Miley Cyrus has opened up about the deeply personal journey that inspired her new song “Dream as One,” written for Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third installment in James Cameron’s blockbuster franchise.
The 33-year-old Grammy-winning singer said the emotional core of the track was shaped by her own experiences with loss, rebuilding, and resilience. According to Cyrus, even the film’s title immediately connected with her life story.
“In the title alone, Fire and Ash, I’ve had my own experience with rebuilding from the ground up,” she shared while discussing the project.
Cyrus famously lost her Malibu home in the devastating 2018 California wildfires—an event that profoundly changed her outlook on life. That experience of starting over became the emotional foundation of “Dream as One,” which explores themes of healing, unity, and inner strength.
The timing of the project also carried special meaning. Reflecting on the destructive wildfires that hit parts of Los Angeles in early 2025, Cyrus said the song naturally evolved into a message about community and support.
“Lately we’ve all had this idea of being there for each other and stepping in when your people need it,” she explained, emphasizing themes of chosen family and collective resilience.
Those ideas closely align with the storyline of Avatar: Fire and Ash, which continues the journey of Jake Sully and Neytiri as they confront fresh loss and new challenges. Cyrus noted that the film’s message mirrors her own belief in the power of rising again after hardship.
“The ability to rise again is really what this story is about,” she said.
Unlike her usual songwriting process, Cyrus revealed that she was able to view the film while it was still in development. This allowed her to shape the music around its emotional arc, making her feel deeply connected to the project.
“I got to feel like I was part of building it,” she added.
With Avatar: Fire and Ash now in theaters, Cyrus says she is proud to contribute to a film that celebrates resilience, connection, and hope—messages she believes resonate far beyond the big screen.