Performing far better than expected on Sunday, 20th Century Fox and James Cameron’s “Avatar” finished the weekend with an opening gross of $77 million, instead of $73 million.
“Avatar” dropped a mere 3% from Saturday to Sunday, an unheard of feat, and a sign that the 3D sci-fi fantasy is already benefiting from tremendous word-of-mouth. The film also did better than initially projected overseas, grossing $165.5 million in its foreign debut, versus the $159.2 projected on Sunday. Worldwide total is $242.5 million.
“Avatar” scored the fifth best opening of all time internationally, narrowly beating the $165.4 opening of “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.”
Domestically, “Avatar” came in just behind Warner Bros.’ Will Smith starrer “I Am Legend,” the record-holder of best December opening at $77.2 million.
“Avatar,” the widest 3D release to date, opened in 3,452 theaters, of which 2,023 were 3D runs.
