Pandora Reigns Supreme During the Holiday Season
James Cameron has once again proven his Midas touch at the global box office. This Christmas Day, the third installment of the groundbreaking franchise, Avatar: Fire and Ash, soared to the top of the domestic charts, earning a staggering $24 million in a single day. The performance anchored a massive holiday for theater owners, as the total domestic box office for December 25th reached an estimated $68 million—the highest collective total for the holiday in the post-pandemic era.
Audiences flocked to see the latest adventures of the Sully family, this time encountering the "Ash People," a more aggressive clan of Na'vi that expands the lore of Pandora. The $24 million haul represents a significant portion of the day's total revenue, signaling that the Avatar brand remains the preeminent draw for premium large-format screens and 3D experiences. Industry analysts suggest that the film's legs will be long, following the trajectory of its predecessors, which relied on sustained viewership throughout January rather than just a massive opening weekend.
A Record-Breaking Christmas for Cinema
The $68 million total across all films marks a triumphant return to form for the theatrical industry. After several years of fluctuating holiday numbers due to shifting consumer habits and the lingering effects of the pandemic, 2025 has solidified that the big screen remains a cornerstone of holiday tradition. While Avatar: Fire and Ash led the pack, the wealth was distributed across several high-profile titles, creating a diverse marketplace for moviegoers of all ages.
- Avatar: Fire and Ash: $24 million
- Marty Supreme: Strong debut showing significant indie-to-mainstream crossover appeal.
- Wicked: For Good: Continued to draw musical fans in its final theatrical push.
- Sonic the Hedgehog 3: Maintained a strong hold with family audiences.
The presence of A24’s Marty Supreme, starring Timothée Chalamet, provided a sophisticated alternative to the blockbuster spectacle of Pandora. The film saw a robust opening, proving that original storytelling and star power can still compete alongside massive franchises during the busiest time of the year.
Wicked: For Good Prepares for Digital Transition
While the box office is currently ablaze with theatrical energy, Universal Pictures is already looking toward the next phase of distribution for its hit musical sequel. The studio announced that Wicked: For Good, the second half of the cinematic adaptation of the Broadway sensation, will be available on premium video-on-demand (PVOD) platforms starting December 30.
The move comes after a highly successful theatrical run that saw the film break records for live-action musicals. By releasing the film on digital platforms just before New Year's Eve, Universal aims to capture the home-viewing market during the final days of the holiday break. Fans will be able to rent or purchase the film on platforms like Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Vudu, allowing those who missed the theatrical experience—or those who want to relive it—to enjoy the conclusion of Elphaba and Glinda's journey from their living rooms.
The Road Ahead for 2026
As the year draws to a close, the success of Avatar: Fire and Ash sets a high bar for the upcoming slate of 2026 releases. The film's ability to drive $24 million on a single day suggests that the theatrical window is not only alive but thriving when the content meets the scale of the medium. James Cameron’s commitment to visual innovation continues to pay dividends, with IMAX and Dolby Cinema locations reporting near-total sellouts for the holiday week.
The combination of high-concept sci-fi, star-driven dramas like Marty Supreme, and the digital availability of major musicals like Wicked indicates a healthy, multi-channel ecosystem for the film industry. As the industry moves into the awards season, the momentum generated this Christmas is expected to carry through the first quarter of the new year, providing a much-needed boost to exhibitors worldwide.