Pandora Sequel Leads Holiday Box Office as Hollywood Sees Steady Momentum
James Cameron's Pandora sequel earns $40M in its third North American weekend as Hollywood benefits from school holidays, with several titles posting solid holiday legs.
Chicago TribuneHollywood starts 2026 with ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ No. 1, as James Cameron’s sci-fi epic crosses $1B
ABC News'Avatar: Fire and Ash' tops box office, crosses $1B
ABC News'Avatar: Fire and Ash' tops box office, crosses $1B
Associated PressHollywood starts 2026 with 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' No. 1, as James Cameron's sci-fi epic crosses $1B
Overview
James Cameron’s Pandora sequel grossed $40 million in its third weekend in North American theaters as holiday demand persists, highlighting Cameron’s continued box-office pull.
The week proved profitable for Hollywood as schools were out, with 2025 U.S./Canada box office at $8.9B (up 2% YoY) but still 20% below pre-pandemic.
An animated sequel has generated $1.59 billion in revenue within six weeks, signaling robust international momentum for its franchise despite domestic volatility.
A November opener sustains momentum, with second place at $19 million (4% drop) and a title at $14.9 million, reaching $75.7 million domestic after three weeks with a 3% decline.
Josh Safdie's table-tennis film grossed $56 million in North America, surpassing Uncut Gems, while a Hugh Jackman–Kate Hudson project based on a Neil Diamond cover earned about $25 million domestically.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story as a cautiously optimistic portrait of Hollywood's 2026 prospects, foregrounding blockbuster openings and star-powered titles while highlighting a prior downturn. Language like 'blockbuster-filled year' and 'remarkable staying power' signals positive framing; emphasis on numbers and market shifts shapes a narrative of resilience, not risk.
FAQ
Avatar: Fire and Ash has reached an estimated $760.4 million globally through Sunday, with $542.7 million from international markets and the rest domestic.[1]
The film opened with $345 million globally, including $257 million internationally and an estimated $90-105 million domestically.[1]
James Cameron’s Pandora sequel, Avatar: Fire and Ash, grossed $40 million in its third North American weekend.[story]
Avatar: Fire and Ash has officially crossed the $1 billion milestone worldwide, setting a box office record for James Cameron.[2]
The three Avatar films have collectively grossed over $5.6 billion worldwide so far.[1]
