Box Office: 'Star Wars' Will Not Beat 'Avatar' Global Record

[Siren]

Burning out quickly. After making $2B. Let that sink in.

Seriously? Everyone on this forum was so excited and talking about how TFA was going to beat Avatar. Well, it hasn't -- so now, in typical Disney forum fashion -- everyone wants to back pedal and pretend like they weren't expecting it to happen. LOL.

Anyway, this is a disappointment, no matter how successful TFA is. The fact still remains that it is not the highest grossing movie in the world. Oops, my bad. I meant to say it is not the *second* highest grossing film in the world.

Now, let that sink in.

Darth Vader / Anakin Skywalker is dead. He's, at best, a force ghost now. I don't want some complicated ret-con that he somehow survived and is this half-man half-robot 80 year old dude who's turned back to the dark side yet again. It would negate his entire redemption story. It's just silly.

This is exactly why Star Wars failed to beat Avatar, I mean Titanic. So, keep dreaming -- this franchise needs Darth Vader, Yoda, and the other old characters if it ever intends to rise to the astronomical level of success of its predecessor.

Hans Solo. HANS? *facepalm*

Awww, how cute. I could have easily combed through your myriad of butchered, incomplete run-on sentences -- the APA format people would have given me a medal. But, I chose to rise above that sort of thing. You got lucky this **one** little time -- otherwise, I can out syntax you in my sleep, darling. So, don't even go there. And, don't mess up either.

What, exactly, should they modify?

Wow, you've established that reading isn't really your strong suit, either. But, that's totally okay -- I'm not going to make fun of you for it.

Once again, Disney needs to incorporate the previous characters in the upcoming installments, especially Darth Vader. This is what all of the top experts are saying. I hope this finally sinks in for you this time. Bye, baby. Maybe one day I can visit you at your office in Burbank, if I am ever on the west coast.

Oh, and speaking of movies -- I can't wait to see Dawn of Justice. I already received my 3D IMAX tickets. Reviews are pouring in and the critics are saying that Wonder Woman totally steals the show -- like I hoped she would. But, that brown outfit is still unforgivable though.


LOL. This looks better than both Star Wars and Avatar. I hope you've got your tickets!

 

[doctornick]

Seriously? Everyone on this forum was so excited and talking about how TFA was going to beat Avatar. Well, it hasn't -- so now, in typical Disney forum fashion -- everyone wants to back pedal and pretend like they weren't expecting it to happen. LOL.

Um, what? Who exactly is "everyone"? Can you link those posts?

At most, a few people suggested that TFA might beat Avatar's record. I don't recall seeing anyone boldly predicting that it would with some sort of certainty -- though, sure, on the internet there's always some folks who say more extreme things.

Anyway, this is a disappointment, no matter how successful TFA is. The fact still remains that it is not the highest grossing movie in the world. Oops, my bad. I meant to say it is not the *second* highest grossing film in the world.

I cannot tell if you are joking or not, but in no universe is Disney anything but thrilled to death with the performance of The Force Awakens. It has had a phenominal box office run and been very profitably (even more than a typical film because Disney was able to secure agreements for larger than typical shares of box office revenue).

Also, TFA did pass Titanic's first run box office. It's entirely possible that TFA will be re-released -- much like Titanic was -- and could end up passing Titanic in the end. Given how relatively close the films are in WW box office, I actually sorta expect TFA to be re-released in 2017 in the lead up to Episode VIII.

Oh, and speaking of movies -- I can't wait to see Dawn of Justice. I already received my 3D IMAX tickets. Reviews are pouring in and the critics are saying that Wonder Woman totally steals the show -- like I hoped she would. But, that brown outfit is still unforgivable though.

What reviews? There was some guy from EW who made a few comments, but AFAIK the embargo for official reviews isn't lifted yet and we are a while away from that. Where have you seen anything "pouring in"?

 

[danlb_2000]

Um, what? Who exactly is "everyone"? Can you link those posts?

At most, a few people suggested that TFA might beat Avatar's record. I don't recall seeing anyone boldly predicting that it would with some sort of certainty -- though, sure, on the internet there's always some folks who say more extreme things.

This the classic trope of "people were saying one thing before X, and another after", totally ignoring that fact that these are normally two totally different groups.

 

[JohnWD]

This the classic trope of "people were saying one thing before X, and another after", totally ignoring that fact that these are normally two totally different groups.

The classic misunderstanding of Internet posts. Siren has a dry sense of humor and likes to wreak havoc in wdwmagic forums. These posts should be taken in fun and responded to in kind. Siren is dutifully adding to this discussion wasteland.

