“Avatar: Fire and Ash” Takes the Box Office by Storm

Written by: Keya Gambhir

Big news from the movie world! James Cameron’s latest Avatar movie, “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” is making waves at theaters all over the world. This is the third film in the Avatar series, which started back in 2009 with the original movie that introduced audiences to the magical world of Pandora.

The new movie made an estimated $345 million globally during its first weekend. That includes $88 million from the United States and Canada and $257 million from international audiences. While the North American opening is a little lower than the second Avatar movie, “The Way of Water,” which opened to $134 million in 2022, it is still a very strong start. The first Avatar movie, for comparison, earned $77 million in its debut weekend back in 2009 (or $118 million after adjusting for inflation).

Much of Avatar’s success comes from international fans. In the past, over 70% of the franchise’s earnings have come from outside the U.S., and this trend continues. China leads the charge with nearly $58 million, followed by France, Germany, Korea, and the United Kingdom. People love watching the film in IMAX and 3D, which makes Pandora feel extra real. In fact, IMAX alone earned about 13% of the global ticket sales, even though it’s available on less than 1% of screens worldwide.

“Avatar: Fire and Ash” is three hours and 17 minutes long and introduces a new, fierce clan living in Pandora’s volcanic region. Critics had mixed opinions about the film, but audiences were far more positive, giving it a 91% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Many moviegoers said the movie is worth seeing for its incredible visuals and adventurous story.

Experts say that judging the movie by its opening weekend alone isn’t enough. “It’s a question of how long it stays on screens and what repeat business looks like,” said Richard Gelfond, CEO of IMAX. Because Avatar movies are “event films,” many people choose to see them multiple times, especially in premium formats like IMAX and 3D.

Even though movie theaters have faced challenges in recent years because of streaming services and higher ticket prices, big blockbuster films like Avatar continue to draw crowds. Fans love the experience of watching movies on huge screens with amazing sound and effects, which is something streaming at home can’t quite match.

James Cameron, the director, says that theaters are “a sacred space” for filmmakers and that the big-screen experience is key to the future of movies like Avatar. While the movie cost an estimated $500 million to make and promote, its strong start shows that audiences are excited to return to theaters and explore Pandora once again.

The franchise is also known for long-lasting success. Previous Avatar movies continued earning money for weeks and even months after their openings, and experts expect “Fire and Ash” to follow the same pattern, especially as families and fans head to theaters during the holidays and into January.

Whether you’re a fan of aliens, amazing creatures, or epic adventures, “Avatar: Fire and Ash” promises an unforgettable movie experience. So grab your popcorn, find a comfy seat, and get ready to return to the world of Pandora!