IN CONVERSATION WITH JACK CHAMPION

interview by JANA LETONJA

At just 20 years old, Jack Champion has already achieved what most actors dream of across a lifetime — commanding the screen in one of the biggest film franchises in history. After his breakout as Spider in James Cameron’s ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’, he became an instant standout in the global phenomenon, earning praise for his physicality, emotional depth, and raw presence. Now, he’s set to return as a lead in ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’, premiering on 19th December, one of the most anticipated cinematic events of the decade. With upcoming projects including the thriller ‘Trap House’ and the Netflix comedy ‘Don’t Say Good Luck’, Jack is balancing Hollywood momentum with grounded authenticity. 

shirt and tie JIL SANDER

You made such a memorable debut as Spider in ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’. How has the experience of returning for ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ felt after that incredible breakout?

I’m so excited to finally share ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ with the world. It honestly doesn’t fully feel like “returning,” because we filmed both movies back to back when I was 14 to 16. But having the privilege of being on this press tour now and promoting the film with my Avatar family has been amazing.

James Cameron is known for creating worlds as vast as they are emotional. What’s something you’ve learned from working under his direction that’s stayed with you?

James has the most incredible work ethic of anyone I’ve ever met. He really taught me what it means to be dedicated to your work — long hours, tons of prep, and giving everything you have. He’s always the first one there and the last to leave. He is the heart and soul of these films and I couldn’t be more grateful to have him as a mentor.  

suit DRIES VAN NOTEN
shirt BOTTEGA VENETTA
shoes SANTONI

You were one of the few human characters in ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’. How has that dynamic evolved in the upcoming film?

Well, there are definitely some physical changes that are happening for Spider in ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’. I won’t spoil anything, but watch the trailer. He still feels like an outsider though, caught between the human world and the Na’vi world. There’s still that struggle of figuring out where he belongs and what the right choices are, but we’re able to dive deeper into those themes in ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’. 

The ‘Avatar’ franchise is famous for its innovation. Can you tease how ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ raises the bar, both technically and emotionally?

There may or may not have been some tears shed when I watched the film for the first time. ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ finds Spider having to deal with turmoil, not only in his chosen family, the Sullys, but also with the film's new villain, Varang and his “dad”. We also get to explore totally new Na’vi cultures, which is amazing and makes the world of Avatar that much more immersive. 

You’ll be traveling the world for the global release. What does it mean to you to represent such a beloved series on a global stage at 21?

I am so eternally grateful to be a part of something that means so much to so many people and to have grown up making these films. Getting to travel the world with my Avatar family and celebrate the films with the fans is such a privilege, it’s just a lot of fun.

jacket and jeans ETRO
t-shirt COS

You’ve seamlessly moved between massive blockbusters and smaller, character-driven films. What keeps you grounded in your choices of roles and projects?

I have been incredibly lucky to work on some amazing independent projects, and there are just so many great roles out there right now in the indie film space. I’ve also been lucky to have an awesome team around me to help me choose the projects that are right for me and introduce me to great filmmakers. I always want to challenge myself in roles I play. I just finished a role that required singing and dancing, which I’d never done before, and someday I’d love to do a Western.

‘Scream VI’ introduced you to an entirely different fanbase. How did joining such a legendary horror franchise compare to stepping into ‘Avatar’?

First off, ‘Scream’ fans are intense, and I say that as one of them. ‘Scream’ was way more of a traditional set and definitely didn’t take four years to film like ‘Avatar’ did. It honestly felt like a fun summer camp where I got to check off a total bucket list role.

You seem to have a great sense of humor. Will we see that side come through in ‘Don’t Say Good Luck’?

I hope so. Honestly, what I’m most excited for people to see in ‘Don’t Say Good Luck’ are the musical scenes. I’ve always loved dancing, but I’d never really been a singer, so taking voice lessons and dance classes was a whole new challenge. It was a lot of fun to make, and I really hope people have fun watching it too.

You started acting very young. What moment made you realize this was more than a passion, but your purpose?

I don’t know if I’d call it my purpose, but it’s definitely something I truly love to do. The impact that stories and films can have on people is what keeps me coming back. The fact that I can affect someone through my work, that’s just a really surreal feeling.

left:
vest COMMES DES GARÇONS
t-shirt COS

right:
outer jacket, inner jacket worn as shirt, and trousers PRADA

shirt and cardigan EGONLAB

jacket and trousers VIVIENNE WESTWOOD
t-shirt COS

TEAM CREDITS:

talent JACK CHAMPION
photography KOLBY KNIGHT at Kramer + Kramer
styling CHARLIE WARD at See Management
grooming MELISSA DEZARATE at A-Frame Agency
art director INGA ODETTE
photography assistant QUINN CASACELI
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA
editorial director and interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN