Trinity Jo-Li Bliss, who plays spirited Tukiri “Tuk” Sully in Avatar: Fire and Ash, literally grew up on James Cameron’s Pandora sets from age seven to 16 across the sequels. Cast in 2017, she wrapped principal photography for the third film recently, sharing how the immersive world shaped her childhood amid motion-capture rigs and Na’vi training. Amid the film’s $700M global surge, Bliss recounts set antics like starting a swear jar for Cameron’s colorful language.
Pandora Childhood Memories
Bliss trained rigorously in Na’vi dialect, free diving, and movement for three months before filming, bonding deeply with Tuk as the youngest, biracial Sully like herself. The Manhattan Beach performance-capture stages became her playground through The Way of Water (2022) and Fire and Ash (2025), with additional shoots preventing aging out of the role. She describes non-stop adventures with co-stars like Jack Champion (Spider) and Bailey Bass (Tsireya), praising Cameron’s kindness despite his intensity.
Swear Jar Shenanigans
Bliss launched a playful swear jar targeting Cameron, who she calls “Jim,” filling it with coins for his frequent expletives during high-stakes shoots. The tradition lightened grueling days, with the cast—including Zoe Saldaña and Sam Worthington—joining in, turning tension into laughter. At 16, Bliss credits the experience for her growth, from Best Foot Forward to The Life of Chuck, while eyeing music with her album Confessions of a Preteen.
Tuk’s Role in Fire and Ash
As Jake and Neytiri’s youngest, Tuk faces Ash People threats led by Oona Chaplin’s Varang, demanding protection amid escalating human-Na’vi wars. Bliss highlights Tuk’s vulnerability turning to bravery, mirroring her real-life evolution on set. With Avatar 4 (2029) ahead, Pandora remains home, swear jar or not.
