Fire and Water: The Making of Avatar is a two-part documentary produced by 20th Century Studios and Lightstorm Entertainment. Directed by Thomas C. Grane and written by Richard Brehm, it will be available exclusively on Disney+ starting November 7, 2025. This program takes a behind-the-scenes look at James Cameron's Avatar saga, one of the most influential in contemporary cinema.
The documentary looks back at the makingof Avatar: The Way of Water and offers a glimpse of the upcoming sequel , Avatar: Fire and Ash, due in theaters on December 17. Through never-before-seen footage and interviews with the cast and crew, it explores the technological innovations of underwater motion capture and the logistical challenges of an international film shoot.
Filming took place in California, the Bahamas, Hawaii, and New Zealand. The team led by Thomas C. Grane followed the actors and technicians, including James Cameron, Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, and Kate Winslet, during their training and filming sessions. The documentary highlights the work of pioneers such as Richard Baneham (visual effects supervisor), Joe Letteri, and Eric Saindon of Wētā FX.
This production, supported by Mob Scene, gives a voice to key figures such as Jon Landau, Stephen Rivkin, Garrett Warren, and Rae Sanchini, illustrating the technical and artistic complexity of the project. It also celebrates the long-term collaboration between James Cameron and Lightstorm Entertainment, the creators of the world of Pandora.
Fire and Water: Making the Avatar Films
Film | 2025
On Disney+ November 7, 2025
Documentary
By Thomas C. Grane | By Richard Brehm
With James Cameron, Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña
Original title: Fire and Water: Making the Avatar Films
Nationality: United States
In two parts, Fire and Water: The Making of Avatar offers a rare insight into the making of a major saga, combining technical prowess and artistic commitment.
To go further, check out our selection of new Disney+ releases for November, our guide to streaming releases across all platforms, and today's selection of What to watch today on streaming.
