Why IMAX Chains Are Prioritizing Other Films Over Avatar 3
Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third movie in James Cameron’s blockbuster series, hits theaters on December 19 with a big push for IMAX 3D and Dolby Cinema screens. But many IMAX chains are not giving it top spots. Instead, they are holding space for other films coming soon after. This choice comes down to a packed holiday season and smart booking plans.
The main reason is the crowded release calendar in late December and early 2025. Avatar 3 opens just before Christmas, but right after that, several huge blockbusters drop. These include five major films that theaters want to feature in the best formats like IMAX. For example, new movies are heating up the box office, and chains are saving premium screens for them to maximize ticket sales during the busy holiday weeks.https://www.red94.net/news/63434-new-movies-2025-heating-up-with-avatar-3-and-five-major-blockbusters-dropping-in/ Avatar 3 demands giant screens for its stunning 3D visuals, but with so much competition, IMAX locations cannot lock it in for weeks without turning away other hits.
Another factor is Avatar 3’s long three-hour runtime. Fans love the immersive Pandora world, but theaters worry it might limit how many showings they can fit in a day. This leaves room for shorter films that can run more times and pull in bigger crowds. Experts predict Avatar 3 could still make $2 billion worldwide thanks to its premium format focus, where IMAX tickets bring in 30 percent higher prices. Yet chains are balancing this by prioritizing films with stronger holdover potential in a market full of streaming options and rising ticket costs.https://www.theomenmedia.com/post/igniting-billions-avatar-fire-and-ash-box-office-prediction-fuels-epic-speculation
Places like the Pacific Science Center are showing Avatar 3 in IMAX, proving some spots are all in on the big-screen event.https://pacificsciencecenter.org/shows/avatar-3/ Advance tickets are already on sale everywhere, including special fan events at spots like El Capitan Theatre on December 18 and 19.https://chipandco.com/advance-tickets-avatar-fire-and-ash-on-sale-620934/ Still, major IMAX chains are playing it safe by spreading out their lineup. They know Avatar 3 will draw crowds in 3D, but other films promise fresh buzz and longer runs into January.
This strategy helps chains fill seats year-round. Avatar 3 gets its spotlight at launch, but then steps aside for the next wave of tentpoles.
Sources
https://www.red94.net/news/63434-new-movies-2025-heating-up-with-avatar-3-and-five-major-blockbusters-dropping-in/
https://www.theomenmedia.com/post/igniting-billions-avatar-fire-and-ash-box-office-prediction-fuels-epic-speculation
https://pacificsciencecenter.org/shows/avatar-3/
https://chipandco.com/advance-tickets-avatar-fire-and-ash-on-sale-620934/
