James Cameron’s Avatar: The Way Of Water is tracking to open in the $150m-$175m range in North America when it arrives in cinemas on December 16.
The 20th Century Studios sequel released by Disney is certainly going to trump the $77m debut of the 2009 original, which finished on more than $785m, and is expected to dominate for weeks through repeat viewings powered by strong world of mouth if the film lives up to expectations.
In terms of global box office, while some industry observers have noted it will be challenging to come near to, let alone surpass, Avatar’s $2.9bn worldwide gross in a world where Covid remains a concern, the news that China has allowed a release has encouraged distribution executives.
China returned more than $260m box office for Cameron’s first trip to Pandora and the expectation is that pent-up demand for Hollywood releases could spark robust box office there.
Avatar: The Way Of Water has reportedly cost in the region of $250m. Speaking to GQ this week Cameron said his film will need to finish as the third or fourth highest grossing film in history simply to break even, which means a final gross of $2bn or higher.
Avatar ranks as the all-time highest, followed by Avengers: Endgame on $2.7bn, Cameron’s Titanic in third on $2.1bn, Star Wars: The Force Awakens on $2.07bn, and Avengers: Infinity War on $2.05bn.
No comments yet