 

[Marlins1]

Also Siren is correct about the fact that TFA coming in 3rd worldwide behind Avatar and Titanic is significant. Yes TFA may pass Titanic in re-release but if you factor in population growth and inflation it won't come close. When you think about all of the advantages that TFA had coming in plus the fact that it was very well-received by critics and fans this really shows that Cameron's films were incredible blockbusters.

 

[SYRIK2000]

Seriously? Everyone on this forum was so excited and talking about how TFA was going to beat Avatar. Well, it hasn't -- so now, in typical Disney forum fashion -- everyone wants to back pedal and pretend like they weren't expecting it to happen. LOL.

Anyway, this is a disappointment, no matter how successful TFA is. The fact still remains that it is not the highest grossing movie in the world. Oops, my bad. I meant to say it is not the *second* highest grossing film in the world.

Now, let that sink in.

This is exactly why Star Wars failed to beat Avatar, I mean Titanic. So, keep dreaming -- this franchise needs Darth Vader, Yoda, and the other old characters if it ever intends to rise to the astronomical level of success of its predecessor.

Awww, how cute. I could have easily combed through your myriad of butchered, incomplete run-on sentences -- the ADA format people would have given me a medal. But, I chose to rise above that sort of thing. You got lucky this **one** little time -- otherwise, I can out syntax you in my sleep, darling. So, don't even go there. And, don't mess up either.


Wow, you've established that reading isn't really your strong suit, either. But, that's totally okay -- I'm not going to make fun of you for it.

Once again, Disney needs to incorporate the previous characters in the upcoming installments, especially Darth Vader. This is what all of the top experts are saying. I hope this finally sinks in for you this time. Bye, baby. Maybe one day I can visit you at your office in Burbank, if I am ever on the west coast.

Oh, and speaking of movies -- I can't wait to see Dawn of Justice. I already received my 3D IMAX tickets. Reviews are pouring in and the critics are saying that Wonder Woman totally steals the show -- like I hoped she would. But, that brown outfit is still unforgivable though.


LOL. This looks better than both Star Wars and Avatar. I hope you've got your tickets!

Shouldn't you wait for TWA's second release before you decide? I bet they re-release it before episode 8 to build hype and get it to #1.

EDIT ADD Supporting data:

Avatar
1st Release
$2,004,988,104
2nd Release
$782,976,983
Total
$2,787,965,087

Star Wars TWA
1st Release (Still in theaters)
$2,053,459,260

 

[Siren]

Um, what? Who exactly is "everyone"? Can you link those posts?

At most, a few people suggested that TFA might beat Avatar's record. I don't recall seeing anyone boldly predicting that it would with some sort of certainty -- though, sure, on the internet there's always some folks who say more extreme things.

Seriously? I'm not looking to call anyone out. But, a lot of people were expecting this, including top experts. Iger even sealed an exclusive deal with IMAX to show Star Wars only for thirty days -- I guess it wasn't enough.

I cannot tell if you are joking or not, but in no universe is Disney anything but thrilled to death with the performance of The Force Awakens. It has had a phenominal box office run and been very profitably (even more than a typical film because Disney was able to secure agreements for larger than typical shares of box office revenue).

I totally agree with you. And, I have already acknowledged how well TFA performed domestically.

Also, TFA did pass Titanic's first run box office. It's entirely possible that TFA will be re-released -- much like Titanic was -- and could end up passing Titanic in the end. Given how relatively close the films are in WW box office, I actually sorta expect TFA to be re-released in 2017 in the lead up to Episode VIII.

I doubt this, because I just read that there are *10* Star Wars movies in the works. Star Wars is in risk of saturation now.

What reviews? There was some guy from EW who made a few comments, but AFAIK the embargo for official reviews isn't lifted yet and we are a while away from that. Where have you seen anything "pouring in"?

OMG. Just try to relax, doctor. Wonder Woman has got you way too excited, lol.

Like, I just want to make you a hot cup of herbal tea or something, so you can calm down. You only have a couple more weeks to go. So, I hope you bought your 3D IMAX tickets. I'm excited to see this, too. And, I'm totally paying the $1 to add real butter on my popcorn.

The classic misunderstanding of Internet posts. Siren has a dry sense of humor and likes to wreak havoc in wdwmagic forums. These posts should be taken in fun and responded to in kind. Siren is dutifully adding to this discussion wasteland.

Gee, thanks. I think.

But seriously, I don't come here to 'wreak havoc' on this forum. I'm so nice and way too friendly, and some people take this for weakness. Anyway, I come here with the best of intentions and then @wm49rs shows up and ruins everything for me. It sux.

