Avatar: Way of the Waterhas already pulled in over $17 million at the box office during domestic previews alone. The long-awaited sequel toAvatar(2009)has been in the works for over 13 years, and the numbers reflect the public’s anticipation and interest in seeing the James Cameron film, which cost over $350 million to make.
The film’s international preview grosses are also relatively high, with over $50 million and an additional $18.5 million in China. In addition, the projected numbers are high in China, where the film is estimated to make over 100 million for its opening weekend, according toVariety.
Cameron saysThe Way of Waterneeds to become one of the highest-grossing movies ever just to break even. However, withfantastic reviewsand audience demand, the film has officially begun its box office dominance. The original movie,Avatar, had more of a slow burn in theaters, with opening weekend numbers only at $77 million. Eventually, the numbers grew to 760 million domestically and $2.92 billion worldwide.
Avatar: Way of the Waterstars Sam Worthington (Terminator Salvation), Zoe Saldaña (Guardians of the Galaxy), Kate Winslet (Mare of Easttown), and Sigourney Weaver (Alien). It will become apparent after this weekend whether the use of a star-studded cast and advanced technology in the film will successfully achieve the projected box office figures, which would match the significant financial investment made by Cameron in what is reportedly one of the most expensive movies ever made.
Related:Avatar: The Way of Water Kicks Off With $16 Million in Overseas Box Office Earnings
Avatar: Way of the Water Contender for 2022 Top Box Office Debut
Disney has announced thatThe Way of Waterhas generated $38 million in pre-sale tickets, surpassing the opening ticket sales ofTop Gun: Maverick($126 million) andJurassic World Dominion($145 million) but falling short of the opening sales ofDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of MadnessandBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever.
According to Variety, the film is projected to make up to175 million for its opening weekend, putting it on the top of the list as one of the biggest box office debuts for the year. The film releases nationwide today in over 4000 theaters. Other top contenders this year for highest debut areDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madnesswhich made 185 million during its opening weekend, andBlack Panther: Wakanda Foreverwhich pulled in slightly less at 181 million.
