Avatar: The Way of Water finally hits theaters in mega return as fans weigh in

Burbank, California - The new Disney movie Avatar: The Way of Water is finally here, but does it actually manage to deliver on years of hype?

Disney and James Cameron's Avatar: The Way of Water has hit theaters everywhere, but with a low opening day box office turnout, will it meet its high expectations?
Disney and James Cameron's Avatar: The Way of Water has hit theaters everywhere, but with a low opening day box office turnout, will it meet its high expectations?  © Disney

It's been 13 long years since director James Cameron released the original Avatar film, a movie that pushed the envelope on what special effects onscreen can do. It remained the highest-grossing film of all time for years, won three Oscars, and was well received by fans and critics for its engaging story and world of imagery.

The franchise is now back with its highly anticipated sequel Avatar: The Way of Water, which was released on Friday with early showings starting in theaters on Thursday night.

This iteration reportedly cost around $350 million to make, not quite enough to take the title of most expensive Disney film ever made – which belongs to 2011's Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, which cost $379 million – but still a whopping amount that is banking on recouping its investment. Cameron has also said the future of the franchise depends upon The Way of Water's success.

Kendall Jenner puts unusual twist on chic gym fit
Kendall Jenner Kendall Jenner puts unusual twist on chic gym fit

The new Avatar has been projected to bring in $150 million to $175 million in its opening weekend, figures that might just beat out Top Gun: Maverick for the most successful film at the box office in 2022.

Yet unfortunately, its opening day only reportedly grossed $17 million, an underwhelming amount when compared to other high-profile Disney films such as Spider-Man: No Way Home, which brought in $50 million on its first day one year ago.

Despite the challenging road ahead this weekend, the film has garnered an 80% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and generally favorable reviews from critics. Fans of the franchise have also reacted with satisfied enthusiasm after waiting years for its arrival.

Fans react to Avatar: The Way of Water

Director James Cameron has directed classic films including Aliens, Terminator 2, Titanic, and the original Avatar film.
Director James Cameron has directed classic films including Aliens, Terminator 2, Titanic, and the original Avatar film.  © ISABEL INFANTES / AFP

Fans across the board have also praised James Cameron for making another great film to add to his already impressive cannon, which includes classic films including Aliens, Terminator 2, Titanic, and the original Avatar.

One Twitter user shared that they "really enjoyed" the new Avatar film, especially the last 45 minutes, which they described "goes hard as f**k."

"James Cameron back on his Aliens / Terminator 2 s**t and proving he's one of the best action directors around," the user added. "Just absurdly impressive stuff. Straight up jaw-dropping."

Kim Kardashian faces fan firestorm with new Telsa shoot
Kim Kardashian Kim Kardashian faces fan firestorm with new Telsa shoot

Another user shared similar sentiments, calling it "phenomenal" and describing the film as having "great heart, journey, imagination and spectacle."

Some have been a bit more critical of aspects of the franchise's plot, which one user described as a "white savior story at its core."

"James Cameron said the Lakota should have 'fought harder' with the foresight that their descendants would all be suicidal," the post added. "I won't be seeing the new one. It does nothing for Native Americans but suck oxygen for itself at our expense."

"Genocide isn't the results of just 'not fighting hard enough,'" another user critiqued. "We're not a relic of the past and our lives and cultures are not a dead end, but our future [is] worthy of respect."

Avatar: The Way of Water is currently playing in theaters everywhere.

Cover photo: Disney

More on Movies: