Avatar Reclaims Box Office Throne From Avengers: Endgame

James Cameron’s 2009 sci-fi epic Avatar has reclaimed its spot as the highest grossing film of all time over 2019’s Avengers: Endgame. Avatar previously held the crown for a decade with a gross of $2.7897 billion worldwide, which was beaten by Avengers: Endgame erning $2.7902 billion. If you’re wondering how a film that came out over a decade ago toppled the Avengers juggernaut, it’s all thanks to a re-release of Avatar in China. The re-release earned $3.5 million, pushing its total haul to $2.7926 billion. Avatar is once more the highest grossing film ever, landing comfortably at $2.802 billion.

Avatar producer Jon Landau said, “We are proud to reach this great milestone, but Jim and I are most thrilled that the film is back in theaters during these unprecedented times, and we want to thank our Chinese fans for their support, … We are hard at work on the next Avatar films and look forward to sharing the continuation of this epic story for years to come.”

Marvel Studios acknowledged Cameron’s win with a tweet, writing “Congratulations to @JimCameron, @JonLandau, and ALL of Na’vi Nation for reclaiming the box office crown! We love you 3000.”

Of course, the real winner here is Disney, which acquired 20th Century Fox in the 2019 merger. Disney will now be raking in the profits from not only the MCU and the Star Wars universe, but the planned Avatar sequels as well.

Many took to social media to congratulate Avatar and pour one out for Endgame:

But let’s not lie: the real winner here is actress Zoe Saldana, who stars in both franchises. Saldana plays Na’vi warrior Neytiri in the Avatar films, and GOTG member Gamora in the MCU. That’s quite a feat in and of itself, but adding in her role as Uhura in the Star Trek films, Saldana may be the highest grossing actress of all time. All hail the queen.

It’s Zoe Saldana’s world, we’re just living in it.

(via Variety, featured image: 20th Century Fox/Disney)

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Chelsea Steiner

Chelsea was born and raised in New Orleans, which explains her affinity for cheesy grits and Britney Spears. An pop culture journalist since 2012, her work has appeared on Autostraddle, AfterEllen, and more. Her beats include queer popular culture, film, television, republican clownery, and the unwavering belief that 'The Long Kiss Goodnight' is the greatest movie ever made. She currently resides in sunny Los Angeles, with her husband, 2 sons, and one poorly behaved rescue dog. She is a former roller derby girl and a black belt in Judo, so she is not to be trifled with. She loves the word “Jewess” and wishes more people used it to describe her.

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