India may be slowly positioning itself as Hollywood’s next international target for a box office boost.
“Avatar: The Way of Water” has set another box office record in India with a $55 million-and-counting running total. The U.S. gross is still second behind “Avengers: Endgame” and its $62 million gross in 2019. However, it has earned more in Indian currency than the MCU sequel, making it the most successful Hollywood movie ever in India.
While James Cameron’s 3D sequel has rebounded in China, with $193 million-and-counting and a just-announced extension through the Lunar New Year on Jan. 22, it continues a pattern of Hollywood films earning far less than previously expected pre-COVID in what is still the biggest overseas marketplace.