Avatar: The Way of Water took in an estimated $82.4 million this holiday weekend in North America, pushing past the $1 billion global total in a near-record time, industry watcher Exhibitor Relations reported Sunday.
The four-day domestic take for the sci-fi flick brought the domestic total to $440.5 million, on top of $957 million earned overseas; only half a dozen films have passed the $1 billion mark in their first two weeks.
But director James Cameron has thought that a high-budget 20th Century film would have to produce twice as much just to break even.
Set more than a decade after the events of the first film, Avatar: The Way of Water begins to tell the story of Sully’s family (Jake, Neytiri, and their children), the obstacles they face, the lengths they go to protect each other, the fight to stay alive, and the tragedies they face.
Directed by James Cameron and produced by Cameron and Jon Landau, Lightstorm Entertainment Production stars Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, and Kate Winslet.
Screenplay by James Cameron, Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver. Story by James Cameron, Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver, Josh Friedman and Shane Salerno. David Valdes and Richard Baneham are executive producing the film.
Original Avatar took a record $2.9 billion.
The second place in North American theaters is Universal’s family orientation Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, computer animated spin-off from popular Shrek franchise. It takes $22 million for the Friday to Monday period.
Also Read: Avatar sequel dominates international box office
Another blockbuster sequel, Disney’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, earning $6.5 million for third place; the domestic total rose to $439.6 million in the eighth week out.
In fourth place is the Sony biopic Whitney Houston: I Want To Dance With Somebody, at $5.4 million. British actress Naomi Ackie portrays the late superstar. And in fifth place is Paramount’s comedy drama Babylonat $3.6 million.
Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie star in director Damien Chazelle’s over-the-top tribute to early Hollywood struggling with the transition from silent films to “talkies.”
Rounding out the top 10 are: “Night of Violence” ($2.8 million) “The Pope” ($1.8 million) “The Fabelmans” ($1.6 million) “Menu” ($1.4 million) “Strange World ” ($747,000).
*Additional reporting by Kaunda Selisho