Avatar Composer Invented Instruments Just for a 25-Second Scene

Oona Chaplin shares a fascinating behind-the-scenes detail about the making of Avatar: Fire and Ash.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 1:20am

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In a recent interview, actress Oona Chaplin, who plays the character Varang in the new Avatar film Fire and Ash, revealed that composer Simon Franglen went to incredible lengths to create custom musical instruments for a brief 25-second scene in the movie. Franglen designed these instruments specifically to be played by the Na'vi characters, taking into account the materials available in the world of Pandora and the unique finger compositions of the Na'vi.

Why it matters

This level of attention to detail and world-building highlights the meticulous approach the Avatar filmmakers take in crafting the believable and immersive world of Pandora. Even small moments that may seem insignificant on screen are the result of extensive research and creativity behind the scenes.

The details

Chaplin explained that the scene in question features the Wind Traders, a group of Na'vi characters, and includes a short dance sequence. To authentically represent the music of this culture, Franglen invented new musical instruments that would have been available to the Na'vi, 3D printing them and having the actors perform with them on set.

  • The Avatar: Fire and Ash film is now available on digital platforms.
  • The movie will be released on Blu-Ray on May 19, 2026.

The players

Oona Chaplin

The actress who portrays the character Varang, the leader of the Mangkwan (or Ash People), in Avatar: Fire and Ash.

Simon Franglen

The composer for the Avatar films, who went to great lengths to create custom musical instruments for a brief scene in Fire and Ash.

James Cameron

The writer and director of the Avatar franchise, who has expressed interest in expanding the role of Chaplin's character Varang in future installments.

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What they’re saying

“I feel like listening to Simon Franglen, who's the composer, talk about how he literally invented instruments for a scene that maybe is 25 seconds, if that. He invented musical instruments in order to be played by Na'vi with different finger compositions, different sizes and different materials... then 3D printed them and then had the actors play on them.”

— Oona Chaplin, Actress

“That scene with the Wind Traders, and there's like a little jig that happens where Spider's dancing all silly? So those instruments that are played there were invented for that scene because he had to go, 'Oh, what materials would've been available for them?' He went into a whole study and invented these instruments just for that tiny little scene. It's incredible. Like, he's remarkable. To hear him speak about it is the best.”

— Oona Chaplin, Actress

What’s next

James Cameron has stated that Avatar 4 is not yet officially greenlit, but he has expressed interest in expanding the role of Oona Chaplin's character Varang in future installments of the franchise. If Avatar 4 moves forward, fans can likely expect to see more of the Ash People's culture and customs, including potentially the unique musical instruments created by composer Simon Franglen.

The takeaway

The meticulous attention to detail and world-building that goes into the Avatar films, even for the smallest of scenes, is a testament to the filmmakers' commitment to creating a truly immersive and believable cinematic experience. The revelation that the composer invented custom musical instruments specifically for a 25-second sequence highlights the extraordinary lengths the production team goes to in order to bring the world of Pandora to life.