‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ Eyes $110M+ Opening with Strong Early Box Office Tracking
James Cameron’s highly anticipated Avatar: Fire and Ash is generating strong buzz ahead of its December 19 release.
Early tracking, three weekends before the premiere, suggests the film could open to around $110 million, with a projected range of $100 million to $130 million, according to industry reports.
The numbers indicate broad audience appeal. Cameron’s sequel is drawing both men and women in “first choice” screenings, with slightly more interest from male viewers. While the tracking figures are below those of Avatar: The Way of Water, which opened to $134.1 million, experts say that’s still very promising.
Unlike Marvel films, Avatar installments are considered “appointment viewing,” with fans seeking out premium 3D, IMAX, and large format experiences rather than rushing for Easter eggs or surprise details, according to Deadline.
The film continues the story of Pandora with returning cast members including Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Stephen Lang, Sigourney Weaver, Kate Winslet, and others. Cameron co-wrote the screenplay with Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver, developing the story alongside Josh Friedman and Shane Salerno. Fire and Ash is the third installment in the Avatar series, following The Way of Water, and sets up additional sequels, with Avatar 4 and 5 expected in 2029 and 2031.
This world is much deeper than you imagine. Watch the brand-new trailer for Avatar: Fire and Ash and experience it in theatres December 19th.
— Avatar (@officialavatar) September 25, 2025
Also, don’t miss Avatar: The Way of Water back on the big screen in 3D for one week only, starting October 3rd. pic.twitter.com/nB5nOcrQMx
Filming for Fire and Ash began in New Zealand on September 25, 2017, alongside The Way of Water, and wrapped in late December 2020 after more than three years of production. The project faced multiple delays due to the complex technology required for underwater performance capture, a process never before achieved on this scale. The film will have its world premiere at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on December 1 before its U.S. release on December 19.
While tracking numbers for Fire and Ash don’t surpass Way of Water’s, analysts note that the original sequel’s performance was exceptional considering it opened 13 years after the first Avatar film. As one industry observer explained, the current tracking indicates a strong start, with the film expected to perform well in domestic theaters, particularly in premium formats.
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