Avatar 3 could go one of three ways: it’ll join its predecessors as one of the highest-grossing-movie of all time, it’ll be profitable without quaking the box office, or James Cameron’s vision could turn to fire and ash. So, what do its prospects look like? “Mighty.
I remember how I felt when I saw Avatar in 2009: untethered, screen-swallowing wonder the likes of which I’d never experienced (I was among those who suffered from PADS – post-Avatar depression syndrome).
When I watched the first teaser for The Way of Water, that euphoria flooded back. I was almost overwhelmingly awestruck; after more than a decade, I couldn’t believe we were returning to Pandora and soaring through its crystalline, heavenly seas. When it hit cinemas, it became immediately clear that I wasn’t alone.
Both movies were, undeniably, enormous cinematic events. And, yet, its cynics are obnoxiously vocal and bafflingly stubborn. Even now, they’ll contend that Avatar hasn’t had any cultural impact ($5.2 billion in box office receipts from two films says otherwise). However, even I’ll admit there’s more at stake for Fire and Ash.
Avatar: The Way of Water rode a long wave of “Will it ever actually happen?” and technical innovation; 13 years, to be exact. Even those who’d loath to call themselves fans fell victim to FOMO and bought tickets for the biggest screen they could find. It’s a sequel to the biggest movie ever, helmed by one of the greatest directors of all time – even from the outset, that’s the ultimate example of a must-see.
But, as Neytiri says, all energy is borrowed. Even as a self-proclaimed member of the Na’Vi Nation, I’m willing to acknowledge that the sequel was destined for box office glory regardless of whether it was good or bad; how could it not make billions of dollars, especially after the extraordinary precedent set by its predecessor?
Time and time again, Avatar has never failed to remind everyone of a salient Hollywood rule of thumb: never ever bet against James Cameron.
if James continue as he’s going he will become the greatest director of all time.
