Avatar: Fire and Ash Defies Critics With $136M Box Office
Despite mixed reviews and a lukewarm critical response, Avatar: Fire and Ash is smashing global box office expectations. Find out how the film is tracking against its predecessors and what fans are saying.
While the latest instalment in the Avatar franchise, Fire and Ash, hasn’t exactly won over the critics and currently sits as the series’ lowest-rated entry, that hasn’t stopped it from pulling in a hefty sum at the box office. Early forecasts for its local opening weekend suggested a quieter start compared to The Way of Water, but internationally, the film has already raked in $136 million.
Despite ongoing chatter about the franchise’s supposed lack of cultural influence, these claims haven’t made much of a dent in ticket sales. The film is on track to reach between $340 million and $350 million globally in its opening weekend, a figure that’s hard to ignore.
Social Media Reactions and Fan Buzz
On social media, punters have been quick to point out the irony of the film’s strong financial showing.
“No cultural impact” just hit $136M. Interesting.
Others have taken the mickey out of those hoping for the film’s downfall, with one user posting,
136M already and people still praying for Avatar’s downfall 😭 Rent. Free. Every. Time.
There’s also a bit of cheeky celebration from fans,
The film makers rn:
and
Wowwww amazing ❤️🔥❤️🔥 Congrats ❤️🔥❤️🔥
The online banter shows that, regardless of what the critics reckon, there’s still plenty of interest in the world of Pandora.
James Cameron’s Approach and Audience Appeal
James Cameron has mentioned that the film wasn’t crafted with merchandise in mind. Instead, he wanted viewers to get lost in the lush landscapes of Pandora, especially on the biggest screens available. Given the track record of previous entries, it’s no surprise that locals are keen to catch the latest spectacle.
Even though Fire and Ash is trailing behind The Way of Water’s $441.6 million opening, it’s still putting up impressive numbers. Domestically, it’s expected to bring in about 30% less than its predecessor’s debut, but that doesn’t rule out another massive run for the franchise.
Box Office Trends and Future Prospects
Unlike other major blockbusters, especially those from the MCU, Avatar films aren’t known for front-loaded openings. There’s not much in the way of spoiler talk or wild fan theories to drive a rush to the cinemas. Instead, these films tend to have strong legs, with The Way of Water boasting a fivefold multiplier on its opening weekend.
With no COVID restrictions and little competition on the horizon, the third weekend’s numbers will give a clearer picture of where Fire and Ash is headed. Even with a five or six times multiplier, joining the exclusive $2 billion club might be a stretch. Still, as history has shown, it’s risky to bet against Cameron’s box office instincts.
What do you make of Fire and Ash’s performance so far?
Avatar: Fire and Ash is now showing in cinemas.