Burning Avatar sculpture lights up Thames as franchise returns to screen

Weighing in at more than three tonnes, the towering sculpture features the iconic banshee symbol with a five-metre wingspan, set in front of the flaming ‘A’ emblem that fans will instantly recognise from the blockbuster films. The dramatic display marks the arrival of Avatar: Fire and Ash, the hotly anticipated third instalment in James Cameron’s record-breaking franchise.

The fiery masterpiece will be reignited on London’s South Bank ahead of the UK premiere, with stars Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Oona Chaplin, David Thewlis, Jemaine Clement and Jamie Flatters, plus costume designer Deborah Scott and composer Simon Franglen, all set to attend.

The showstopping sculpture took a team of 20 more than six weeks and over 1,000 hours to build, using a kilometre of steel piping, 60 flame bars and 100 hoses to keep the flames roaring.

James Cameron, writer and director of the film, which hits cinemas on Friday 19 December, said: “London holds a special place in my heart.”

He added: “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.”

Earlier today, the blazing sculpture made its way along the Thames aboard The Remus, a 32-metre-long barge, turning heads and drawing crowds who braved the chilly morning darkness for a glimpse of the action.

The fiery artwork captures the spirit of the new film, which delves into the darker side of Pandora and introduces the Ash People, led by the fierce Verang (Oona Chaplin).

Tonight’s show will be hosted by Radio 1 DJ Melvin Odoom, and will be followed by the UK premiere, where the cast will walk the red carpet for the film’s European debut.