Disney and director James Cameron have asked a federal court to dismiss a lawsuit alleging that the face of Avatar character Neytiri was created using actor Q’orianka Kilcher’s likeness without permission.
Kilcher’s allegation
Kilcher says an image of her from the 2005 film The New World was used as source material for Neytiri’s digitally rendered features. She filed the complaint in May 2026.
Disney and Cameron respond
The defendants say Neytiri was based on Zoe Saldaña after she was cast in the role. They also argue that Kilcher’s likeness is not recognisable in the character and that she waited an unreasonable 16 years to sue.
What the court must decide
The dispute involves both factual questions about the character’s design and legal questions about publicity rights and delay. A dismissal request presents the defendants’ arguments; it is not itself a final ruling.
The franchise’s enormous commercial success raises the stakes. The original film became the highest-grossing movie ever, while the latest instalment also passed $1 billion globally.
