Avatar: Fire and Ash Surges Past Rivals, Faces $2 Billion Challenge

James Cameron ’s latest blockbuster, Avatar: Fire and Ash, has taken the top spot at the box office for the last weekend of the year, outshining both Zootopia 2 and Marty Supreme. The film ’s second weekend saw just a 33% dip in ticket sales compared to its debut, a far better hold than Avatar: The Way of Water ’s 52% drop during the same period in 2022. However, the original Avatar from 2009 still holds the record, with a nearly flat 1.8% decrease between its first two weekends—a benchmark the sequels have yet to reach.

After Friday’s numbers rolled in, Fire and Ash’s four-day domestic total hit $84 million. So far, the film has earned $153.7 million in North America and $390.6 million overseas, bringing its worldwide haul to $544.3 million. While these figures are impressive, the question remains: is a $2 billion global run within reach, as seen with the earlier entries in the franchise?

Box Office Showdown: Comparing the Avatar Films

Fire and Ash opened domestically with $89.1 million, trailing behind The Way of Water’s $134.1 million but surpassing the original Avatar’s $77 million launch. The first film’s glowing reviews helped it soar to a staggering $2.9 billion worldwide, while The Way of Water, despite a stronger opening, finished at $2.343 billion. Fire and Ash, however, faces a tougher road—its reviews haven’t matched the acclaim of its predecessors, making the $2 billion milestone a steeper climb.

Looking at the numbers, the original Avatar pulled in $785.2 million domestically and $2.138 billion internationally. The Way of Water followed with $688.4 million at home and $1.655 billion abroad. Fire and Ash, still early in its run, has a long way to go to catch up. Its Rotten Tomatoes score sits at 66%, compared to 81% for the first film and 76% for the second. IMDb ratings show a similar trend, with both sequels at 7.5/10, while the original holds a 7.9/10.

Critical Response: Mixed Reviews and Audience Reactions

This holiday season marks the strongest Christmas box office since the pandemic, with an estimated $342.3 million in total ticket sales for the week. Marty Supreme debuted with $25.7 million, but all eyes remain on Fire and Ash. Despite being the lowest-rated theatrical release in Cameron’s career, the film’s audience score is a robust 90%, suggesting that moviegoers are connecting with it even as critics remain divided.

Reviewers have praised the film’s visual effects, action, and performances—especially Oona Chaplin’s turn as Varang—but many found fault with its straightforward plot and lack of emotional depth. Some critics described it as repetitive or lacking the spark of earlier installments. Still, others called it an exceptional cinematic experience, highlighting Cameron’s ability to deliver grand spectacle and emotional stakes.

Pandora ’s New Clans and Darker Themes

Fire and Ash shifts the focus from the familiar Na’vi versus human conflict to the internal struggles among Pandora’s inhabitants. The story introduces two new Na’vi groups: the Tlalim, known as the Wind Traders, and the Mangkwan, or Ash People. This third chapter explores the darker side of Pandora, with Cameron explaining that the title’s “Fire & Ash” alludes to a cycle of violence, loss, and grief.

Returning stars Zoe Saldaña and Sam Worthington reprise their roles as Neytiri and Jake Sully, joined by Oona Chaplin as Varang, leader of the Ash People. The ensemble cast also features Sigourney Weaver, Britain Dalton, Jack Champion, Trinity Jo-Li Bliss, Stephen Lang, Giovanni Ribisi, Edie Falco, Brendan Cowell, Matt Gerald, Kate Winslet, Cliff Curtis, Bailey Bass, Jemaine Clement, and David Thewlis. The film’s production budget exceeded $400 million, making it one of the most expensive movies ever made.

Avatar: Fire & Ash is now playing in theaters nationwide, while the first two films are available to stream on Disney+.