Los Angeles, Dec. 19, 2023 — Avatar: Fire and Ash ignited the box office with a $36.5 million opening day, signaling a potential domestic debut of $85 million to $95 million. The latest installment in James Cameron’s epic sci-fi franchise also captivated international audiences, earning $100 million overseas, including a striking $17 million debut in China.
A Fiery Start for Pandora’s Return
Avatar: Fire and Ash is poised to become a major holiday blockbuster, despite its substantial three-hour-and-a-quarter runtime. The film garnered an “A” CinemaScore from audiences, mirroring the reception of its predecessors.
The 2022 release, Avatar: The Way of Water, opened to a massive $134 million, fueled by significant pent-up demand after the 13-year wait following the original Avatar in 2009. Fire and Ash, however, has six days to play before the Christmas holiday, with some anticipating audiences may delay viewing until the holiday break.
The original Avatar initially debuted to $77 million in 2009, but quickly gained momentum to become the highest-grossing film of all time, earning an astounding $2.97 billion worldwide (not adjusted for inflation). It currently holds that title, followed by Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame, and Cameron’s own Avatar: The Way of Water and Titanic.
A Competitive Holiday Box Office
Avatar: Fire and Ash isn’t the only film vying for attention this holiday season. Paramount’s family film, The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, is projected to debut in the mid-teens. Lionsgate’s R-rated thriller, The Housemaid, starring Amanda Seyfried and Sydney Sweeney, is aiming for a $20 million to $25 million launch after earning $2.2 million in previews. This film is seen as a crucial test for Sweeney, following her previous Oscar-nominated role in Christy.
The Angel Studios animated faith-based feature, David, is also tracking within the $20 million to $25 million range and is currently predicted to outperform The Housemaid. A successful opening would mark the best debut for Angel Studios, the company behind Sound of Freedom.
Further releases are slated for Christmas Day, including Sony’s Anaconda reboot and prestige Oscar contenders Marty Supreme, starring Timothée Chalamet, and Song Sung Blue, featuring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson.
- Avatar: Fire and Ash opened to $36.5 million domestically and $100 million internationally.
- The film’s success indicates continued strong audience interest in the Avatar franchise.
- Several other films are competing for box office revenue during the holiday season.
- The Housemaid and David are expected to be key contenders alongside Avatar.
This story was originally published Dec.19 at 10:21 am.
