James Cameron’s science fiction film Avatar regained its title as the highest-grossing film ever over the weekend from its successor, Avengers: Endgame.
But Marvel Studios, which produced Endgame, took the news in stride and offered its congratulations to Avatar and James Cameron on social media on Saturday.
The switch-up in fortunes for the blockbusters occurred thanks to Avatar’s re-release in China over the weekend.
Back on top: Avatar regained its title as the highest-grossing film ever from Avengers: Endgame over the weekend after a successful rerelease in China, Deadline reported on Saturday; still from Avatar
Marvel Studios tweeted out a video showing the Avengers ‘A’ logo shapeshifting into an Avatar-themed letter.
‘Congratulations to @JimCameron, @JonLandau, and ALL of Na’vi Nation for reclaiming the box office crown! We love you 3000,’ the studio wrote.
Another congratulatory post was sent out by Anthony and Joe Russo, the brothers who directed Avengers: Endgame, along with its predecessor Infinity War and all three Captain America films.
‘Passing the gauntlet back to you… @JimCameron,’ they wrote, while including a graphic showing the Avengers logo turning to dust and being replaced by the Avatar logo.
Courteous: Marvel Studios, which produced Endgame, took the news in stride and offered its congratulations to Avatar and James Cameron on social media on Saturday; still from Avengers: Endgame
Reversal of fortune: Marvel Studios tweeted out a video showing the Avengers ‘A’ logo shapeshifting into an Avatar-themed letter
Good sports: Another congratulatory post was sent out by Anthony and Joe Russo, the brothers who directed Avengers: Endgame
It was surrounded by vegetation that might have been seen on Avatar’s planet Pandora, but Thanos’ empty armor remained from Endgame.
On Thursday, Cameron shared a message with his Chinese fans on Twitter to spread the news of Avatar’s return to theaters.
‘Oel ngati kameie, China! We’re excited to bring Avatar back to your big screen this weekend,’ he wrote.
After its weekend haul, Avatar now has earned an estimated $2.802 billion worldwide, while Endgame has earned a still-astounding $2.797, according to Deadline.
Jon Landau, who produced Avatar, said in a statement: ‘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.’
Heads up: On Thursday, Cameron shared a message with his Chinese fans on Twitter to spread the news of Avatar’s return to theaters
Good investment: Cameron directed two of the highest-grossing films ever, Avatar and the previous title holder, 1997’s Titanic; seen February 13
The friendliness between Marvel Studios and Avatar is partially because both properties are now owned by Disney.
Disney paid $4 billion in 2009 to purchase Marvel Studios, meaning it has been the force behind all of the Marvel Cinematic Universe films.
But Disney also acquired 21st Century Fox in 2019, meaning that the Fox film Avatar is now Disney controlled, as will be its upcoming sequels.
Avatar originally became the highest-grossing film after surpassing Titanic (1997), another James Cameron film.
Although Avengers: Endgame was able to win the top spot after its release, its margin was small enough that all Avatar needed was a re-release to put it over the top.
Same pot: The friendliness between Marvel Studios and Avatar is partially because both properties are now owned by Disney; still from Avatar
Massive haul: Disney acquired Marvel Studios in 2009, and the family-friendly behemoth bought 21st Century Fox, which owned Avatar, in 2019; still from Endgame