The pre-sales for Avatar 3, officially titled *Avatar: Fire and Ash*, have shown a mixed picture for Disney. While the film has generated excitement and strong interest, especially given the franchise’s reputation for stunning visuals and immersive technology, the initial ticket sales are not matching the frenzy seen with its predecessor, *Avatar: The Way of Water*.
In markets like India, *Avatar: Fire and Ash* has sold over 50,000 tickets in the first day of advance sales, amounting to more than Rs. 4 crore in gross revenue. Although these numbers are solid, they fall short compared to *Avatar 2*, which had amassed over Rs. 12 crore in pre-sales before its release. The difference is partly explained by the fact that *Avatar 2* was the first sequel in over a decade, creating a pent-up demand that is not as strong this time around since the third film arrives only three years later. This trend is also reflected globally, where pre-sales for *Avatar 3* are down compared to the previous installment[4].
Despite this slower start, industry analysts remain optimistic. James Cameron’s films often gain momentum closer to release, and the holiday season timing could boost box office performance. Forecasts predict a domestic opening weekend in the range of $135 million to $165 million, which would be a strong showing and potentially exceed the opening of *Avatar: The Way of Water*. The film is expected to benefit from a long run in premium large format theaters such as IMAX 3D, Dolby Cinema 3D, and 4DX, formats that have been heavily promoted and are a key part of the franchise’s appeal[5][6].
The marketing push has been significant, with tickets available on major platforms like Fandango and AMC Theatres, and promotional tie-ins including exclusive previews during high-profile events like ESPN’s Monday Night Football. Early reviews from overseas premieres have praised the film’s visual spectacle and immersive experience, which could help drive last-minute ticket sales as the release date approaches[1][2][3].
In summary, while *Avatar: Fire and Ash* pre-sales have not reached the record-breaking levels of its predecessor, the film still shows strong potential for a successful box office run, supported by its technological innovations, holiday release timing, and the enduring popularity of the Avatar universe.
Sources
https://www.chosun.com/english/kpop-culture-en/2025/12/05/BDUXIOKKAFBH5H2ICCKP4MQPVQ/
https://www.avatar.com/news/buy-tickets-now-for-avatar-fire-and-ash
https://sffgazette.com/sci_fi/movies/avatar-fire-and-ash-tickets-go-on-sale-with-new-teasers-featurettes-and-a-lot-of-posters-a9406
https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/box-office/avatar-fire-and-ash-box-office-james-cameron-film-advances-open-strongly-in-india-1399072
https://www.boxofficepro.com/long-range-forecast-avatar-fire-and-ash-tracking-to-exceed-the-way-of-waters-134m-opening/
https://boxofficetheory.com/6-week-box-office-tracking-forecasts-avatar-fire-and-ash-95m-updates-early-forecasts-for-28-years-later-the-bone-temple-greenland-2-primate-and-soulm8te/
