/ 12.21.2009 12:00AM
“Avatar” Breaks Box Office
MULTIPLE CITIES: James Cameron’s “Avatar” netted more than $236.5
million at the box office over the weekend, the biggest global take for a
non-sequel movie, according to Variety.
The film generated more than $77 million domestically, bumping “I Am Legend”
for the all-time December weekend domestic record. The Will Smith vehicle did
$77.2 million its first December weekend two years ago. Rich Greenfield of Pali
Capital predicted “Avatar” would outdo “I Am Legend” with around $100 million
domestically.
The 3D, mocap spectacle’s worldwide take was a record setter, and the sixth
largest international launch, taking in $159.2 million overseas, Variety said. The entertainment news
outlet of record cited a major blizzard on the Eastern Seaboard for possibly
dampening the domestic outcome. The picture made $27 million on its first day.
Early estimates placed weekend box office at around $73 million. Final weekend
numbers were still be tallied this morning.
“Avatar” opened over the weekend in 3,452 theaters, with 2023 showing the film
in 3D. Total take in Imax theaters around the world was a record $13.6 million.
See “’Avatar’s’ final tally bigger than
expected” at Variety.
More
on “Avatar”:
December
18, 2009 "McAdams On: “Avatar”
One of the most notable things about James Cameron’s use of 3D technology in
his new epic movie “Avatar” is his restraint.
December 18, 2009: “‘Avatar’ Predicted to
Break December Box Office Record”
This weekend is the opening one for “Avatar,” the 3D motion-capture
extravaganza from James Cameron. Rich Greenfield of Pali Capital is pegging it
for a record breaker.