It’s hard to believe it’s been more than 13 years since the release of James Cameron’s record-breaking Avatar. And with the long-awaited arrival of its sequel (and three more films still to come), many fans are wondering where the new movie fits into the Avatar timeline. As a result, some are asking “how old is Jake Sully in Avatar: The Way of Water?”
Jake Sully is the protagonist of the Avatar movies, and is the primary focus of the first film in particular. Jake is used as the vehicle to tell the story of the human invasion of Pandora.
He is introduced as the paraplegic twin brother of Tom Sully. Tom was a scientist who was meant to be part of the Avatar Program. But his murder before the events of Avatar sees him replaced by Jake due to the brothers being genetically identical.
Jake is a former marine who suffered life-changing injuries during combat. When the Resources Development Administration (RDA) give him the opportunity to take Tom’s place, he agrees and travels to Pandora.
He arrives six years later after being placed in cryosleep. At the end of Avatar, Sully’s consciousness is transferred from his human body and into his avatar Na’vi body.
Sully remains on Pandora and starts a family with Neytiri, his mate. Some years later, Avatar: The Way of Water begins.
So, how old is Jake Sully when we see him again in Avatar: The Way of Water?
How old is Jake Sully in Avatar: The Way of Water?
The original Avatar begins in the year 2148. After Jake’s six-year journey to Pandora, the film’s main plot takes place during 2154.
Avatar: The Way of Water begins 15 years later, in the year 2169. Owing to a one-year time jump during the movie, The Way of Water primarily takes place in 2170.
How old is Jake Sully in Avatar: The Way of Water? Jake Sully is 43-44 years old during Avatar: The Way of Water. This is because Jake was born on 24 August 2126 and it was his 28th birthday at the end of Avatar when his consciousness was transferred into his avatar Na’vi body. Avatar: The Way of Water takes place a decade and a half afterwards.
Jake’s age in the sequel is also evident due to the ages of his children, who are 15 (Neteyam), 14 (Lo’ak), and 7 (Tuktirey) respectively and aren’t in the previous film.
While Sully’s age isn’t central to the film’s plot, it’s a key part of the series’ continuity and helps viewers understand when the events of the movies take place.
It is currently unknown how far in the future Avatar 3 will be set and what age Jake will be during the events of that film.
Have you seen Avatar: The Way of Water? Did you enjoy it? Let us know in the comment section below and don’t forget to check out our other Film & TV articles…
