Avatar Cast: Is This Movie Based on Real Characters?

By Contessa Pagano Last updated Nov 17, 2022

The 2009 film Avatar, starring Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez, and Sigourney Weaver, was directed, written, co-produced, and co-edited by James Cameron. The film was also marketed as James Cameron’s Avatar.

The story takes place in the middle of the 22nd century when mankind colonized Pandora, the lush habitable moon of a gas giant in the Alpha Centauri star system, in order to mine the lucrative mineral unobtanium. Humanoid Na’vi, native to Pandora, may not make it if the mining colony continues to grow.

The title of the film alludes to the genetically altered Navi body used to communicate with the locals of Pandora, which is controlled by the brain of a human who is physically located elsewhere.

After Cameron penned an 80-page treatment for the film in 1994, production on Avatar officially began the following year.

Production was meant to begin after Cameron finished Titanic in 1997, with a 1999 release date in mind. However, Cameron said that the technology was not ready to realize his vision for the film.

In 2005, work began on the Na’vi language, and by early 2006, Cameron had begun creating the screenplay and fictional universe.

The pioneering new visual effects that Cameron achieved in collaboration with Weta Digital in Wellington contributed to the film’s official budget of $237 million.

Production costs are estimated between $280 and $310 million, while marketing expenses are set at $150 million. New motion capture cinematography techniques were heavily utilized throughout production, and the finished product was shown in regular 2D, 3D (using RealD 3D, Dolby 3D, XpanD, and IMAX 3D formats), and “4D” experiences in select cinemas across South Korea.

Table of Contents

Avatar Cast

To Name a Few: Sam Worthington I.a. “Jake” Sully

Sam Worthington is a famous Australian actor, but his portrayal as Jake in Avatar is what made him famous in the United States.

Apart from Terminator Salvation, his filmography also includes Clash of the Titans, Wrath of the Titans, Everest, The Shack, Manhunt: Unabomber, and Somersault.

Lieutenant Colonel Miles Quaritch Stephen Lang

American actor Stephen Lang has starred in such films as Manhunter, Gods and Generals, Public Enemies, Don’t Breathe, Avatar, The Men Who Stare at Goats, The Girl on the Train, and Hostiles.

Starring Sigourney Weaver as Grace Augustine, Md, Sigourney Weaver

Sigourney Weaver made her acting debut in a small role in Woody Allen’s Annie Hall. After that, she became a household name with her performance as Ellen Ripley in the Alien films, for which she was nominated for an Academy Award and for which she later returned.

Weaver’s portrayal of Ripley made her a household name, and her regal bearing and angular beauty made her an instant classic in the Science Fiction/Action film genre.

She went on to appear in a wide variety of critically praised films after Alien, including Ghostbusters, The Ice Storm, Gorillas in the Mist, Working Girl, Galaxy Quest, The Cabin in the Woods, Avatar, WALL-E, and Finding Dory. Her performances in Working Girl and Gorillas in the Mist earned her two Golden Globes in 1988.

The Michelle Rodriguez Truy Chacón

American actress Michelle Rodriguez is most known for her roles in action movies. Girlfight, The Fast and the Furious, Resident Evil, Avatar, and Widows are just some of the movies she’s been in. She has also made an appearance on Lost.

Ribisi, Giovanni, Parker, Selfridge, Frederic, and Edward

In addition to his roles in Saving Private Ryan and A Million Ways to Die in the West, Ribisi is well-known for his roles in Avatar, Lost in Translation, SubUrbia, The Virgin Suicides, Gone in 60 Seconds, The Gift, Cold Mountain, Perfect Stranger, The Rum Diary, Selma, and A Million Little Pieces.

Dr. Joel David Moore Spellman, Norm, M.d.

American actor and filmmaker Joel David Moore is recognized for his roles in such films as DodgeBall, Grandma’s Boy, and Avatar. Spiral, Youth in Oregon, and Killing Winston Jones are among the films he directed.

Neytiri Saldana, Zoe

In the acting world, American Zoe Saldana is a major player. Center Stage, the Star Trek movies, Avatar, and Guardians of the Galaxy are the films that have brought her the most fame. She earned more than any other actress in Hollywood history, placing her at number two.

Mo’at Cch Pounder

CCH Pounder is a well-known American actress who has appeared in a number of popular television shows, including ER, The Shield, Sons of Anarchy, and NCIS: New Orleans.

Stu Wes Eytukan

Actor Wes Studi is of Cherokee American descent, and his film credits include Dances with Wolves, The Last of the Mohicans, Geronimo: An American Legend, The New World, Hostiles, Mystery Men, and Avatar.

He will make history in 2019 by being the first Native American to win an Academy Award when he receives an Honorary Academy Award.

Tsu’tey Laz Alonso

Among the films in which she has appeared are Fast & Furious, Jarhead, Detroit, and Avatar.