Even Giants Fall

It had to happen eventually. James Cameron's juggernaut, Avatar: Fire and Ash, is projected to lose the Number 1 spot at the domestic box office this weekend, ending a three-week reign.

Critics are calling it a "disappointment," which is hilarious considering the film has already grossed $1.6 billion worldwide. Only in Cameron-land is a billion dollars considered "slowing down."

The Ash People Effect

This third chapter introduced the "Ash People," a more aggressive, volcanic tribe of Na'vi. While visually stunning, some audiences found the darker tone less escapist than the underwater vistas of The Way of Water.

"It's a grittier movie," admitted producer Jon Landau. "We knew it wouldn't have the same 'vacation vibe' repeat viewings as the second one. But it sets up the endgame perfectly."

What's Taking #1?

The movie likely to dethrone it? Surprisingly, it's the 25th Anniversary Re-Release of The Lord of the Rings (combined with steady holdovers). Pandora typically owns January, but Middle-earth is putting up a fight.

The Road to Avatar 4

Cameron is already deep in production on Avatar 4, which features a massive time jump. Despite the "slump" (again, $1.6 billion), Disney is fully committed. Fire and Ash has proven that the franchise has legs, even if they aren't quite as long as the first two.

See Avatar: Fire and Ash in IMAX 3D while you still can.