James Cameron’s Avatar: Fire and Ash Set for December 19 Release

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — James Cameron‘s much-anticipated third installment in the Avatar series, titled Avatar: Fire and Ash, is set to open in theaters on December 19, 2025. Early tracking suggests the film could debut with $110 million, with estimates ranging from $100 million to $130 million.

Industry experts note that the film’s strong appeal among both men and women indicates it is likely to attract a broad audience. However, it has fallen slightly behind the first tracking numbers of Avatar: The Way of Water, which opened to $134.1 million in its initial weekend.

Unlike many superhero films from Marvel Studios, the Avatar franchise is regarded as “appointment viewing,” meaning audiences make a deliberate choice to see it in premium formats such as 3D and IMAX. There are no significant plot twists or hidden surprises that require immediate rewatching, as often seen in Marvel films.

The opening performance of Avatar: The Way of Water indicates a potential ceiling for Fire and Ash, as the sequel debuted with a lower-than-expected figure despite high expectations. Cameron previously stated that he would not commit to a fourth Avatar movie until the performance of the third film is evaluated, citing the massive costs involved in producing these blockbusters.

The overall domestic box office for 2025 is currently at $7.48 billion, showing a 3% increase compared to the same period last year. With new releases such as Zootopia 2 and Wicked: For Good on the horizon, industry analysts anticipate a boost in ticket sales heading into the holiday season.

James Cameron holds an impressive record as the director of the top three highest-grossing films worldwide: the original Avatar, Avatar: The Way of Water, and Titanic. The combined box office total for the Avatar franchise exceeds $5.26 billion, showcasing its enduring popularity.

As anticipation builds for Avatar: Fire and Ash, box office watchers are keen to see how the film performs upon release.