James Cameron has done it again, proving that the world of Pandora still holds a massive allure for global audiences. The third installment in the sci-fi saga, “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” successfully launched its theatrical run with an impressive estimated $345 million in global ticket sales through Sunday. This figure aligns perfectly with pre-weekend projections from Disney, solidifying the franchise’s status as a financial juggernaut.
While the film didn’t take the top spot for the biggest opening of 2025—that honor belongs to Disney’s own “Zootopia 2,” which debuted with $556 million in November—it secured a comfortable second place. The movie dominated charts across the United States and Canada, pulling in $88 million domestically. Although this domestic figure represents a 35% drop compared to the 2022 opening of “Avatar: The Way of Water,” industry insiders remain optimistic about the film’s longevity.
The narrative of “Fire and Ash” continues the saga of the Na’vi people on the lush, alien world of Pandora. Returning stars Zoe Saldana and Sam Worthington voice the lead characters, parents who must fight fiercely to protect their family and their planet from external threats. The film introduces new dynamics to the franchise, which Cameron has admitted requires massive box office returns to sustain its high production costs.
Analysts point to the specific timing of the release as a key factor in the opening weekend numbers. “Fire and Ash” hit theaters just days before Christmas, a period when many potential moviegoers are occupied with holiday travel and preparations. Jeff Bock, a senior analyst at Exhibitor Relations Co., noted that while audiences didn’t have the same decade-long anticipation they had for the first sequel, the film is perfectly positioned for the lucrative holiday corridor.
Looking ahead, the film industry is banking on Cameron’s proven track record of “long legs” at the box office, where his films continue to sell tickets steadily for weeks. This release is seen as a bridge to a promising 2026 slate, which features major titles like “Avengers: Doomsday” and the next “Dune” installment. With “Avatar 4” and “Avatar 5” already scheduled for 2029 and 2031, the journey of the Na’vi is far from over.