Avatar: Fire and Ash Defies Critics With $136M Global Box Office

James Cameron ’s latest installment in the Avatar saga, Fire and Ash , may not have won over every critic, but that hasn’t stopped it from making a major splash at the box office. Even as the film holds the lowest rating in the series so far, it’s already pulled in $136 million worldwide, outpacing early projections and silencing some of its harshest doubters.

Box Office Triumph Amid Mixed Reactions

While domestic forecasts for opening weekend trailed behind those of The Way of Water, the global numbers tell a different story. The movie is on pace to rake in between $340 million and $350 million during its debut weekend. That’s a remarkable feat, especially considering the ongoing debate about the franchise ’s cultural footprint. As one user put it,

“No cultural impact” just hit $136M. Interesting.

Social media has been buzzing with reactions, both from fans and skeptics.

136M already and people still praying for Avatar’s downfall 😭 Rent. Free. Every. Time.

Others have chimed in with memes and congratulations, highlighting the film’s ability to draw crowds despite the chatter.

The film makers rn:

Wowwww amazing ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥 Congrats ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

James Cameron’s Vision and Audience Appeal

Cameron has always emphasized that his movies are crafted to immerse viewers in the world of Pandora, not to sell merchandise. This approach seems to resonate with audiences, who continue to show up for the spectacle and visual grandeur that the series is known for. The enduring popularity of the franchise’s earlier entries only adds to the anticipation and excitement surrounding each new release.

Despite the mixed reviews, the film’s performance suggests that moviegoers are still eager for the kind of cinematic experience that only Cameron can deliver. The director ’s focus on premium formats and immersive storytelling keeps fans coming back, regardless of what the critics say.

Comparing to Previous Franchise Hits

Looking at the numbers, Fire and Ash is still trailing behind The Way of Water, which opened to $441.6 million globally. Domestically, the new film is expected to earn about 30% less than its predecessor’s opening. Still, the potential for another blockbuster run is very much alive.

Unlike many other big-budget releases, the Avatar films have never relied on massive opening weekends. Instead, they’re known for their staying power, with strong weekend-to-weekend multipliers. The Way of Water achieved a 5x multiplier, far surpassing the 2x or 3x that’s considered impressive for most modern blockbusters. With no major competition on the horizon and pandemic concerns fading, the third weekend’s numbers will be a key indicator of the film’s long-term prospects. Even so, reaching the elusive $2 billion mark remains a tall order—but as history shows, betting against Cameron is never wise.

What do you think about Avatar: Fire and Ash ? The film is now playing in theaters.