Avatar: Fire and Ash's reign at the top of the box office is projected to end sooner than expected, with the new James Cameron movie facing a strong contender in the form of the horror sequel 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. The latest Avatar installment, which debuted at No. 1 on December 19, 2025, with the second-best opening weekend of the trilogy, is expected to top the chart for only four consecutive weekends. This is a stark contrast to the previous Avatar movies, which dominated the domestic chart for seven consecutive weekends. The rapid decline in Avatar: Fire and Ash's performance raises questions about its ability to reach the $2 billion milestone worldwide, a feat achieved by the original Avatar films. Despite this, the movie is already a substantial hit, having grossed over $2.32 billion globally and currently ranking as the 29th highest-grossing film of all time. The success of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, directed by Nia DaCosta, is also in doubt. With a reported budget of $63 million, the movie's break-even point could be as high as $150 million, and its performance might not justify a third installment in the franchise. The sci-fi sequel's diminishing audience retention is a significant factor in its potential to dethrone Avatar: Fire and Ash from the top spot.
