‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ Box Office Opening Trails Behind ‘The Way of Water’
Disney, 20th Century, and Lightstorm Entertainment’s “Avatar: Fire and Ash” has opened to strong numbers at the box office, but it still trails behind its predecessor.
The film earned $88 million domestically and $345 million worldwide over its opening weekend, making it the top-grossing movie this pre-Christmas period.
While these numbers are below the $134 million domestic and $434.5 million global debut of “Avatar: The Way of Water” in 2022, analysts say the launch is still enough to make “Fire and Ash” the highest-grossing Hollywood release of the year.
It will likely come second overall to the Chinese animated hit “Ne Zha 2,” which has grossed $2 billion worldwide. Industry sources predict that holiday audiences and premium format screenings could help the film reach at least $400 million domestically and $1.6 billion worldwide.
From Director James Cameron, watch the trailer for Avatar: Fire and Ash.
— Avatar (@officialavatar) July 28, 2025
Experience the film only in theaters December 19. pic.twitter.com/Y0D4EUGU7x
Directed by James Cameron, “Fire and Ash” is the third film in the Avatar franchise. Cameron co-wrote the screenplay with Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver, based on a story developed with Josh Friedman and Shane Salerno. The film reunites Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, and Kate Winslet in their previous roles.
The production of the film was a long process. Cameron had first expressed interest in making sequels to Avatar back in 2006. The first two sequels were officially announced in 2010, but additional sequels and the development of new underwater performance capture technology caused delays. Filming for “Fire and Ash” began on September 25, 2017, in New Zealand, running alongside “The Way of Water,” and wrapped in late December 2020 after over three years.
The movie had an estimated budget of more than $400 million, making it one of the most expensive films ever produced. It is dedicated to editor John Refoua, who passed away in 2023, and producer Jon Landau, who died in 2024.
“Fire and Ash” had its world premiere at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on December 1, and opened theatrically in the U.S. on December 19. Early reviews praised the visuals, characters, performances, and action sequences, though some critics were divided on the story, screenplay, and length. Two more sequels, “Avatar 4” and “Avatar 5,” are currently in production and are scheduled for release in 2029 and 2031.
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