Jack Champion Reveals Spider's Complex Loyalty Struggle in Avatar 3
The young actor discusses how conflicting father figures create Spider's most compelling character development yet in the latest Pandora adventure.
Jack Champion has opened up about his character Spider's emotional journey in the newly released Avatar: Fire and Ash, explaining how competing paternal influences shaped what he considers his most complex performance in the franchise so far. The third chapter of James Cameron's science fiction saga hit theaters this weekend and is already showing strong box office numbers in its opening days.
Unlike the lengthy gap between the original Avatar and The Way of Water, fans didn't have to wait as long for this latest return to Pandora. The enthusiasm for Cameron's world-building remains strong, with Fire and Ash introducing audiences to previously unseen Na'vi communities including the Ash People and Wind Traders. These additions expand the already rich mythology while giving established characters room to grow in unexpected directions.
Torn Between Two Worlds
Champion described how Spider finds himself caught between conflicting loyalties that pull him in different directions throughout the film. The character's struggle stems from having two very different father figures who represent opposing paths for his future. This internal conflict drives much of Spider's storyline and creates what Champion calls his most interesting character arc to date.
The actor emphasized how this divided loyalty adds layers to Spider that weren't fully explored in previous films. Rather than simply being torn between human and Na'vi cultures, Spider now faces personal relationships that complicate his sense of belonging and identity on Pandora.
Character Growth Through Conflict
According to Champion, the dueling influences in Spider's life force the character to make difficult choices that reveal new aspects of his personality. The young actor found these scenes particularly rewarding to perform because they required him to show Spider's vulnerability while maintaining the character's strength and determination.
Fire and Ash uses Spider's divided loyalties as a way to explore broader themes about family, belonging, and finding one's place in a complex world. Champion noted that these emotional beats feel more mature than Spider's previous appearances, reflecting both the character's growth and the franchise's evolution.