16-year-old Chinese American actress and singer-songwriter Trinity Jo-Li Bliss has reflected on growing up in James Cameron’s world of Pandora.
With the release of Avatar: Fire and Ash, Bliss is reflecting on a career that began unusually early — when she was cast at just seven years old in Avatar: The Way of Water by director James Cameron.
Bliss made her cinematic debut as Tuk, the youngest daughter of Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña) and Jake Sully (Sam Worthington). Despite her age, she underwent years of intensive training in Na’vi movement, underwater performance, and motion-capture technology while working on the highest-grossing film franchise of all time.
Speaking with JoySauce, Bliss recalled the moment she learned she’d landed the role.
“I was on top of the world and was bursting with excitement to just get started. I remember when I got the call, I had my final screen test with James Cameron earlier that same day. I remember how I loved hanging out with James and talking with him in that screen test.”
The confirmation came almost immediately after.
“When I came out literally five minutes later, while I was still driving away from the premises, I got the call, and they were like, ‘You booked it! You’re playing Tuk!’”
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Bliss said her family celebrated with a trip to the Santa Monica Pier before marking the moment over a hot pot dinner.
“I remember my parents and I went to the Santa Monica Pier afterwards, rode some roller coasters and just celebrated together. And then we went to have hot pot! [Laughs] We were just so excited, and we had no idea the journey that awaited.”
Over the next several years, Bliss grew up on Avatar sets, training daily throughout an almost two-year filming process. She described the physical demands — particularly underwater performance — as challenging but rewarding.
“It was a bit intimidating, you know, like holding your breath while so deep underwater, and wanting to also let that go so you can still be in the scene.”
She added that the experience helped her develop both as a performer and as a person.
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“I’ve learned to always look around for inspiration and connection. I think that’s something that’s present in the Avatar script, but it’s also something I learned by being around these amazing cast and crew members.”
Bliss credited Cameron with reinforcing the importance of curiosity.
“James Cameron always said to have childlike wonder and childlike curiosity. I think that’s something I’d try to take with me in my life forever.”
She also highlighted the support she received from the franchise’s original cast, particularly Saldaña.
“Zoe always felt like an amazing set mom… She’s always been very caring and I’m always inspired by her as a creative, and as a person.”
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In Fire and Ash, Bliss said audiences will see a more mature version of Tuk.
“Tuk is not the same person we met at the beginning of the last film. She really wants to step up and defy what she needs to in order to be there for who she loves.”
Outside of acting, Bliss has also been expanding her music career. Her recent single, “you make me wanna dance,” draws inspiration from rom-com storytelling and coming-of-age experiences, with a follow-up track, Chemistry,; set for release on Jan. 9, 2026.
Looking ahead, Bliss said she remains focused on exploring multiple creative paths.
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“I would totally love to do Broadway in the future. That would be a bucket list dream come true.”
As she prepares for the next chapter of the Avatar franchise, Bliss says the lessons from her earliest days on set — curiosity, instinct, and family — continue to guide her work both on and off screen.
