China might skip the release of Avatar 3 this time due to a combination of factors including delayed release schedules, local market dynamics, and recent events affecting the region. The film’s release has been pushed to 2026 in Hong Kong following a tragic fire incident, which has impacted the local entertainment scene and box office plans[1][4]. This delay could influence the broader Chinese market’s access to the film.
Additionally, the Chinese box office in 2025 has seen strong performances from local and other international films, such as “Another World” in Hong Kong and “Zootopia 2” in mainland China, which have captured significant audience attention and revenue[1][3]. The competition from these popular titles may reduce the urgency or commercial incentive for distributors to prioritize Avatar 3’s release in China.
Moreover, China’s film market has been growing steadily, with a year-to-date box office increase of 18.3% in 2025, reaching over $6 billion. However, the market is also sensitive to cultural and political factors that can affect foreign film releases. The postponement of Avatar 3’s premiere at the Hainan Island International Film Festival and the shifting focus toward domestic productions suggest a cautious approach toward major Hollywood blockbusters at this time[2][3].
In summary, the combination of a delayed release due to local tragedies, strong competition from domestic films, and the evolving landscape of China’s film industry might lead to Avatar 3 being skipped or significantly delayed in China.
Sources
https://www.imdb.com/news/ni65614235/
https://www.aol.com/articles/china-box-office-row-win-065714241.html
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202512/1350058.shtml
https://www.screendaily.com/news/another-world-rules-hong-kong-box-office-as-avatar-3-release-pushed-after-fire-tragedy/5211935.article
