I have been adjusting the above graphic used for our weekly box-office prediction and wrap-up articles for quite some time now, but that’s all over. Box-Office Mojo now lists Avatar as the #1 all-time film at the domestic box-office with $601.1 million, passing Titanic‘s record of $600.7 million. Even more interesting is the fact Avatar isn’t showing signs of slowing down… at least not any time in the immediate future.
Last weekend the James Cameron-directed feature earned $31.2 million, taking its seventh weekend in a row and on top of that it surpassed the worldwide box-office record as it now has made over $2 billion at the worldwide box-office. How high will it go seems to a question not so easy to answer.
The New York Times was the first to bring up the theatrical 3D log jam and says “exhibitors are grumbling at having to let go of a sure winner to pick up an uncertain new prospect” and adding “Fox executives are now quietly talking about fighting to hold some of the big-format screens for Avatar, perhaps by giving more favorable financial terms to theater owners who keep it.”
No matter what happens, and as much as I complain about not liking 3D, Avatar has certainly rejuvenated box-office ticket sales. I just got a press release from Warner Bros. confirming not only the upcoming 3D conversions of Clash of the Titans and Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows, Part 1, but also Cats and Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore and Guardians of Ga’Hoole. There is also word Paramount will be pressuring Michael Bay to film Transformers 3 in the money making format.
Just how high do you see Avatar going. Over $700 million? Weigh in below.
