The last time director James Cameron gave us a holiday release movie, it was one of the most expensive films in history. That movie was “Titanic” and it went on to win several Oscars as well as become one the biggest grossing film in history.
With his new movie “Avatar,” 20th Century Fox may be hoping that at least one of those two trends will repeat–the box-office one.
According to the New York Times, between the budget for the upcoming “Avatar” and the marketing campaign for the film, 20th Century Fox has sunk half a billion dollars into the film. But despite the high price tag, Fox is confident it can still turn a profit on the film.
The production budget for the film has been cited at $230 million so the film would have to break at least the $250 million treshhold domestically to make that back for the studio. Several films have done that this year and with a lack of blockbuster films hitting at the Christmas holiday season, “Avatar” looks poised to make that figure for Fox.
That said, it could still be one of the biggest flops in movie history should it not be a hit out of the gate.
Fox says that audience interest is up for the film, citing the recent 15 minute preview it gave audiences earlier this year. Tickets for the free event were snapped up quickly by movie fans and Fox says the word of mouth buzz from those has been positive.
Whether or not the film is a hit remains to be seen. But you can bet a lot of Hollywood will be watching to see what happens when the movie hits theaters later this year.
Billion . . . with a B!!!!! I think I’ve gone cross-eyed!
From the trailers I’v seen they should have no problem making 250 million domestically then the same internationally. Then add in DVD/Blu-Ray sales world wide, FOX has got a real money maker money maker no problem.
Wasn’t this movie already done? Battle for Terra or something like that. This movie looks great but I don’t get the I have to go see it feeling.
but does it got lasers???
hehe. dad says he hopes this isn’t another waterworld.
Darcy
battle for terra was a animated movie, about humans going to a world and taking over. not like this at all, this is a human using a avatar in some game or something?
What a waste of Money, this better knock our socks ooff and set a new standard or this will be a huge loss. Good Luck, I hope for the best.