Despite China banning recent Disney movies such as Lightyear, Multiverse of Madness, and Thor: Love and Thunder, James Cameron’s 2009 sci-fi epic sequel, Avatar: The Way of Water is set to have its theatrical release, which is hugely beneficial in achieving the director’s goal of possibly breaking an all-time box office record for the much-anticipated sequel.
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It was announced through an official post on Sina Weibo (one of the most popular social media platforms of China), as reported on Variety, that 20th Century Studios confirmed its plans for release.
Avatar: The Way of Water will be released in China on December 16, the same date for its release in other territories, including North America, in which the film will be played in regular and Imax theaters.
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As to why China did not choose to ban the Avatar sequel, it is safe to assume that the movie is not portraying ‘forbidden’ themes such as LGBTQ representation and anti-China actors, both of which are the most common factors that lead previous Disney films to be banned in the country.
The release of Avatar: The Way of Water will not only benefit James Cameron’s hard work, but also to Chinese exhibitors who have suffered from a shortage of international and top local titles this year.
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With a whopping $250 million budget for Avatar: The Way of Water, the sequel will need all the ticket sales it can get. The mainland China box office is down by 35% compared with its theatrical market in 2020 and 2021, according to data from consultancy Artisan Gateway, so hopefully, this sequel’s theatrical release in the country could give it a boost.
Avatar: Way of Water is set to premiere on December 16 this year.
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