From the first moment Jake Sully, in his Na’vi form, took to the skies on the back of an ikran in Avatar, the skies of Pandora have been a crucial aspect to the moon. In both films — and on the Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom Theme Park attraction Avatar: Flight of Passage — audiences experienced the thrill, euphoria, and freedom of flying like never before. And in the upcoming Avatar: Fire and Ash, a new dimension will be added to Pandora’s atmosphere.
Introducing the Tlalim Clan, or the Wind Traders — airborne Na’vi who travel with the help of large, flying jellyfish-like animals. The colors and majesty of the skies, and the unique perspective they gave viewers of Pandora’s oceans and jungles brought a true sense of awe to Avatar and Avatar: The Way of Water; this new angle will further broaden horizons (literally). Of this new-to-audiences tribe, Avatar: Fire and Ash’s costume designer Deborah L. Scott explains, “They’re upbeat, happy, colorful [people]… And when they come into our movie, everyone’s excited to see them. It’s like the circus is in town.”
The clan is led by Peylak, played by David Thewlis and pictured above. Peylak, as a chief, dresses for his leadership position, with bright, bold colors and an intricate design. Costume designer Scott shares that his look evolved with the character. “Originally the cloak was a little more rugged, a little more rustic,” she says. “But as all the clans developed, Jim [Cameron] said, ‘I just don’t think it’s grand enough.’ So I went back and reinvented it.”
Costumes add to the exterior of a character, but of course the actor builds their core. Thewlis is “absolutely stunning in the movie,” Scott raves. “The way he carries himself, he’s got great posture.” Sounds like the makings of a true leader.
Stay tuned to Avatar.com for all the latest news on Avatar: Fire and Ash, only in theaters December 19.
This information originally appeared in Empire magazine.
