‘Avatar 3’ trailer leaves fans unimpressed: “Every shot looks like a desktop wallpaper”

The first trailer for Avatar: Fire And Ash has received a hostile response online, with viewers arguing that the new instalment of James Cameron’s sci-fi franchise looks underwhelming.

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The third film in the blockbuster saga sees the return of Jake and Neytiri (Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldaña) as they cope with loss and encounter a new Na’vi tribe, led by new character Varang (Oona Chaplin), who has aligned with the villainous Quaritch (Stephen Lang).

The preview, released online on Monday (July 28), has generated over 8million views so far on the official Avatar YouTube account. However, the clip has been met with derision by some online.

On X (formerly Twitter), fans let their feelings be known. “This looks a mess”, said one, while another quipped: “Every shot looks like a desktop wallpaper”.

this looks a mess

— zak.eth (@heiszvk) July 28, 2025

Every shot looks like a desktop wallpaper.

— Punith Krishna (@ipunithk) July 28, 2025

Many found the cutting-edge visuals to be impressive, but weren’t compelled by the plot. “Visually looks amazing as per the other two but does anyone actually care for the story or characters?” said one post, with another adding: “They’re a CGI extravaganza but plot and character-wise, they’re quite shallow”.

Visually looks amazing as per the other two but does anyone actually care for the story or characters?

— wozwebs (@wozwebs) July 28, 2025

Honestly, gonna be happy when these finish. They're a CGI extravaganza but plot and character-wise, they're quite shallow. Either borrowing from other movies, Dances with Wolves, or overdone themes, humans farming creatures for resources and killing them ruthlessly. pic.twitter.com/gsnmV7H9ko

— Gemini Jack (@GeminiJack11) July 28, 2025

Some questioned whether Cameron’s legacy would be affected by the franchise. “James Cameron has become obsessed and consumed by Avatar. Wasting his time and talent when he could be making great action, scifi and horror” lamented one user, with another saying: “Looks like just another average Marvel shitshow. Damn James Cameron has lost his edge”.

James Cameron has become obsessed and consumed by Avatar. Wasting his time and talent when he could be making great action, scifi and horror.

— DeathStrike (@DeathStrikeMIA) July 28, 2025

Looks like just another average Marvel shitshow.
Damn James Cameron has lost his edge.

— Monkee See Monkee Doo (@4Monkee) July 28, 2025

Finally, some questioned whether the films themselves have simply lost their appeal, with one person writing: “It’s just kind of lost its charm, the world has moved on… it looks like more of the same stuff… he (Cameron) should have just left it at one and continued making other masterpieces”.

It’s just kind of lost its charm, the world has moved on… it looks like more of the same stuff… he should have just left it at one and continued making other masterpieces

— Raj Duncan (@RajDuncan) July 28, 2025

Avatar: Fire And Ash will be in UK cinemas from December 19. In March, James Cameron confirmed the film will be the longest in the franchise. Earlier this month, the director criticised Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, saying he believed the movie “dodged” important discussions.

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