Surging Audience in China Drives Revenue Growth
All-Time Record, Interest in Whether It Will Surpass 'Avatar 1'
[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Director James Cameron's film "Avatar: The Way of Water (Avatar 2)" has led a major box office success in the Chinese film market during the Chinese New Year holiday, ranking 4th among the highest-grossing global films of all time. Attention is focused on whether it will break the record of its predecessor, Avatar 1, which is the highest-grossing film worldwide.
According to the American film media Deadline on the 29th (local time), "Avatar 2" has earned a total of $2.0748 billion (2.5623 trillion KRW) worldwide as of the 27th, ranking 4th in all-time global box office revenue. It surpassed the total revenue of $2.071 billion from "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," which previously held the 4th place record.
"Avatar 2" surpassed "Avengers: Infinity War" ($2.052 billion), which was previously ranked 5th, on the 26th, and jumped to 4th place just one day later.
In particular, the global revenue significantly increased as audiences flocked during the Chinese New Year period. According to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), Avatar 2 earned $235.4 million in China alone, with most of its recent revenue generated from the Chinese film market.
The largest revenue so far for Avatar 2 came from the United States, earning $685 million. It also succeeded at the box office in various countries, earning $133.2 million in France, $120-220 million in Germany, and $101.5 million in South Korea.
Going forward, attention is focused on whether Avatar 2 will break the record of Avatar 1, the highest-grossing film of all time. Released in 2009, Avatar 1 earned $2.92 billion in box office revenue, maintaining the record as the highest-grossing film in history. The 2nd place is Avengers: Endgame ($2.79 billion), followed by Titanic ($2.19 billion).
Meanwhile, the production team of "Avatar 2" is reportedly expecting even greater revenue. Although Avatar 2 surpassed $2 billion at the box office within just six weeks of release, Director Cameron has stated that $2 billion is the break-even point for Avatar 2 and expects more box office success.
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