‘Avatar 3’ Sparks Massive Demand in China With $2.6 Million Opening-Day Pre‑Sales

Key Points

• Avatar: Fire and Ash earns $2.6 million in first‑day pre‑sales in China.
• The film opens in Chinese theaters this Friday.
• More than 91,000 screenings were made available on day one—a record for a non‑Chinese film.
• Pre‑sales surpass F9 and Zootopia 2, though still trail Avatar: The Way of Water.
• Analysts predict a potential $85M+ opening weekend in China.

China Box Office Heats Up as ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ Pre‑Sales Surge

James Cameron’s Avatar: Fire and Ash is already making waves in China ahead of its theatrical debut, pulling in an impressive $2.6 million in ticket pre‑sales on its first day. The strong early turnout underscores the franchise’s enduring popularity in one of its most important international markets.

Industry analyst Luiz Fernando reported the figures, calling them the first meaningful indicator of the film’s box office trajectory.

Pre‑Sales Breakdown: A Record‑Setting Start

The $2.6 million total covers advance sales for December 17–20, offering a detailed look at audience demand:

• Wednesday early screenings: $130,000
• Thursday previews: $312,000
• Friday opening day: $920,000
• Saturday: $900,000
• Sunday: $310,000

Beyond revenue, the film shattered a logistical milestone. Chinese exhibitors opened 91,000 screenings for booking on day one—surpassing the previous non‑Chinese record held by Zootopia 2.

How ‘Fire and Ash’ Stacks Up Against Major Releases

Early comparisons place Avatar 3 ahead of the first‑day pre‑sales of F9 and Zootopia 2, signaling strong audience interest. However, it still trails behind the massive advance sales of Avatar: The Way of Water and Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, both of which set exceptionally high benchmarks.

Even so, analysts expect a powerful debut. Trade forecasts suggest the film could open to more than $85 million in China—well above the $57.1 million launch of The Way of Water in the region.

A Promising Start for Cameron’s Latest Epic

The early momentum highlights the continued global appeal of Cameron’s world‑building and technical innovation. Despite fierce competition in the Chinese market, Fire and Ash appears poised to deliver another major win for the franchise.

Studios and exhibitors worldwide will be watching closely as the film begins its international rollout this week.

What Happens Next?

With pre‑sales surging and anticipation building, all eyes now turn to Friday’s official release. If early indicators hold, Avatar: Fire and Ash could become one of China’s biggest Hollywood openings of the year—and a key driver of the film’s global box office campaign.