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Has James Cameron overestimated the support for 4 new Avatar movies?

posted 4 years ago by [deleted]
34 replies | jump to latest

Avatar, the highest grossing movie of all time, seemed like a good bet to have successful sequels.
But that was in 2009.

The success of the movie was based on mostly on it's amazing use of 3D CGI, interconnected with real life people, also shot with 3D cameras.

The result was an immersive 3D experience in an age with 3D movies were very much the "next great thing."

But since then, 3D has lost its shine. Most don't really care for it. Sure, we'd probably opt to see Avatar 2 in 3D but it's not the drawcard it was in 2009.

Then there is the use of amazing CGI. What was once ground breaking, is now standard. The Marvel movies have really established CGI characters and the bar is set very high. It's not 'ground breaking' to have amazing lifelike quality for a character like the Hulk anymore, it's simply expected.

Avatar hasn't enjoyed a cult following. It doesn't seem to have the 'universe' feel that Star Wars or the Marvel movies created.

James may go down in history for having both the most successful movie of all time, and the most expensive bomb if this goes sideways.

[–] [deleted] 4 years ago

The world has changed a lot since 2009. Even before CoVid 19 there has been a shift towards Conservative politics and many SJW orientated films have flopped.

Avatar is very heavy with the PC sermonizing and I think after CoVid 19 people are going to be seeking pure entertainment again, no politics being shoved down their throats, just fun, entertaining films. So yeah, I think James might be in for a shock.

[–] [deleted] 4 years ago

Avatar isn't the most succesful film anymore though. Avengers End Game is.

[–] dmac8 (5050) 4 years ago

"highest grossing" and Endgame isn't if you adjust for inflation

[–] [deleted] 4 years ago

I don't know about the inflation, but most succesful and highest grossing goes hand in hand in my opinion.

[–] dmac8 (5050) 4 years ago

I'm just using what the OP wrote in case you meant which was more profitable. I think most studios would consider that the best measure of success. And Endgame is 5th all-time, world-wide, adjusted for inflation. Ticket prices change over time.

[–] [deleted] 4 years ago

OP did say most succesful at the last part though.

[–] dmac8 (5050) 4 years ago

True. But the fact remains if you both believe highest-grossing is synonymous with most successful. Endgame doesn't top Avatar if that's your standard of measure. And I have no idea which is actually most profitable or best ROI -- which I'm sure studios focus on much more. I'm sure a low-budget hit wears that crown.

[–] [deleted] 4 years ago

You sure Avatar was the most succesful with inflation counted?

[–] dmac8 (5050) 4 years ago

2nd

Highest grossing, world-wide, adjusted for inflation
Gone with the Wind
Avatar
Titanic
Star Wars
Avengers: Endgame

[–] [deleted] 4 years ago

So now Avatar can't really claim any title then. It's insane no one thruly surpassed a movie released 80+ years ago.

[–] dmac8 (5050) 4 years ago

Especially when you consider it didn't have the same benefit from the foreign market. Every older movie is more impressive b/c it relied so much more on its domestic market.

[–] [deleted] 4 years ago

Also going to the movies was not as common at the time if i understand right, it was more of a wealthy people thing.

[–] AndyKing1967 (33900) 4 years ago

I think the sequel(s) will do ok, but nothing like the original. Perhaps Cameron waited too long?

[–] [deleted] 4 years ago

He definitely waited too long. These aren’t sequels, more like a reboot at this stage.

[–] samoanjoes (50991) 4 years ago

He should stop at 3. 5 Avatar movies is just too much.

[–] [deleted] 4 years ago

i hope so.