Also Siren is correct about the fact that TFA coming in 3rd worldwide behind Avatar and Titanic is significant. Yes TFA may pass Titanic in re-release but if you factor in population growth and inflation it won't come close. When you think about all of the advantages that TFA had coming in plus the fact that it was very well-received by critics and fans this really shows that Cameron's films were incredible blockbusters.

Wow, this is such a wonderful post and it succinctly makes the point I've been trying to get across.

Shouldn't you wait for TWA's second release before you decide? I bet they re-release it before episode 8 to build hype and get it to #1.

EDIT ADD Supporting data:

Avatar
1st Release
$2,004,988,104
2nd Release
$782,976,983
Total
$2,787,965,087

Star Wars TWA
1st Release (Still in theaters)
$2,053,459,260

Honestly, I don't think we need to wait for the second release. There are at least *10* more Star Wars movies in the works. Also, the date for the second annual "Force Friday" is set for Friday, September 30th, 2016. Star Wars is in risk of saturation. So, I don't think anyone will be rushing to see TFA again -- when they're struggling to keep up with the rest of the Star Wars franchise.

 

[wm49rs]

Seriously? I'm not looking to call anyone out. But, a lot of people were expecting this, including top experts. Iger even sealed an exclusive deal with IMAX to show Star Wars only for thirty days -- I guess it wasn't enough.

I totally agree with you. And, I have already acknowledged how well TFA performed domestically.

I doubt this, because I just read that there are *10* Star Wars movies in the works. Star Wars is in risk of saturation now.

OMG. Just try to relax, doctor. Wonder Woman has got you way too excited, lol.

Like, I just want to make you a hot cup of herbal tea or something, so you can calm down. You only have a couple more weeks to go. So, I hope you bought your 3D IMAX tickets. I'm excited to see this, too. And, I'm totally paying the $1 to add real butter on my popcorn.

Gee, thanks. I think.

But seriously, I don't come here to 'wreak havoc' on this forum. I'm so nice and way too friendly, and some people take this for weakness. Anyway, I come here with the best of intentions and then @wm49rs shows up and ruins everything for me. It sux.

Wow, this is such a wonderful post and it succinctly makes the point I've been trying to get across.


Honestly, I don't think we need to wait for the second release. There are at least *10* more Star Wars movies in the works. Also, the date for the second annual "Force Friday" is set for Friday, September 30th, 2016. Star Wars is in risk of saturation. So, I don't think anyone will be rushing to see TFA again -- when they're struggling to keep up with the rest of the Star Wars franchise.

Can't be held responsible for pointing out your employer, now can I. Best get those OT hours in while you still can though....

 

[Daveeeeed]

As someone that has a serious hobby in box office analytics & data. I can for sure tell you the reason was the familiarity. Star Wars had this power abroad in markets like China it would have shattered records. But it doesn't. Star Wars is only beyond popular stateside, and super popular in the UK, and a few other countries as well. Star Wars underperformed in markets like Germany & South Korea, and especially China, and by no means did it flop there, but it made significantly less than Avatar there which was just above 200m back in 2009. Avatar killed it abroad and stateside (but mainly abroad). Star Wars: The Force Awakens DESTROYED it domestically taking in nearly 1 billion alone. Avatar made 2b abroad. Star wars made not too much higher than 1b (which by the way is crazy high, but Avatar for Star Wars had set the expectation abroad far too high). Even adjusted for inflation Star Wars beats Avatar domestically by a comfortable 100m+ and I think for nearly every record broken that is where we should look as the States are crazy about Star Wars.

 

[Disney Analyst]

Can we say that Star Wars is technically the top grossing film of all time for initial run? As the other two are due to rereleases.

 

[Daveeeeed]

Can we say that Star Wars is technically the top grossing film of all time for initial run? As the other two are due to rereleases.

Actually we cannot because of inflation lol. But just on dollars I think it would be fair to say that, but to prevent arguments the best thing would be just to say if questioned "Domestically"

 

[danlb_2000]

As someone that has a serious hobby in box office analytics & data. I can for sure tell you the reason was the familiarity. Star Wars had this power abroad in markets like China it would have shattered records. But it doesn't. Star Wars is only beyond popular stateside, and super popular in the UK, and a few other countries as well. Star Wars underperformed in markets like Germany & South Korea, and especially China, and by no means did it flop there, but it made significantly less than Avatar there which was just above 200m back in 2009. Avatar killed it abroad and stateside (but mainly abroad). Star Wars: The Force Awakens DESTROYED it domestically taking in nearly 1 billion alone. Avatar made 2b abroad. Star wars made not too much higher than 1b (which by the way is crazy high, but Avatar for Star Wars had set the expectation abroad far too high). Even adjusted for inflation Star Wars beats Avatar domestically by a comfortable 100m+ and I think for nearly every record broken that is where we should look as the States are crazy about Star Wars.

