“Avatar: The Way of Water” exceeded box office expectations this weekend, earning a massive $48.8 million. The high-budget sequel set a new record for global IMAX opening weekend performances and now holds the second spot among the highest-grossing IMAX premieres. 11.2% of moviegoers who attended “Avatar: The Way of Water” saw the film in IMAX.
In North America, “Avatar: The Way of Water” earned $16.5 million from IMAX alone, which accounts for 12.3% of the film’s total box office revenue. On average, the film grossed more than $40,000 per IMAX screening. Internationally, the film earned over $32.3 million from IMAX ticket sales. In China, the blockbuster grossed $15.8 million in IMAX, making it the fourth-largest IMAX opening weekend in the country. “Avatar: The Way of Water” also achieved record-breaking IMAX showings in India, Belgium, Switzerland, Turkey, Chile, the Czech Republic, Vietnam, New Zealand, Romania, Serbia, and Kazakhstan. The film’s triumph continued domestically, earning $134 million and a global total of $434.5 million.
The film is a direct sequel to James Cameron’s 2009 hit “Avatar” and continues the story of Jake Sully, who is trying to protect his new home, Pandora, from a familiar threat. The cast includes Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, and Kate Winslet. James Cameron directed the film, co-writing the screenplay with Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver. The first “Avatar” film grossed $2.923 billion worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing film of all time. IMAX presale figures for “Avatar: The Way of Water” remain extremely high, and box office revenue is expected to increase in the coming month.