When Avatar 'Hits' The Avengers In China

Avatar (20th Century Fox)

JAKARTA - After the success of its local releases, Chinese cinemas have started showing Hollywood films. Avatar, a film by director James Cameron returns to the big screen after 10 years.

Thanks to reruns or familiarly called China Reissue, Avatar became the film that got the most profits. This achievement was reached within two days.

According to the Deadline report, Disney made 80 million RMB or USD 12.3 million, approximately IDR 177 billion.

When it was first released in 2010, Avatar managed to pass Cameron's previous film achievements, namely Titanic (1997). However, in July 2019, Avengers: Endgame took over Avatar.

This news was also broadcast in the middle of the production process for Avatar 2. "We are working hard on the next Avatar film and we look forward to sharing the amazing story for the next few years", said Jon Landau, producer of Avatar.

The return of Avatar to the box office was also warmly welcomed by Marvel. Through its Twitter account, Marvel Studios wrote, “Congratulations to @JamesCameron @JonLandau and all the Na'vi people for taking the box office throne. We love you 3000".

Congratulations to @JimCameron, @JonLandau, and ALL of Na'vi Nation for reclaiming the box office crown! We love you 3000. @OfficialAvatar pic.twitter.com/WlMWRcL15y

- Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) March 13, 2021

The directors Russo Brothers shared the logo for the film Avatar in the format of the Avengers logo, half of which changed to Avatar.

Passing the gauntlet back to you ... @JimCameron Thanks for the beautiful art @bosslogic. pic.twitter.com/URSxUMzf8D

- Russo Brothers (@Russo_Brothers) March 13, 2021

Big Market

It's no secret that China is the second major film market after the United States. In fact, one could say, China has made a fortune in the midst of the pandemic and at a time when theaters in the United States cannot survive.

China, which can increase 75 percent of their ticket sales, is believed to be profitable. There are countless Hollywood films that have benefited from being shown in China.

Many people consider Avatar's return to theaters to be a competitor to Avengers: Endgame, even though these two films have different screen times. Avatar was released 10 years ago, Endgame aired two years ago.

Avengers: Endgame scored 2.797 billion dollars but is now 'hit' by Avatar with a figure of 2.802 billion dollars. These two films are owned by Disney.

Relevant

Cameron's Avatar tells the story of Pandora's world where primitive Na'vi creatures evolve. A poisonous planetary environment, human hybrids called Avatars connect with the human mind to make movement on Pandora.

One day, a former Marine named Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) falls in love with a Na'vi woman (Zoe Saldana). As his relationship with the Na'vi grows, Jake Sully faces a battle for the Na'vi's survival.

Avatar presents issues that are still as relevant as a decade ago. To China.org, James Cameron feels this phenomenon can be found in Avatar.

"We are experiencing climate change, we are experiencing deforestation, our relationship with nature is riskier than ever, and Avatar is about those things, but this is also a timeless film".

“Some people criticize the story for being too simple. But it's not that simple - it's universal. (Avatar) is something everyone needs to understand and relate to emotionally".

As is known, Avatar has been released many times. Meanwhile, Endgame was only released in 2019. As for the existence of China Reissue, to remind anyone who watched this film in the past and to become a new experience for those who are new to this film.

Currently, James Cameron is also working on a sequel to Avatar which is scheduled to release on December 16, 2022, or 13 years after his first film. Not only the sequels, but Cameron also confirmed that Avatar 3 will play in 2024, Avatar 4 in 2026, and Avatar 5 in 2028.