Noah Romsdal Hallundbæk Sørensen
Avatar 3 is facing unexpected headwinds just as rival franchises gain momentum.
The latest chapter in a blockbuster franchise is still drawing crowds worldwide, but comparisons with past triumphs are becoming harder to ignore.
As newer releases also rack up huge totals, the global box office picture for 2025 is taking clearer shape.
Global totals climb
After four weekends in theaters, Avatar: Fire and Ash has reached $1.231 billion globally, according to industry box office data.
The film added $21.3 million in North America and $65.6 million overseas over the latest weekend.
International markets continue to dominate its earnings.
Of the $1.231 billion total, $888 million has come from outside the U.S. and Canada, including $149 million in China, where the franchise has historically performed strongly.
Zootopia 2 remains the year’s top performer so far.
The animated sequel has climbed to $1.655 billion worldwide after six weekends, with $1.276 billion from international markets and $611 million of that from China, making it Walt Disney Animation’s highest-grossing release ever.
Franchise comparisons
Despite its scale, Fire and Ash is trailing earlier entries at the same point in their runs.
After four weekends, Avatar had earned $1.335 billion globally, while Avatar: The Way of Water stood at $1.713 billion.
James Cameron’s previous films set daunting benchmarks.
The original Avatar from 2009 has taken in about $2.9 billion across multiple releases, while The Way of Water finished its run at $2.3 billion, just ahead of Titanic on the all-time list.
With Disney already dating Avatar 4 for December 21, 2029, and Avatar 5 for December 19, 2031, questions remain about whether the current sequel’s final total will justify continuing the saga.
Industry headwinds
Before release, Cameron acknowledged anxiety about the box office climate. Speaking on The Town with Matthew Belloni podcast, he warned of possible “sequelitis” and said, “people tend to dismiss sequels unless it’s the third Lord of the Rings film and you want to see what happens to everybody.”
He also cited lasting impacts from streaming and the pandemic, suggesting cinema attendance sits at “75% of the number in 2019.” Disney has attempted to boost repeat viewings by attaching exclusive Avengers: Doomsday teasers to theatrical screenings.
Elsewhere, The Housemaid is approaching $200 million globally,
Anaconda has reached $110.1 million, and Marty Supreme stands at $84.1 million, underscoring the breadth of the current marketplace.
Sources: IGN Nordic, Spotify, Box Office Mojo
