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Avatar 2 opening weekend falls short infographic
Graphic shows key data on Avatar 2’s opening weekend.
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ENTERTAINMENT

Avatar 2’s box office haul falls short on opening weekend

By Ninian Carter

December 19, 2022 - Avatar: The Way of Water did not make as big a splash at the box office in its opening weekend as many anticipated.

Disney’s “Avatar: The Way of Water” pulled in $134 million in box office takings in the U.S. and Canada over the weekend, falling somewhat short of some estimates – the highly anticipated movie had been expected to earn between $145 million and $179 million, according to researchers.

Avatar 2 received an additional $301 million from international box office receipts, including $57 million from China – the latter lower than expected due to the Covid-19 situation there.

The results will be a disappointment for theatre owners that are still struggling to attract large audiences since the end of pandemic restrictions.

The production costs for Avatar 2 are said to be $350m-$400m, possibly making it hard for Disney to recoup its investment. Director James Cameron says it will have to be the third or fourth highest-grossing movie of all time to make a profit – indicating a need to earn more than $2 billion at the global box office.

Its opening weekend performance may also raise concerns about the overall franchise going forward – Cameron shot two sequels at once and hopes to realise as many as five Avatar movies in total. If Avatar 2 fails financially, it puts in doubt the chances of seeing Avatar 4 (2026) and Avatar 5 (2028).

Sources
PUBLISHED: 19/12/2022; STORY: Graphic News
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