Empire was joined by Director James Cameron for two days at Avatar HQ, for 12 pages of unparalleled access to the sci-fi saga’s thrilling third chapter.

Bauer Media’s Empire, the world’s biggest movie magazine, has achieved an exclusive unprecedented in the magazine’s history, for 2025’s biggest film, Avatar: Fire And Ash. Empire’s Editor Nick de Semlyen spent two whole days in Wellington, New Zealand, shadowing legendary film director James Cameron, getting to see first-hand how he crafts his mind-blowing sci-fi epics, as he put the finishing touches to his most ambitious movie yet.

Empire’s new issue, out Thursday, 31 July gives readers a revelatory behind-the-scenes taste of what’s to come in the year’s biggest blockbuster, set for release this December. Avatar: Fire And Ash features on the front cover, unveiling new Na’vi villain Varang (played by Oona Chaplin), wreathed in flames. Inside, beyond a deep-dive interview with Cameron, Empire talks to Chaplin about Varang‘s dark backstory, as well as fellow cast member Sam Worthington about the challenges awaiting his character Jake Sully. The issue is packed with 12 pages of never-before-seen, stunning imagery – revealing new characters, new landscapes and shots from behind the scenes.

Nick de Semlyen, Editor of Empire, said: “Avatar is the most successful movie in cinema history.  Its first sequel isn’t far behind. And so to mark the return of the King of the World, James Cameron, with threequel Fire And Ash, we decided to pull out all the stops: pitching him an early cover story that would pull back the curtain on his mind-bogglingly cutting-edge process, finding out how he creates those visuals and manages to pull on our heartstrings too. 

The results outdid even our wildest expectations. We got to stay by his side for two days as he inspected VFX shots, demoed his unique virtual-camera rig, and revealed plans for the future of his sci-fi juggernaut. We came away with candid info galore – who knew that he gets up at 5am to kickbox, or that he was taught how to bowl by Gene Simmons from KISS? – and a deeper appreciation of his astonishing attention to detail.

It’s a can’t-be-missed stellar exclusive that sets you up perfectly for this Christmas’ Fire And Ash, the most hotly awaited blockbuster of 2025.”

The new September issue is available on all newsstands on Thursday 31 July, or to purchase online from greatmagazines.co.uk, as standard and digital versions. Subscribers receive an exclusive cover, featuring art by award-winning Avatar: Fire And Ash concept artist Dylan Cole of Varang and her Ash warriors. Avatar: Fire And Ash comes to UK cinemas from 19 December.

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For further press information, please contact:  
Susie Asbury – Interim Corporate Communications Director, Bauer Media UK
susie.asbury@bauermedia.co.uk

About Empire

Empire is the movie-magazine choice of Hollywood’s elite (with the likes of Steven Spielberg and Sam Mendes having guest-edited previous issues), meaning that it enjoys unparalleled access to the biggest movies and stars. Empire magazine includes all the latest movie reviews as well as exclusive interviews and incredible imagery, providing you with insight on all the essential happenings in the movie world.

About Bauer Media UK  
Bauer Media UK reaches over 25 million UK consumers through a portfolio of world-class, multi-platform media and entertainment brands including heat, KISS, Grazia, Empire, Magic, Absolute Radio and the Hits Radio Brand Network. These brands offer commercial partners access to highly engaged audiences, with creative solutions underpinned by insight and instinct. Bauer Media UK is part of the Bauer Media Group, one of the world’s largest privately owned media businesses with media assets all over the globe.