Avatar: Fire and Ash garnered significant attention upon its global release on 19/12, generating approximately 500 million USD in seven days. Beyond the interest in the franchise, Sam Worthington, 39, continued to draw attention in his third portrayal of the lead character, Jake Sully. According to ScreenRant, his performance focused on internal expression, showcasing the character's psychological development as he confronted enemies.

Trailer for "Avatar: Fire and Ash", Sam Worthington's character appears from the 40-second mark. Video: Disney Vietnam

Before auditioning for the blockbuster Avatar, Sam Worthington had no standing in Hollywood, according to Variety. His acting resume at the time was modest: he graduated from the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Australia in 1998 at age 22, primarily playing minor roles in film and television projects. It wasn't until 2004 that Worthington made his mark, winning the Best Lead Actor award from the Australian Film Institute (AFI) for the film Somersault, directed by Cate Shortland.

Worthington told Men's Journal that during that period, he lacked motivation and felt directionless in his career. To change his life, the actor decided to sell his possessions, keeping only a few essential bags and living in an old Toyota Corolla. "I sold everything I had to my friends because I didn't like the person I was then," he said. Also during this time, Worthington coincidentally heard about an audition for an unnamed American science fiction project. He drove to Sydney to film and sent the casting tape to the production team.

On Variety, the actor stated he was asked to perform a scene where a character named Jake Sully landed on a fictional planet. Frustrated by the vague information provided, Worthington did not read the lines as instructed, even spitting gum towards the camera to show defiance. Unbeknownst to him, this action made a strong impression on James Cameron, ultimately placing him on the candidate list.

Behind-the-scenes acting for the film "Avatar 3". Video: Disney Vietnam

In an interview with the magazine, James Cameron said that although he was initially hesitant about Worthington's strong Australian accent, the director gradually realized this was the type of actor who gave him the feeling of being ready to commit to big projects. Cameron expected the actor to convey Jake Sully's growth, transforming from a gruff soldier into an inspiring leader.

Despite the studio's concerns about entrusting the lead role in a project with over 200 million USD in investment to an unknown actor, Worthington was chosen. Producer Lon Landau once stated that it took several days to inform him of his selection because the actor was in the mountains at the time, without phone signal. Subsequently, Sam Worthington moved to Los Angeles to focus on the role of Jake Sully. He lived in a hotel on a daily allowance, sometimes sleeping in his car while waiting for training sessions.

Avatar's success propelled Worthington to global stardom, but it also brought downsides. The actor stated that being followed by paparazzi and the pressure of rapid fame made him stressed and led to excessive drinking. A turning point came when his wife, model Lara Bingle, gave him an "ultimatum": "You can live however you want, but I don't have to stay with you".

Those words helped Worthington reflect on himself and quit drinking. He also adjusted his career direction, prioritizing roles with depth, such as in Hacksaw Ridge, Lansky, or the series Under the Banner of Heaven. Colleague Andrew Garfield noted that Worthington became increasingly flexible and open to creativity. "Sam has a depth to his acting. On the outside, he seems calm, but inside, he holds a lot of emotion," Garfield said.

Sam Worthington (left) and his character's appearance in the film "Avatar". Photo: Everett Collection

In an interview with The Washington Post on 18/12, Sam Worthington stated he chose a simple lifestyle, avoiding ostentation rather than being the center of attention. He described himself as an introvert, uncomfortable with being photographed or having his private life scrutinized, though he understood it was an unavoidable part of the job.

The actor currently lives with his wife and three sons in New York (USA), where strict regulations on paparazzi help his family avoid harassment. In a conversation with GQ magazine at the end of 2024, Worthington shared that his family helps him overcome work pressure, shaping both his life and career. The artist often brings his children to film sets so they understand why their father is away from home for extended periods.

Next year, Worthington will participate in two film projects, collaborating with directors Midi Z and Alejandro Monteverde, respectively. He will return to the stage with a lead role in the play Doubt: A Parable at the Sydney Theatre Company.

The star stated he is ready to reprise his role as Jake Sully in future Avatar installments. "I often say I'm Jim's soldier (director James Cameron's common name). He gave me the opportunity to become Jake; we both developed the character and created a bond," the actor told The Washington Post.

Que Chi (according to Variety, GQ, The Washington Post)