Overview
- Oona Chaplin plays the vengeful antagonist Varang in Avatar: Fire and Ash, which is now in theaters nationwide.
- Cameron says he chose Chaplin nearly a decade ago without knowing her Hollywood lineage or being familiar with her previous work.
- He picked her over better-known actors for her perception of the character, movement, fearlessness, and thorough preparation.
- Describing a hands-on approach, Cameron conducts extended on-camera auditions with his own HD setup and troupe members to test chemistry and adaptability.
- Cameron credits Chaplin with creative contributions to Varang, including cultural influences and the character’s signature weapon, as Chaplin has also reflected on considering a name change early in her career.