Avatar Fire and Ash Falls Short of Zootopia 2 With $136 Million Global Opening

James Cameron’s latest cinematic epic, “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” has launched worldwide. The film opened to a global haul of $136.9 million on its first day. This massive sum was not enough to top the year’s biggest debut.

The third Avatar film underperformed in North America. It earned a softer-than-expected $25 million on its opening Friday there. According to industry trackers Comscore and Box Office Mojo, the film’s strength came overwhelmingly from international markets.

Overseas Strength Fails to Offset Domestic Slump

The film’s opening day performance reveals a split story. It earned a staggering $100.4 million from overseas territories. Major markets like China contributed heavily to this international total.

However, its North American start was muted. This includes $12 million from preview screenings. The domestic opening weekend is now projected to fall below $350 million.

This puts the film on a different trajectory than its predecessor. “Avatar: The Way of Water” opened to $441 million globally in 2022. Analysts now question if the new sequel can reach the coveted $2 billion club.

Zootopia 2 Holds Firm as 2025’s Box Office Champion

The opening day numbers have a clear winner for 2025. Disney’s “Zootopia 2” earned approximately $150 million on its first day earlier this year. It currently holds the record for the biggest global opening of the year.

That animated sequel launched to a monumental $560 million opening weekend. This places it as the fourth-highest opening of all time. “Avatar: Fire and Ash” now faces an uphill battle to claim the annual crown.

The film’s long-term success will depend on strong word-of-mouth. It needs to hold audiences beyond the opening weekend. Reaching the $1.5 billion mark worldwide is now a key benchmark for the franchise.

The $136 million global opening for Avatar: Fire and Ash sets a high bar, yet underscores shifting audience trends. Its performance in the coming weeks will determine if Pandora’s magic can still deliver record-breaking box office returns.

Please note-

How much did Avatar Fire and Ash make on opening day?

The film earned $136.9 million globally on its first day. This total includes $100.4 million from international markets and a weaker $25 million from North America on Friday.

Did Avatar 3 beat Zootopia 2’s opening?

No, it did not. Zootopia 2 earned about $150 million on its opening day earlier in 2025. Avatar Fire and Ash opened lower, making Zootopia 2 the year’s biggest debut so far.

What is the projected opening weekend for Avatar Fire and Ash?

Industry projections suggest a global opening weekend of over $350 million. This is notably below the $441 million opening of the previous film, Avatar: The Way of Water.

Why is the film’s North American opening considered low?

For a franchise of this scale, a $25 million Friday domestic haul is softer than expected. The film’s performance relied heavily on its international appeal to reach its total.

Can Avatar Fire and Ash still be a financial success?

Yes, absolutely. A $136 million opening day is enormous. Its final success will depend on how well it holds audience interest in the subsequent weeks and months.