'Avatar: The Way of the Water' Opens to $301 Million at the International Box Office

James Cameron's sci-fi epic "Avatar: The Way of the Water", a 13-year sequel to the movie grossed a dazzling $301 million in its international box office debut.

Of the 52 territories in play, China had the biggest start with 57.1 million dollars, a disappointing turnout considering the original film's popularity in the country. Heading into the weekend, it was hoped that ticket sales could hit $100 million in China. However, the COVID outbreak and theater closures have contributed to poor attendance.

Other highest paying markets include Korea with $24.7 million, Germany with $19.9 million, France with $19.3 million, India with $18.1 million, United Kingdom with $14.2 million and Mexico with $12.9 million.

"The Way of Water" added $134 million at the domestic box office, bringing its total worldwide at $435 million. The international box office, where the first "Avatar" brought in $2 billion, will be key to the financial success of the next film.

Around 67% of overseas ticket sales came from 3D, Imax and other premium formats. By comparison, those numbers were closer to 27% for "Avengers: Endgame," another box office behemoth. China was the best performing 3D market in the world, accounting for 99% of the country's ticket sales.

"Just like the original 'Avatar' did, 'Avatar: The Way of 'water' has set a new benchmark for today's 3D market," said Travis Reid, CEO and President of RealD Cinema, the world's largest 3D company. "James Cameron and his team have shown what is artistically, creatively and commercially possible when you have filmmakers fully committed to immersing audiences in this 3D world and the result is visually stunning. We expect to continue to see strong 3D results around the world over the holidays and into the New Year."

Disney, which owns the rights to "Avatar" after acquiring 20th Century Fox in 2019, has need the public to keep shelling out for expensive premium screens during the holiday season. That's because "The Way of Water" cost at least $350 million to produce and several million more to market. Cameron believes it must become one of the highest-grossing releases in history to break even and justify its exorbitant price tag.

Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Stephen Lang and Sigourney Weaver returned for "The Way of Water", which follows the Sully family underwater as they battle the elements to stay alive and protect each other. Even with stratospheric expectations, critics have been receptive to the film, which holds 77% on Rotten Tomatoes. In Variety's review, Chief Film Critic Owen Gleiberman praised the director's vision, writing "Cameron, a four-decade veteran of brave action logistics, n hasn't lost any of its mojo."

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