Red carpet movie premiere for Avatar: Fire and Ash in New Zealand – Image: 20th Century Fox
The Embassy Theatre in New Zealand’s capital Wellington will be hosting the Australasian premiere of the new Avatar: Fire and Ash movie installment on Saturday, 13 December. Star film director and now New Zealander James Cameron with cast and producers will be in attendance, plus invited guests. The public will be able to view the arrival action from each side of the red carpet.
With a major film premiere, an international cricket match, a cruise ship, and even Santa coming to the New Zealand capital next weekend, it’s going to be a busy time – and a huge boost for the local economy, hospitality and screen sectors.
Similar to previous film premieres like The Hobbit- or Lord of the Rings-trilogies, the event will see Wellington’s Courtenay Place transformed into a red-carpeted parade of stars led by film-maker James Cameron, as they make their way to the Embassy Theatre. Mayor Andrew Little says Wellington really comes to the party for big events, and next weekend will be an opportunity for the UNESCO City of Film to shine.
“The Avatar premiere is a huge deal for Wellington, we’ll host the stars and of course the great director James Cameron. The premiere underscores Wellington’s place as a global leader in film production, which is testament to the incredible talent who call the Capital home.
Wellington as New Zealand’s movie making capital, will roll out red carpets for the Australasian film premiere of the latest Avatar-installment – Image: 20th Century Fox
“Alongside the premiere, there’ll be plenty of events for sports fans, festive activities for friends and whānau, and all sorts of culture to enjoy. I encourage everyone to head into Wellington and get amongst the exciting atmosphere, and support our local shops and hospo while you’re there.”
Mark Oldershaw, Chief Executive of WellingtonNZ, says: “What a weekend ahead! With the Basin Reserve just a short stroll from the premiere venue the Embassy Theatre, cricket fans can walk straight from the final session of the day’s play to spot celebrities on the red carpet, enjoy dinner in the city, soak up the electric atmosphere, and head off to carols in Waitangi Park.
“The premiere is a real celebration of Wellington’s world-class screen sector that drives millions in regional GDP and supports hundreds of local jobs across creative and technical industries. The Avatar franchise alone has contributed $1.1 billion to the New Zealand economy over the past eight years.”
Parts of the city and and the famous Wellington Cable Car tunnels will be lit red and orange to celebrate the movie’s colour themes.
Avatar: Fire and Ash is the third installment in James Cameron’s groundbreaking sci-fi franchise. Set after the events of Avatar: The Way of Water, this new installment dives into the heart of Pandora’s most volatile and unforgiving biome — a vast volcanic region where survival depends on more than strength… it demands fire.
- Cast: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Stephen Lang, Oona Chaplin, Cliff Curtis (NZ), Giovanni Ribisi, Sigourney Weaver, Joel David Moore.
Avatar: Fire And Ash had its world premiere at Dolby Theatre, Hollywood, on December 1, 2025, and is scheduled for public release in New Zealand from December 18.
(NAN 10-12-25)
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