Avatar: Fire and Ash Ignites Box Office with Strong $12 Million Previews

James Cameron’s latest epic, Avatar: Fire and Ash, has launched its global run. The film earned a powerful $12 million in Thursday night previews in North America. This sets the stage for a massive holiday season performance.

The sequel also began opening overseas midweek. It has already grossed an impressive $60 million internationally. According to Reuters, this includes a huge $17 million opening day in China, a key market for the franchise.

Tracking for a Major Holiday Debut Despite Runtime

Industry projections suggest a domestic opening weekend between $95 million and $105 million. This is slightly below the $134 million debut of Avatar: The Way of Water. That film earned $17 million in its Thursday previews two years ago.

Analysts note the current film has a shorter pre-Christmas play period. Some fans may simply wait for the actual holiday week to see it. The film’s lengthy runtime of over three hours is also a factor for some viewers.

A Franchise Built for Longevity Faces Crowded Season

The Avatar series has a history of immense long-term success. The first film opened to $77 million but legged out to nearly $3 billion worldwide. It remains the highest-grossing film in global history, unadjusted for inflation.

Fire and Ash is not alone this weekend. It faces competition from family and thriller offerings. Paramount’s The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants and Lionsgate’s The Housemaid also opened wide.

The strong preview numbers and excellent early audience scores position Avatar: Fire and Ash for a dominant run. The film’s performance will be a major story throughout the holiday season.

Info at your fingertips

How long is Avatar: Fire and Ash?

The film has a substantial runtime. It clocks in at over three hours and fifteen minutes. This makes it one of the longest major studio releases in recent years.

How do its previews compare to Avatar: The Way of Water?

The new film’s $12 million preview is solid but lower. The Way of Water earned $17 million in its Thursday previews in 2022. The different holiday calendar placement is a key factor in this comparison.

What other movies opened the same weekend?

It was a crowded pre-Christmas frame. Major releases included a new SpongeBob movie and the R-rated thriller The Housemaid. Several other films are slated for a Christmas Day release.

How is the film performing in China?

Early returns from China are exceptionally strong. The film grossed $17 million on its first day there. This indicates robust international appeal for the sequel.

Why was the first Avatar’s opening considered low?

The original Avatar opened to $77 million, which was seen as modest for its cost. However, it had unprecedented staying power. Its box office grew for weeks, leading to its historic total.