TODAY’S PAPER | January 05, 2026 | EPAPER

James Cameron becomes first director to deliver four consecutive $1 billion films

Cameron sets a new benchmark after 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' crosses the $1 billion mark at the global box office


Pop Culture & Art January 04, 2026 1 min read
Photo: Reuters

James Cameron has set a new benchmark in film history after Avatar: Fire and Ash crossed the $1 billion mark at the global box office, making him the first director to achieve four consecutive films to reach the milestone.

The latest instalment in the Avatar franchise joins Avatar, Titanic, and Avatar: The Way of Water in surpassing $1 billion in worldwide takings. The achievement places Cameron alone in the record books, with no other filmmaker having delivered four billion-dollar films back to back.

The success of Fire and Ash comes at a time when the future of theatrical cinema is frequently debated. Despite a competitive holiday release window, the film reached the landmark figure at notable speed, reinforcing the continued drawing power of Cameron’s large-scale storytelling and visual spectacle.

Fire and Ash introduced audiences to new regions of Pandora, including the volcanic territory of the Ash People, expanding the franchise’s mythology while maintaining its appeal as event cinema. Analysts suggest the film’s box office total may continue to rise, with some projections placing its final haul well above the $1 billion mark.

The result strengthens Disney and Lightstorm Entertainment’s long-term confidence in the Avatar series as plans continue for future sequels.

With four consecutive $1 billion films now behind him, Cameron’s position as one of the most commercially successful directors in cinema history appears firmly secured.

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