UPDATE: The box office is ablaze as “Avatar: Fire and Ash” has just raked in an astonishing $345 million globally during its opening weekend. The highly anticipated third installment of the franchise, produced by Disney-owned 20th Century Studios, amassed $88 million in the U.S. and Canada alone, marking a triumphant return for the Na’vi.
This significant weekend haul is particularly crucial as the film’s production budget is estimated at $350 million. Analysts had predicted a strong international response, and the results validate those forecasts. A staggering $257 million of the total came from audiences outside North America, with China contributing a remarkable $57.6 million—the second highest opening for a U.S. film in 2025 in that market.
The success of “Avatar: Fire and Ash” in China is especially noteworthy, reflecting a resurgence in box office strength for American films in the region. This follows a trend where geopolitical tensions and the rise of local productions had previously cooled enthusiasm for Hollywood releases. The film’s performance signals a potential recovery for major blockbusters in China, which had been a critical market for global cinema.
“The strong response in China shows that there is still a significant appetite for quality films,” said industry analyst Mark Green.
In a tight race for the weekend’s box office, Angel Studio’s animated film “David” took second place with an estimated domestic gross of $22 million. Meanwhile, Lionsgate’s thriller “The Housemaid,” Paramount Animation’s “The Spongebob Movie: Search for Squarepants,” and “Zootopia 2” rounded out the top five.
The weekend’s impressive earnings come as a relief for theater owners who have faced a turbulent year. Following a shaky start to 2025, spring brought hits like “A Minecraft Movie” and “Sinners.” However, the summer season fell flat before a resurgent Thanksgiving brought “Wicked: For Good” and “Zootopia 2,” reigniting interest in cinemas.
Looking ahead, “Avatar: Fire and Ash” is poised to continue its momentum, with expectations of strong international box office growth. As audiences flock to theaters, industry experts will closely monitor the film’s performance, particularly in key markets like China and Europe. The implications for theater recovery and the broader film industry could be significant, setting the stage for the holiday season.
Stay tuned for the latest updates as the box office battle heats up and more films vie for audience attention in the coming weeks!
