Cameron’s magnum opus ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ worldwide opening weekend figures are out. The movie did a massive $435M worldwide falling short of expectations and could not even be the biggest opening of 2022. Is this a topic of concern for the biggie? Read on:
‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ was projected by leading analysts to gross $145–179 million in its opening weekend for the domestic market(US+ Canada). Instead, falling short of expectations, the movie grossed a quite decent $135M from the territory, even less than Marvel’s ‘Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness’ which in May grossed $185M! So, does this mean, in any way, uncertainty for the movie’s ability to gross the final $2B figure to break even?
Not quite.
Firstly, let’s understand that from the looks of it, the $2B to break even is most likely a gross exaggeration on Cameron’s part. Since the second and third movies were reportedly shot simultaneously, the revealed figure may have been reached considering the combined budget. Even if we take 50% as the share the theatres give back to producers/distributors from the net figures, the reportedly $350M-$460M budgeted film could be looking at attaining break-even quite earlier than the $2B mark.
Now, leaving all that aside and keeping $2B as the final gross, ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ seems to be in a pretty capable position of attaining it. Sure, the opening was not record-breaking, but it still is one of the biggest ever in history. It is to be remembered that the 2009 first movie which started all this opened to a domestic $77 million. So that means the manner in which the movie can attain the coveted mark is if it has a long-running span. And glancing at the market, it sure will.
It is to be noted that the Christmas season is almost around the corner. And besides the usual celebrations, what better way to spend time with loved ones than to go out to the theatres for a visual extravaganza directed by Hollywood royalty? The mixed reviews would have minimal effect on the audiences since the story howsoever plain is supported by breathtaking visuals and indulging drama. Sure, it may not have fans rushing into theatres like for a Marvel film, but the wide reach directors like Cameron have amongst the audience of all ages cannot be ignored.
Add to that the absence of no major biggies up for release other than ‘Antman and the Wasp: Quantumania’ in February and the film is looking for a long solo run at the box office. As of now, the movie holds the record for the 11th biggest opening weekend figures in its domestic territory and is doing quite well in other territories as well. In India, the movie opened to an impressive 40 crores opening day gross and is reportedly looking at a 120 cr+ opening weekend figures.
Ajay Devgn’s blockbuster ‘Drishyam 2’ is putting up tough opposition to ‘Avatar 2’ in the Hindi circuit. If the movie can stand alongside and survive against Rohit Shetty’s ‘Cirkus’ set to release on December 23rd, the movie is looking for huge collections from India. If the Chinese market shows growth and the others stay steady, then ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ may reach the coveted big goal after all.
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