Cameron’s Christmas Gift: Avatar 3 Leads Holiday Box Office

James Cameron has delivered a massive Christmas gift to theater owners in the form of “Avatar: Fire and Ash.” The film opened with an estimated $345 million globally, hitting the targets set by Disney. As the holiday season kicks into high gear, the film stands as the undisputed champion of the current box office, despite opening softer domestically than its predecessor.
In North America, the movie grossed $88 million. This 35% drop from “The Way of Water” was anticipated by analysts who noted that the previous film benefited from over a decade of anticipation. “Fire and Ash,” arriving just three years later, is performing like a standard, albeit massive, blockbuster sequel.
The timing is everything. Released just days before Christmas, the film’s opening weekend was squeezed by holiday shopping and travel. However, this suppression is expected to release like a spring in the coming days. The weeks following Christmas are historically incredibly profitable for Cameron’s films, which thrive on long-term engagement rather than instant gratification.
The narrative continues to follow the Na’vi as they defend their home. The emotional stakes are high, with the family dynamic taking center stage. This focus on character, combined with the visual splendor of Pandora, is what keeps fans coming back. It’s a formula that Disney hopes will sustain the franchise through the planned 2029 and 2031 sequels.
As the industry prepares for a stacked 2026 lineup including “Dune: Part Three” and “Avengers: Doomsday,” “Fire and Ash” is the bridge. It is charged with reigniting the moviegoing habit during the holidays, ensuring that audiences are primed and ready for another year of big-screen adventures.