Avatar 3 Will Bring Back Breakout Way Of Water Character

Avatar 3 will bring back a breakout character from Avatar: The Way of Water, producer Jon Landau confirms. As Jake and Neytiri’s Na’vi family seek protection from the RDA with the oceanic Metkayina clan, Avatar: The Way of Water introduces an array of sea-dwelling creatures, including the intelligent whale-like creatures known as Tulkun. The troubled middle child Lo’ak strikes up an unlikely friendship with an exiled Tulkun named Payakan, who later proves useful in the fight against the RDA, memorably biting off Tulkun hunter Scoresby’s arm and capsizing their vessel.

During a recent interview with The Wrap, Landau discussed how Payakan’s story in Avatar: The Way of Water has connected with audiences in such a meaningful way, resulting in the majestic creature becoming a beloved breakout character. Asked directly if Payakan will return in Avatar 3, the producer responded, “Payakan will be back.” Read his full comments below:

I always viewed Payakan a little bit like Lassie. And I would say this is a story like a boy and his dog, and they’re both outcasts and they need each other. And I thought that Payakan was going to be a character as you describe them. People wouldn’t see that at first. And we had to keep saying Payakan is a character. And when we would ask people about characters, Payakan was always on that list and included them, which was unusual.

Why Payakan Is Returning In Avatar 3

While Payakan was one of the biggest and most beloved breakout characters from Avatar: The Way of Water, his story was clearly not complete by the sequel’s end. Before the events of Avatar: The Way of Water, Payakan was exiled for using violence against human hunters, which is forbidden by the Tulkun, and at the end of the sequel, he does so again. But with the RDA launching an all-out war against Pandora, it’s unclear if the Tulkun will forgive Payakan for his past indiscretions and end his exile, or continue clinging to their commitment to pacifism.

Landua has also confirmed that Scoresby will be returning in Avatar 3, meaning the ruthless hunter will be back with a vengeance after surviving having his arm severed by Payakan. All in all, it was a no-brainer for the Avatar franchise to bring back Payakan, who has become a firm fan favorite not only for his sympathetic and tragic backstory, but for taking on the RDA and winning during the sequel’s thrilling third act. No matter what the threequel has in store, Payakan should prove to be a valuable ally for the Na’vi in Avatar 3.

Source: The Wrap