While talking about her role as the villainous Na’vi leader Varang, Chaplin shared that she sees strong parallels between Avatar creator James Cameron and her legendary grandfather. According to her, both men push filmmaking forward by using cutting-edge technology while staying grounded in emotional, human stories.
“They’re both telling stories in innovative ways,” Chaplin explained, “but they’re always centered in the human heart and the human condition. That’s why their work reaches everyone — it’s honest, simple, and real.”
Charlie Chaplin, who died in 1977 before Oona was born, is considered one of the most important figures in cinema history. A silent film icon and creative powerhouse, he made audiences around the world laugh and cry without speaking a single word. Oona, who is named after her grandmother Oona O’Neill, says that legacy still resonates today.
“Charlie Chaplin made millions of people laugh and cry together,” she said. “Nobody will ever do that like he did — but Avatar comes really close!” she added with a smile.
Chaplin’s own life has been just as international as the Avatar franchise. Born in Madrid to actress Geraldine Chaplin and Chilean filmmaker Patricio Castilla, she grew up across the U.K., Switzerland, and Cuba. Before landing her role in Fire and Ash, she was even volunteering at a refugee camp in France.
Taking on Varang turned out to be a turning point. “It made me fall in love with acting again,” Chaplin said. She added that the experience reminded her how powerful storytelling can be — and how grateful she is to be part of it.
Much of that gratitude, she says, goes to Cameron. “I would be a cactus in the corner for James Cameron if he asked me to be,” she joked. “Whatever you want me to do, let’s go.”
Avatar: Fire and Ash also stars Zoe Saldaña, Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, and Kate Winslet, and is now playing in theaters.
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