Avatar 3: Fire and Ash Ignites Global Box Office with $345M Debut
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James Cameron's highly anticipated 'Avatar 3: Fire and Ash' has set the global box office ablaze, earning a staggering $345 million in ticket sales through Sunday. The film's impressive opening met pre-weekend forecasts, solidifying its position as the second-highest Hollywood movie debut of 2025 behind Disney's 'Zootopia 2'. In the United States and Canada, 'Fire and Ash' claimed the top spot on the box office charts, raking in $88 million of its worldwide total. The film's domestic performance came in 35% lower than its predecessor, 'Avatar: The Way of Water,' which was released in 2022. According to Jeff Bock, senior box office analyst at Exhibitor Relations Co., audiences may not have missed 'Fire and Ash' as much as they did with the sequel. However, he notes that the enthusiasm for moviegoing during the holiday season is a promising sign for the industry. Theaters are hopeful that 'Fire and Ash' will spark a resurgence in moviegoing that extends into next year. Despite year-to-date ticket sales being 1.3% above 2024 but 22.5% below the pre-pandemic year of 2019, cinema operators are optimistic about their 2026 lineup, which includes 'Avengers: Doomsday,' 'Dune: Part Three,' and 'The Mandalorian and Grogu.' James Cameron's blockbusters tend to maintain a strong sales momentum for weeks longer than others. 'Fire and Ash' was released three days closer to Christmas than 'The Way of Water,' which may have contributed to lower opening weekend sales. The film's voice cast includes Zoe Saldana and Sam Worthington, who portray two parents fighting to protect their family and planet. Cameron has acknowledged the high production costs of the 'Avatar' movies, which require significant returns to continue the franchise. Disney has not disclosed the films' budgets. The first 'Avatar' film released in 2009 grossed $2.9 billion globally, while 'The Way of Water' pulled in $2.3 billion. Two more 'Avatar' films are scheduled for release in 2029 and 2031.
