- “Avatar: Fire and Ash” opened to an estimated $88 million domestically.
- International receipts were roughly $257 million, giving a $345 million global opening.
- The launch fell short of some analysts’ >$100M expectations and faces pressure because of a nearly $400M budget.
- Other weekend hits: “David” ($22M), “The Housemaid” ($19M) and “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants” ($16M).
Strong launch, but below top expectations
James Cameron’s third Avatar film, “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” drew audiences this weekend to deliver an estimated $88 million in U.S. ticket sales. Combined with about $257 million from international markets, the film’s global opening sits at roughly $345 million.
That domestic start missed some forecasters who predicted the movie could top $100 million in its first weekend. Still, industry trackers say the title’s premium-format strength — especially in IMAX and 3D — and the holiday release window should help sustain box office momentum into January.
How this compares to earlier Avatar releases
By comparison, the original “Avatar” (2009) opened to the equivalent of about $115 million when adjusted for inflation, while 2022’s “Avatar: The Way of Water” debuted at $134 million domestically. The softer first-weekend number for “Fire and Ash” raises questions about how big-budget spectacle films will perform in the current market.
Big budget raises stakes for franchise
The film’s nearly $400 million production budget puts added pressure on global performance. Director James Cameron has said future sequels depend on how well “Fire and Ash” performs in the coming weeks. A strong run could greenlight a fourth installment; a disappointing return could complicate those plans.
Paul Dergarabedian of Comscore called “Avatar” an event film globally and noted that premium formats drive outsized revenue. He and other analysts expect the holiday window and international demand to keep the film among top draws.
Weekend context: other releases and industry trends
The weekend also delivered surprises outside the franchise: Angel Studios’ “David” finished second with about $22 million; Lionsgate’s “The Housemaid” took $19 million; and Paramount’s family entry, “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants,” earned $16 million. These films spread audience attention but also show the market’s appetite for diverse content.
Year-to-date industry figures show the domestic box office still lags pre-pandemic levels. Comscore data cited the domestic market as down roughly 22.5% versus 2019, with total box office around $8.37 billion so far. Still, analysts remain cautiously optimistic that tentpole releases and investments in theater experiences could boost returns into 2026.
What to watch next
Box office watchers will track weekend-to-weekend drop-offs, international legs (especially in key markets), and premium-format demand. Those metrics will determine whether “Fire and Ash” can overcome a below-expectation opening to become a profitable franchise entry and secure future sequels.
Studios are betting that upgraded auditoriums, IMAX and 3D presentations, and strong holiday attendance will keep the film in theaters longer — but the next few weeks are critical for the franchise’s trajectory.
Image Referance: https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/21/business/avatar-box-office-weekend-december