Varang as a Mirror to Jake Sully, Not His Opposite

Another strong theory is that Varang isn’t meant to oppose Jake Sully she’s meant to reflect him.

Fans point out that Jake, in the earlier films, also made extreme choices to protect his people. He abandoned one world, embraced another, and didn’t hesitate to use violence when necessary. At the time, those choices were framed as heroic.

Varang’s actions, by contrast, are viewed through a more uncomfortable lens. She is protecting her people too, but without the same support or resources. That difference in framing has led many viewers to question whether Jake and Varang are truly so different.

This theory suggests that Fire and Ash is less about introducing a new enemy and more about forcing Jake to confront the kind of leader he has become. Seeing someone else make similar choices without being celebrated creates tension.

Fans also note that Varang’s certainty contrasts with Jake’s growing hesitation. Where Jake pauses, Varang commits. That dynamic feels intentional.

Rather than setting them up for a simple confrontation, the film seems to use Varang to challenge Jake’s moral confidence. Not by arguing with him but by existing as proof that survival can push anyone toward hard, uncomfortable decisions.