, each film feels like a world audiences can truly step into.
But while fans get to enjoy the finished masterpieces on the big screen, it’s easy to forget how complex the filmmaking process is behind the scenes. Recently, one of the young stars from the Avatar sequels opened up about just how confusing and overwhelming it was to film not one — but two Avatar movies at the same time.
And honestly, her experience makes perfect sense.
Filming Avatar Is Nothing Like a Normal Movie
Most films are shot over a few months, edited, and then released within a year or two. But James Cameron’s Avatar sequels are on an entirely different level.
The production scale is massive, the technology is groundbreaking, and the timeline stretches across many years.
For the actors involved, especially the younger cast members, filming Avatar isn’t just a job — it becomes a long chapter of their lives.
One actress from the sequel cast, Bailey Bass, who plays Tsireya, recently shared what it was like being part of Cameron’s epic filmmaking journey.
Bailey Bass Says Filming Two Sequels Together Was Confusing
Bailey Bass explained that because Avatar: The Way of Water and Avatar: Fire and Ash were filmed simultaneously, it became extremely difficult to separate the two stories in her mind.
She admitted that during filming, she often didn’t even know what scenes belonged to which movie.
In fact, she shared that her memory of Fire and Ash was so blurry that when she finally watched the finished film, she felt like a fan experiencing it for the first time.
That’s not something you hear often from actors — but Avatar is far from an ordinary production.
Bass described Fire and Ash as a nonstop adrenaline rush, saying that once the movie begins, it never slows down. The action and energy keep audiences fully engaged throughout its runtime.
Avatar 2 and 3 Started Filming Back in 2017
To understand why Bass felt so disoriented, it helps to look at the timeline.
The filming for Avatar 2 and Avatar 3 began all the way back in fall 2017 and continued for about 18 months.
During that period, James Cameron captured scenes for both movies at once.
That means the actors weren’t simply working on one sequel after another — they were jumping between storylines, emotional beats, and action sequences that wouldn’t be released for years.
It’s no wonder the experience blended together.
Motion Capture Makes the Process Even More Unique
Another factor that adds to the confusion is the way Avatar films are made.
Unlike traditional movies, Avatar relies heavily on motion capture technology. Actors perform scenes wearing special suits, and their movements are later transformed into the Na’vi characters through CGI.
Because of this, Cameron can bring actors back for additional filming even years later, during post-production.
Scenes might be revisited, adjusted, or expanded long after the initial shoot.
So even if an actor was on set recently, that footage could be part of a project that began almost a decade ago.
For performers, it must feel like living inside a timeline that never truly ends.
Bailey Bass Grew Up While Making Avatar
Perhaps the most mind-blowing part of Bailey Bass’s journey is her age.
Bass is now 22 years old, but she was only around 13 when she first stepped onto the Avatar set.
That means the Avatar sequels have been part of her life for nearly half of her existence.
When she finally watched The Way of Water and Fire and Ash, she wasn’t just seeing movies — she was watching years of her childhood and teenage life come together on screen.
That kind of experience is rare in Hollywood, and it highlights just how long and ambitious Cameron’s vision truly is.
Another Young Star Says the Movies Felt Different in Tone
Bailey Bass isn’t the only one who struggled with the overlap.
Her co-star Trinity Jo-Li Bliss, who is currently only 16, shared that she could distinguish the two films slightly better because they carried different tones.
She explained that the cast would shift into a different emotional “zone” depending on the story being filmed.
That suggests that while the movies were shot together, the filmmakers still aimed to create distinct atmospheres for each installment.
Was Fire and Ash Too Similar to The Way of Water?
One criticism that has surfaced among fans is that Avatar: Fire and Ash feels somewhat similar to The Way of Water.
Some viewers believe the stories overlap too much in structure and style.
And perhaps filming both movies at the same time contributed to that similarity. When productions are intertwined, it may be harder to create completely separate identities for each film.
However, Fire and Ash does introduce new elements that help it stand apart.
A Major Difference: The Introduction of Verang and the Ash People
One of the most exciting new additions in Fire and Ash is the character Verang, the fierce and violent leader of the Mangkwan clan — also known as the “ash people.”
This new group brings a darker, more intense energy to Pandora, expanding the world beyond the oceans and forests fans have already explored.
Verang has quickly become a fan-favorite because of her power, unpredictability, and the threat she poses to the heroes.
Her presence alone makes Fire and Ash feel more distinct from its predecessor.
James Cameron’s Future Avatar Plans Depend on Success
James Cameron has made it clear that he hopes to continue the Avatar saga beyond Fire and Ash.
The director is aiming to create two more Avatar films, which would bring the total to five movies.
But those plans depend heavily on the franchise’s ongoing box office success.
So far, Fire and Ash has been performing strongly, earning around $1.38 billion worldwide, proving once again that audiences remain invested in Pandora.
Still, whether that’s enough to guarantee the next sequels remains to be seen.
Final Thoughts: Avatar’s Scale Is Almost Unbelievable
The Avatar franchise isn’t just a series of films — it’s a cinematic phenomenon that spans decades, advanced technology, and the lives of its cast members.
Bailey Bass’s honest reflection shows just how surreal it must be to film two massive movies at once, especially while growing up inside the production.
For fans, it’s thrilling to see the final result.
For the actors, it’s a journey unlike anything else in cinema history.
Where to Watch Avatar: Fire and Ash
Avatar: Fire and Ash is currently playing in theaters, and audiences can also revisit Avatar: The Way of Water to experience the full saga so far.