‘Avatar 2’, the 3rd highest box office hit of all time, takes on Marvel

《Kang Min-kyung’s Insert》
Like an insert scene that magnifies important points in a movie, TenAsia reporter Kang Min-kyung focuses on issues in the film industry. Let’s take a closer look at the front and back of the hot topic from a three-dimensional perspective.

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There are now two steps left: 'Avatar' and Marvel's 'Avengers: Endgame'. 'Avatar: Waterways' surpassed 'Titanic' and ranked 3rd in global box office success of all time. Director James Cameron challenges himself to a fight beyond Marvel.

According to Walt Disney Company Korea and American media outlet Variety, 'Avatar: Path of Water' earned $2.2433 billion (KRW 2.9276 trillion) worldwide. As a result, it surpassed 'Titanic' (USD 2.2428 billion, approximately KRW 2.9269 trillion) and settled in as the 3rd highest grossing global box office hit of all time. The first place is ‘Avatar’ (USD 2.92 billion, approximately KRW 3.8106 trillion), and the second place is ‘Avengers: Endgame’ (USD 2.79 billion, approximately KRW 3.641 trillion).

‘Avatar: Path of Water’ is the first film directed by James Cameron in 13 years, following the previous film. It tells the story of the merciless threats that Jake Sully and Neytiri's family face on the planet Pandora, the long journey and battle they must embark on to survive, and the wounds they must endure.

Director James Cameron, who directed the film, became the only director to earn more than $2 billion in profits from three films: 'Avatar', 'Avatar: Path of Water', and 'Titanic'. “Director James Cameron continues to find himself in a tailspin at the box office,” said Sean Robbins, senior box office analyst. “He clearly knows how to attract modern audiences to theaters.”

Variety explained the success of 'Avatar: Path of Water' because, like the original 'Avatar', it has appeal that transcends generations, and the film can be viewed in premium and 3D formats. In particular, 'Avatar: Path of Water' exceeded $250 million (approximately KRW 326.1 billion) in IMAX alone.

In addition, 'Avatar: Waterways' earned $657 million (about KRW 857.1 billion) in North America alone, making it the 9th highest-grossing film of all time. It became the highest-grossing film in more than 20 countries, including China, France, Germany, and Korea.

Disney and 20th Century Studios reportedly spent approximately $460 million (approximately KRW 600.1 billion) to produce and promote 'Avatar: Path of Water'. Due to the success of 'Avatar: Path of Water', the series is expected to continue production. Among them, 'Avatar 3' has been confirmed to be released in December 2024.

Although it was a huge success in Japan, 'Avatar: Path of Water' is still being shown not only in Korea but also in countries around the world. The gap with ‘Avengers: Endgame’, the second highest grossing global box office hit of all time, is widening. Attention is being paid to whether 'Avatar: Waterway' will be able to surpass 'Avengers: Endgame' and whether James Cameron will be able to fight himself with 'Avatar'.

Kang Min-kyung, Ten Asia reporter kkk39@tenasia.co.kr