UPDATE: “Avatar: Fire and Ash” has stormed the box office, raking in an astounding $345 million globally during its opening weekend. The highly anticipated third installment of the blockbuster franchise grossed $88 million in the U.S. and Canada alone, confirming its status as a must-see film for audiences worldwide.
The film, produced by Disney-owned 20th Century Studios, saw impressive international earnings of approximately $257 million, with $57.6 million coming from China, marking it as the second-highest opening for a U.S. film in that market this year. This performance comes after the success of its predecessor, “Avatar: The Way of Water,” which thrived in major markets like Germany and France.
Box office analysts had anticipated a robust international response, and the results are a testament to the enduring appeal of the Na’vi saga. After a challenging year for theaters, this strong showing is a significant boost for cinema owners, especially following a lackluster summer season.
The success in China signals a potential resurgence for American films in a market that has grown increasingly cautious due to geopolitical tensions and the rise of domestic productions. The performance of “Avatar: Fire and Ash” contrasts with recent trends, hinting that blockbuster films can still captivate audiences in regions previously deemed challenging.
In addition to “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” the weekend box office saw Angel Studio’s animated film “David” take the second spot with an estimated domestic gross of $22 million. Other competitors included Lionsgate’s thriller “The Housemaid,” as well as “The Spongebob Movie: Search for Squarepants” from Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Movies, and the recently released “Zootopia 2.”
This weekend’s box office results are vital for theater owners who have faced a turbulent year. Following a rocky start, the spring brought hits like “A Minecraft Movie” and “Sinners,” while the fall had left many anxious until Thanksgiving, when films like “Wicked: For Good” and “Zootopia 2” began attracting viewers.
As “Avatar: Fire and Ash” continues to perform strongly, all eyes will remain on its trajectory in the coming weeks. The film’s opening weekend success sets a promising stage for its potential longevity at the box office, igniting discussions among fans and industry experts alike about the future of cinematic releases globally.
Stay tuned for more updates as the box office race evolves!
