A spellbinding behind-the-scenes moment from [Avatar]: Fire and Ash has taken the internet by storm, with more than 11 million viewers mesmerized by the intense, trance-like performance of the film’s new villain. Since its release, Avatar: Fire and Ash has exploded into a global phenomenon, widely expected to become James Cameron’s next multi-billion-dollar blockbuster. Among the most talked-about elements is Varang, the formidable antagonist from the Ash Clan, portrayed by Oona Chaplin.
A viral TikTok video shows Chaplin embodying Varang through movements she personally devised. From ritualistic, flowing motions with weapons to the commanding way she leads the Ash Clan, her performance sent chills down viewers’ spines. Many compared her presence to a shamanistic trance, describing it as hypnotic and otherworldly—completely distinct from Zoe Saldaña’s fierce yet grounded Neytiri. The clip alone surpassed 11 million views, not counting countless reposts and fan edits that continue to circulate online.
Chaplin’s physical creativity has elevated Varang into one of the most anticipated villains in the Avatar universe, even before many audiences stepped into theaters. Her gestures and body language added depth and menace, turning the character into a standout figure within Cameron’s richly imagined world.
According to past interviews, James Cameron chose Oona Chaplin over three other high-profile actresses, whose names he has never revealed. He admitted he was captivated by Chaplin’s performance in Game of Thrones, particularly her ability to blend sensuality with raw, almost feral intensity—qualities he felt were essential for Varang, a leader of the Mangkwan people. Cameron has said he was hooked from the very first moment he saw her audition.
Born in 1986, Oona Chaplin comes from one of the most legendary artistic families in history. She is the granddaughter of iconic silent film star Charlie Chaplin, with an actress mother and a veteran cinematographer father. Her childhood was spent moving between countries such as the UK, Spain, and Switzerland, where she trained extensively in ballet, flamenco, and salsa—skills that later became key assets in shaping Varang’s distinctive physicality.
Chaplin began acting in 2008 but gained international attention in 2012 as Talisa Maegyr in Game of Thrones. Her character’s tragic death during the infamous Red Wedding shocked audiences and sparked widespread discussion about her beauty and screen presence. Although she continued working steadily in film and television afterward, it wasn’t until James Cameron approached her that Chaplin felt the long-awaited turning point in her career had arrived.
With Avatar: Fire and Ash now screening in theaters nationwide, Oona Chaplin’s Varang is emerging as one of the franchise’s most unforgettable antagonists—proof that a single, inspired performance can captivate millions and leave even a legendary director spellbound at first sight.
Sources: kenh14