Yesterday, December 19, James Cameron’s epic sci-fi sequel "Avatar: Fire and Ash" opened in the Chinese mainland, grossing 101 million yuan (about $14 million) on its first day. This strong debut demonstrates a steady market response amid increasingly diversified audience preferences.
The film’s 198-minute runtime accounted for more than 46 percent of total screenings on opening day, a scheduling feat that underlines Chinese viewers’ willingness to embrace lengthy, immersive experiences. Cinemas adjusted their schedules to accommodate the extended cut, highlighting the draw of high-end visual storytelling.
Continuing the saga from "Avatar: The Way of Water," Fire and Ash reunites audiences with Pandora’s majestic landscapes. Speaking at the recently ended Hainan International Film Festival, Cameron revealed that the second and third chapters were initially conceived as one narrative before being split to enhance dramatic and emotional impact.
Renowned for breaking visual effects ground, the Avatar franchise again showcases how cutting-edge technology can deepen immersion and audience engagement. The opening figures underscore Chinese viewers’ appetite for large-scale international productions with advanced visuals.
As global box office trends evolve, Avatar: Fire and Ash’s debut in the Chinese mainland offers a data-driven glimpse into shifting audience behaviors and the enduring appeal of spectacle-driven cinema.
Reference(s):
Avatar opens in China with $14 mln first-day box office takings
cgtn.com
