Avatar: Fire and Ash has just hit theaters and topped the box office in the US and Canada, raking in about $88 million on its opening weekend. While that’s a solid start, it’s notably lower than the impressive $134 million earned by Avatar: The Way of Water last year.
Historically, the Avatar franchise has shown remarkable staying power, often bettering its opening weekend figures as audiences continue to discover it. According to David A. Gross from Franchise Entertainment Research, it’s typical for Avatar films to grow in revenue following their debut. He noted, “The openings are not what the Avatar movies are about. It’s what they do after they open.”
In the UK and Ireland, the film drew in around £9 million, contributing to a global total of $345 million, again trailing behind its predecessor’s $441 million.
The story picks up with familiar faces Zoe Saldaña as Neytiri and Sam Worthington as Jake Sully. This time, they are up against a new threat to their family on Pandora.
Critics have had mixed feelings about the film. On one hand, Empire’s Ben Travis praised it, calling it “truly epic cinema” and highlighting its amazing visuals and storytelling. He emphasized the film’s technical mastery and immersive experience.
On the other hand, some reviews were less enthusiastic. Time Magazine’s Stephanie Zacharek expressed disappointment, suggesting the franchise has lost its initial magic, while others echoed a similar sentiment, feeling that the film was visually stunning but creatively stagnant.
It’s interesting to note that the Avatar franchise has taken a different trajectory compared to other successful series. According to a recent survey by Box Office Pro, a notable 70% of moviegoers still hold a fondness for the Avatar series, suggesting a strong, loyal fanbase that continues to support it despite mixed critical reception.
James Cameron, the mastermind behind the films, initially planned a total of five. However, he has hinted at flexibility, stating, “Let’s do another interview in a year and then I’ll tell you what my plans are.” This balance of ongoing interest and cautious storytelling keeps fans engaged while also generating intriguing conversations about the future of the franchise.
As the film’s performance continues, it will be interesting to see if Fire and Ash will follow the trend of its predecessors in gaining traction at the box office. Whether through strong word-of-mouth or repeat viewings, only time will tell if it captures the audience’s hearts as effectively as the first films did.
For more on the Avatar franchise and its impact on cinema, you can check out The Hollywood Reporter.
