James Cameron once said 'Avatar' Neytiri design began with a young Q'orianka Kilcher. Now, she's suing
Key takeaways
- Kilcher, 36, filed her complaint Tuesday in California Central District Court and is suing on numerous counts including misappropriation of likeness, invasion of privacy and interfering with possible financial gain.
- Disney and a legal representative for Cameron did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Thursday.
- Cameron spoke of Kilcher’s influence on the character in an interview with French YouTube channel Konbini.
Q’orianka Kilcher is suing James Cameron, his production company, Disney and several others, saying her likeness was used in the “Avatar” films without her permission. (Chris Pizzello / Invision / Associated Press) By Alexandra Del Rosario Staff Writer Contact May 7, 2026 5:14 PM PT 5 min Click here to listen to this article Share via Close extra sharing options Email Facebook X Linked In Threads Reddit Whats App Copy Link URL Copied! Print 0:00 0:00 1x This is read by an automated voice. Please report any issues or inconsistencies here.
“Yellowstone” and “The New World” actor Q’orianka Kilcher has taken legal action against filmmaker James Cameron, Disney and others she says used her likeness in the wildly lucrative “Avatar” film franchise without her knowledge.
Kilcher, 36, filed her complaint Tuesday in California Central District Court and is suing on numerous counts including misappropriation of likeness, invasion of privacy and interfering with possible financial gain. She is seeking an unspecified amount in damages and a jury trial. The parties involved in the making of the “Avatar” film series “commercially exploited [Kilcher’s] likeness in developing and continuing the Avatar franchise” and “systematically avoided alerting or crediting her,” the lawsuit states.