The upcomingAvatar: Fire & Ash aims to introduce a ton of new stuff while also doubling down on the things people liked about its predecessors. Part of that doubling down will apply to Pakayan, the tulkun (space whale) introduced in Way of Wateras an outcast among his people because he killed the humans who killed his mother. Over the course of the film, he became a friend to Jake Sullys teen son Loak and helped save the day in act three by going on a rampage that saved his fellow Tulkun from evil whalers. Avatar is a franchise that loves animals, so naturally, hes getting a meatier role in the threequel.Speaking to Empire Magazine, VFX supervisor Richard Baneham said the positive response to Pakayanwhich has recently involved folks on Twitter gassing him up as a great guy in Hollywoodspurred the team to go forward and play him at the highest level. Over the course of the film, hell cross paths with Tanok, a fellow outcast wholl become his love interest. Baneham teased the pair have a really great dynamic together, and with how much these movies love their love stories, is there going to be a scene where they go on a date? Because that seems where things are headed. Tanok isnt the only Tulkun coming along for the ride.Fire & Ash is introducing more of Tulkun society, up to and including a Patriarch and Matriarch who govern over their clan. According to Baneham, the Matriarch in particular will be in full regalia, with rings and tattoos that suggest history beyond what were seeing. So if you couldnt get enough of Watersundersea world, Pakayans here to give you more of it whenAvatar: Fire & Ashreleases on December 19. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.