Avatar: Fire and Ash has officially joined the billion-dollar club. The latest chapter in James Cameron’s epic sci-fi saga has now earned more than $1 billion worldwide, powered by another strong weekend at the box office that brought in an estimated $40 million in North America, according to early industry reports.
The film continues to dominate theaters weeks after its December release, proving once again that audiences are eager to return to Pandora.
A Big Win for Disney
With this milestone, Avatar: Fire and Ash becomes one of only three Hollywood films released in 2025 to cross the $1 billion mark globally. The other two—Lilo & Stitch and Zootopia 2—also happen to be Disney releases.
That success has made 2025 a standout year for Disney overall, with the studio surpassing $6 billion in total box office revenue, its strongest performance since the pandemic-era slowdown.
Familiar Faces Lead the Story
The film once again centers on Jake Sully and Neytiri, played by Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana, who remain the emotional core of the franchise. Sigourney Weaver also returns in a key role, continuing her unique presence in the Avatar universe.
What Makes Fire and Ash Different
Unlike the ocean-focused visuals of Avatar: The Way of Water, Fire and Ash introduces a much darker and more volatile side of Pandora. The story brings in the so-called Ash People, a fire-associated Na’vi clan that challenges the idea that all Na’vi live in harmony with nature.
The tone is noticeably more intense, exploring moral gray areas, internal conflict among the Na’vi, and the long-term consequences of war—marking a shift from the more clear-cut good-versus-evil themes of earlier films.
What Audiences Are Saying
Moviegoers have been praising the film’s bolder storytelling, emotional weight, and jaw-dropping visuals. Many fans say this installment feels more mature and character-driven, while still delivering the large-scale action the franchise is known for. Social media reactions highlight the Ash People as one of the most intriguing additions yet, with viewers calling them a “game-changer” for the series.
Other Box Office Highlights This Weekend
While Avatar held the top spot, Zootopia 2 continued its impressive run, earning about $19 million to land in second place. The animated hit recently became the fastest American film to reach $1 billion internationally.
Rounding out the top four were The Housemaid, which earned roughly $15 million, and Marty Supreme, the A24 ping-pong drama starring Timothée Chalamet, which brought in about $12.5 million.
Looking Back—and Ahead
Avatar: Fire and Ash opened in December with $89 million domestically, slightly behind The Way of Water’s massive $134.1 million debut in 2022, but ahead of the original Avatar, which famously built its record-breaking run over time.
Now, with all three Avatar films having crossed the $1 billion mark, James Cameron’s world of Pandora shows no signs of losing its grip on global audiences.
