IN CONVERSATION WITH OONA CHAPLIN

interview by JANA LETONJA

Oona Chaplin is poised for a defining breakthrough with her commanding role as Varang in James Cameron’s ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’, premiering on 19th December. As one of the most anticipated films of the decade, the newest chapter of the record-shattering franchise places Oona at its center as she steps into a role already generating global intrigue. Known to millions as Talisa Stark from ‘Game of Thrones’, Oona has built a career marked by emotional depth and bold, genre-spanning choices, with acclaimed performances in ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’, ‘The Longest Ride’, ‘Black Mirror’, and ‘Taboo’. A descendant of Hollywood history—her grandfather is the legendary Charlie Chaplin—she is carving out a legacy entirely her own. 

dress CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION
shoes LARROUDÉ
earrings ALEX MONROE
necklace and ring FOX & BOND
rings LÖF

dress and shoes PRADA
necklaces, rings, earrings, and brooch BELADORA

‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ is already one of the most anticipated releases of the year. How did it feel to step into such a massive world as Varang?

It’s beyond my wildest dreams. The ‘Avatar’ story is so close to my heart. Every time I watch or even think of it, I feel closer to the mystery and the beauty of nature, I feel more courageous and hopeful despite all the challenges we face in this world. It’s not just a big blockbuster movie, it’s an epic saga that inspires and enlivens us, which is my favourite kind of story to be a part of. And then on top of that, getting to work with people who are so unbelievably brilliant and so encouraging, I really don’t have the words. I’m still pinching myself.

Without giving too much away, what can audiences expect from Varang’s arc in the new installment?

Well, she’s coming in hot, that’s for sure. The Ash are different to the other Na’vi, they’ve turned their backs to Eywa and live by different laws. When Varang encounters the Sully family, it unlocks a whole new realm of possibilities she’d never even thought of. Throughout this film, she learns about strategy, about the sky people and their technology, and about her divine purpose in this new time. And she brings the Fire.

dress ROSETTA GETTY
earrings and brooch BELADORA
brooch ALEX MONROE
ring LÖF
hat RUSLAN BAGINSKIY

Varang is already generating intense fan speculation. What aspects of her personality, history, or spirit resonated with you the most?

I admire Varang. She is very brave and very smart, she understands the power of pain and grief, and she has immense will power. Her strength comes from her suffering, but she’s not interested in healing. Instead, she’ll stop at nothing to defeat anything or anyone who challenges her, which I reckon is her greatest weakness. This relationship to power fascinated me, and I learned a lot about conviction and determination.

What is your process for grounding yourself when performing in a world so deeply built on visual effects?

It’s easy, the script. Jim has created characters that are very well thought through. I mean there are no holes, every decision and every character he makes is absolutely true to the spirit of that character, so it’s all deeply rooted in the human heart, or Na’vi heart, should I say. 

dress ESCVDO
headscarf TOAST
mules GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI
earrings PATOU
rings and brooch ALEX MONROE
ring LÖF

Fans still adore your performance as Talisa Stark in ‘Game of Thrones’. How has that character continued to shape your career and the way audiences connect with you?

That was the first experience I had of being part of a story that meant so much to millions of people, and to me too. Talisa, especially her love story with Rob Stark, really touched people’s hearts, so people tend to be happy to see me if they recognize me out and about, which is nice, although I do get all sorts of warnings against going to any weddings. ‘Game of Thrones’ is a huge landmark for me in so many ways. I loved playing such a principled, caring woman, and I forged lifelong friendships, which is the greatest gift. 

You’ve worked across genres, from ‘Black Mirror’ to ‘Taboo’ to ‘The Longest Ride’. How do you choose roles that stretch you creatively?

It’s been mostly a mix of luck and intuition, and I hope it continues that way. One of the things I’ve enjoyed the most about my career to date is the wide range of characters I’ve gotten to play. It’s not very common and I’m so grateful for the chance to see life through all these different lenses, in so many different worlds. It’s made me more curious and more compassionate. I’ve also changed and evolved a lot in my own personal life and maybe that’s a reflection of the broad spectrum of roles I’ve played, or vice versa, who knows.

full look PRABAL GURUNG
shoes ACNE STUDIOS
necklaces, earrings, and rings FOX & BOND
ring LÖF

You come from a legendary lineage, Charlie Chaplin’s granddaughter and part of a historic artistic family. How has that heritage influenced your perspective on storytelling?

Charlie Chaplin is the best storyteller ever. He got the whole world to laugh and cry together. I don’t know if anyone else has ever done that, or ever will. But his legacy, as I’ve learned it from my mother, is simple. Work hard, get to the heart of the matter and never take yourself seriously. It’s been a privilege to enter this industry through my family. I’m 5th generation if you branch hop along the family tree, perhaps it goes back further. My name has opened doors for me that I do my best to walk through in a good way, but thanks to my family I have also not been fooled by the glitz and glamour of it all. This is my job. I love it, but it’s still just work. And it’s important work. Stories are how we learn, they shape the choices we make, the way we live, and how we relate to others. So I try to take part in stories that uplift me, and hopefully uplift others too. 

How do you maintain your own artistic identity while being connected to one of cinema’s most iconic names?

I don’t think about my artistic identity all that much. I just show up for work in the best way that I know how, prepare myself, be kind to people and give it all I’ve got. I also have a rich and full life outside of work. I am a mother and a wife, I help steward land, and mostly I’m just trying to figure out what to make for dinner. But I enjoy doing my best to honor my lineage on both sides of my family, which to me means walking with sincerity, responsibility and respect, and try and make a good time of it. 

With such a monumental project ahead, what does this next chapter of your career feel like for you personally?

I’m very proud of our work on ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’, I’m pretty sure it’s going to blow peoples’ minds. But I have no idea what’s going to happen after it’s out, and I try not to have any expectations. I’ve been preparing for a few months now for the big release, and I feel fortified and inspired. I do hope we make 4 & 5 because the story just keeps going deeper and I love the process of filming and everyone who is a part of it. I really do believe this film will reach peoples’ hearts as well as take them on a very wild ride. 

full look GIORGIO ARMANI
earring, necklace, and ring LÖF
ring FOX & BOND

dress with cape CORTANA
earrings, ring, and bracelet ALEX MONROE
bracelet RACHEL KATZ JEWELRY

TEAM CREDITS:

talent OONA CHAPLIN
photography TYLER NEVITT
styling LAURA SOPHIE COX at A-Frame Agency
makeup AKINA SHIMIZU at A-Frame Agency
hair ARAXI LINDSEY at The Wall Group
photography assistant ADAEZE NJAKA
set design JASON JENSEN
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA
editorial director and interview JANA LETONJA