James Cameron has revealed a little-known detail about the Avatar franchise that even devoted fans may have missed. While audiences know Zoe Saldaña and Kate Winslet for their lead performances, the director says both actresses quietly play multiple characters across the series — a creative choice made possible through cutting-edge performance capture technology.
The insight offers a fresh look at how Cameron builds the vast world of Pandora, and why the franchise continues to push boundaries in modern filmmaking.
A New Chapter in the Avatar Saga
Last month, 20th Century Studios released Avatar: Fire and Ash, the latest instalment following Avatar and Avatar: The Way of Water. The film continues the story that has become one of the most successful franchises in cinema history.
In Fire and Ash, Zoe Saldaña returns as Neytiri, the fierce Na’vi warrior audiences first met in the original Avatar. Kate Winslet also reprises her role as Ronal, a key figure introduced in The Way of Water.
While their headline roles are well known, Cameron says that is only part of the story.
Performance Capture Opens the Door to Multiple Characters
Speaking at The Hollywood Reporter’s Director Roundtable, Cameron explained how performance capture has transformed the way actors work on the Avatar films.
Unlike traditional filmmaking, performance capture allows actors to physically perform a role while their movements and expressions are digitally translated onto different characters. According to Cameron, this flexibility means actors are not limited to a single character during production.
“If Zoe got bored on the first film, she’d just play someone else for a scene,” Cameron said.
He revealed that Saldaña and Winslet have each taken on several roles throughout the series, sometimes stepping into smaller or background characters without audiences realising it.
“Kate’s got about three characters, and Zoe has got three or four,” Cameron said.
The approach adds depth and realism to Pandora, while also giving performers a broader creative experience.
Why This Matters for the Films
Cameron’s comments highlight how performance capture is not just a visual tool, but a storytelling one. By using the same actors across different roles, the films maintain a consistent emotional tone, even in scenes filled with secondary characters.
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It also allows Cameron to work with a trusted group of performers who understand the physical demands of the technology.
A ‘Troupe’ of Actors, Not Just a Cast
Cameron described the Avatar performers as more of a “troupe” than a traditional cast. On any given day, actors may step into entirely different roles depending on what the scene requires.
“They might play an old man one day, a boy the next day, and a male warrior the next day,” he explained.
This fluid approach reflects what Cameron sees as the egalitarian nature of performance capture. Physical size, age, or gender are no longer barriers when digital characters are involved. What matters is the performance itself.
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For Saldaña and Winslet, both experienced actors with strong physical screen presence, the method allows them to stretch creatively while supporting the larger world of the story.
Zoe Saldaña and Kate Winslet at the Centre of Pandora
Saldaña’s portrayal of Neytiri remains one of the emotional anchors of the franchise. Her performance blends physical intensity with deep emotional range, qualities that Cameron says translate seamlessly when she steps into other characters.
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Winslet’s role as Ronal, meanwhile, marked a major addition to the series in The Way of Water. Cameron has previously spoken about her commitment to the demanding underwater performance capture required for the role.
Learning that both actresses have contributed even more behind the scenes adds another layer to their involvement in the franchise.
Where Australians Can Watch the Avatar Films
For Australian audiences wanting to revisit the series, the first two Avatar films are currently available to stream on Disney+.
Avatar: Fire and Ash continues its theatrical run, while anticipation remains high for Avatar 3, which is still in cinemas.
The franchise’s ongoing success reflects its strong following in Australia, where large-scale cinematic releases continue to draw audiences to the big screen.
A Franchise Still Pushing Boundaries
Cameron’s latest comments reinforce why Avatar remains a benchmark for innovation in film. By blending technology with performance, the director has created a production environment where actors can contribute far beyond their credited roles.
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For Saldaña and Winslet, playing multiple characters is not a gimmick, but part of a broader creative process that supports the immersive world Cameron has built.
As the Avatar universe continues to expand, these behind-the-scenes details offer fans a deeper appreciation of the work involved — and a reminder that some of the most important performances may be ones viewers never even notice.
With more Avatar titles on the horizon, Cameron’s commitment to evolving both technology and storytelling shows no signs of slowing down.