Overview
- Studio estimates place the debut at $345 million worldwide, with $88 million in the U.S. and $257 million overseas.
- The opening trails 2022’s The Way of Water, which started with about $435 million globally and $134 million in North America, including a roughly 35% domestic drop.
- With a production budget of at least $400 million, the film’s financial trajectory will influence whether later sequels proceed, as James Cameron has said parts four and five are written but not approved.
- Early reviews and audience scores point to mixed reaction, praising spectacle while questioning the story and character development.
- Analysts say holiday holds, premium formats and overseas demand will be decisive, after $12 million in Thursday previews and a domestic weekend that aligned with $86–$105 million projections; its global launch is the year’s second best behind Zootopia 2.