So what gave Avatar so much power abroad? Obviously it wasn't familiarity.

 

[doctornick]

Can we say that Star Wars is technically the top grossing film of all time for initial run? As the other two are due to rereleases.

I'm pretty sure Avatar made more than TFA has in their respective first run.

 

[Daveeeeed]

So what gave Avatar so much power abroad? Obviously it wasn't familiarity.

The extreme IMAX and something new. They are two massively different entities, and how they operated. Star Wars is built on familiarity. Avatar was more like "Oh I have to see it because everyone is doing it, and because the CGI looks cool." James Cameron's name along with the worldwide recession propelled it as well. Star wars did not have that.

 

[BrianLo]

Oh, and speaking of movies -- I can't wait to see Dawn of Justice. I already received my 3D IMAX tickets. Reviews are pouring in and the critics are saying that Wonder Woman totally steals the show -- like I hoped she would. But, that brown outfit is still unforgivable though.


LOL. This looks better than both Star Wars and Avatar. I hope you've got your tickets!

Well, just got back from a free pre-screening of the movie (one that was not in any way paid for by the studio, so probably a far better indication of public opinion).

Unfortunately - better than Star Wars and Avatar it was not.

The theatre actually boo'd after the credits. Granted it was do to the lack of tag. But yes, boo's. It's not Fantastic Four terrible, it's certainly watchable, but I do question whether Snyder will be allowed to direct Justice League.

 

[Disney Analyst]

Shouldn't you wait for TWA's second release before you decide? I bet they re-release it before episode 8 to build hype and get it to #1.

EDIT ADD Supporting data:

Avatar
1st Release
$2,004,988,104
2nd Release
$782,976,983
Total
$2,787,965,087

Star Wars TWA
1st Release (Still in theaters)
$2,053,459,260

I'm pretty sure Avatar made more than TFA has in their respective first run.

As the quote above your quote shows, TFA has made more in its initial run then Avatar. Not looking at inflation though.

 

[doctornick]

Well, just got back from a free pre-screening of the movie (one that was not in any way paid for by the studio, so probably a far better indication of public opinion).

Unfortunately - better than Star Wars and Avatar it was not.

The theatre actually boo'd after the credits. Granted it was do to the lack of tag. But yes, boo's. It's not Fantastic Four terrible, it's certainly watchable, but I do question whether Snyder will be allowed to direct Justice League.

The critics have been eviscerating BvS. Even the "positive" reviews I have read have talked about significant flaws. Maybe it is time for Warner Bros to just accept that Snyder is not the guys to be spearheading this cinematic universe? They need to put someone else on Justice League.

It will do great opening weekend, of course, but I'm expecting it to drop like a rock in future weeks unless word of mouth is completely different than the critical reviews.

 

[PorterRedkey]

The critics have been eviscerating BvS. Even the "positive" reviews I have read have talked about significant flaws. Maybe it is time for Warner Bros to just accept that Snyder is not the guys to be spearheading this cinematic universe? They need to put someone else on Justice League.

It will do great opening weekend, of course, but I'm expecting it to drop like a rock in future weeks unless word of mouth is completely different than the critical reviews.

BvS is currently at 32% on rottentomatoes.com, but 78% of audiences have liked it. I'm am not a fan of Zach Synder, even though I thought he did an ok job with the Watchman directors cut. I think the sooner the DC movies get rid of him, the better.

 

[BrianLo]

BvS is currently at 32% on rottentomatoes.com, but 78% of audiences have liked it. I'm am not a fan of Zach Synder, even though I thought he did an ok job with the Watchman directors cut. I think the sooner the DC movies get rid of him, the better.

The audience reviews are absolutely meaningless. 95% of them are people who have yet to see the movie. That may even be generous - I checked last night and there were 120 thousand audience reviews already. Mostly fanbois having meltdowns.

 

[doctornick]

The audience reviews are absolutely meaningless. 95% of them are people who have yet to see the movie. That may even be generous - I checked last night and there were 120 thousand audience reviews already. Mostly fanbois having meltdowns.

Exactly. It was only released to the general public yesterday in some countries and is premiering tonight in the US. The vast vast majority of those "audience ratings" are from fanboys who rated it a a 5 out of 5 before the movie even came out.

This is not a good way to be launching a cinematic universe. I think Snyder was really a poor choice to be the guy to introduce the world to these characters and Warner Bros is going to have to do something about it because they have way too much riding on the success of this film and Justice League.