Avatar 3 Surges Past $1B as Sleeper Hits Illuminate Holiday Box Office
Avatar 3 Soars to Billion-Dollar Heights
James Cameron's epic **Avatar: Fire and Ash** has rocketed past the $1 billion global milestone during the bustling New Year weekend, cementing its status as a box office juggernaut. Released with massive international anticipation, the threequel opened overseas on December 17, quickly amassing $425 million before dominating domestic charts. In just 17 days stateside, it hit $306 million, mirroring the explosive trajectories of its predecessors while pushing Cameron's franchise deeper into legendary territory.
Sleeper Sensations Steal the Spotlight
Amid the blue-hued frenzy, Sydney Sweeney's thriller **The Housemaid** emerged as a surprise victor, captivating audiences with its tense narrative and her magnetic performance. This sleeper hit outperformed expectations, proving star power and sharp storytelling can thrive against giants. Timothée Chalamet's **Marty Supreme** also shone brightly, blending drama and intrigue to claim a solid holiday slice, delighting fans with its fresh take on ambition and redemption.
Holiday Box Office Triumphs and Future Buzz
The festive season delivered diverse wins, from Pandora's immersive visuals to grounded chills and character-driven tales. As **Avatar 3** eyes a $1.5 billion finish, these underdogs highlight Hollywood's vibrant ecosystem. Expect prolonged runs and awards chatter, signaling a blockbuster year ahead for cinema lovers everywhere.
About the People Mentioned
Sydney Sweeney
Sydney Bernice Sweeney (born September 12, 1997, in Spokane, Washington) is an American actress and producer known for her versatile roles in television and film. She began her acting career with guest appearances on shows like *Pretty Little Liars* and *Criminal Minds*, but gained initial recognition in 2018 with her role as Emaline Addario in the Netflix series *Everything Sucks!* and as Eden Spencer in Hulu’s *The Handmaid’s Tale*. Sweeney's breakthrough came with the HBO drama series *Euphoria* (2019–present), where she portrays Cassie Howard, a complex teenager navigating toxic relationships and personal challenges. This role earned her widespread acclaim and a Primetime Emmy nomination in 2022 for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. She is confirmed to have filmed for *Euphoria*’s highly anticipated third season. In 2021, she starred as Olivia Mossbacher in HBO’s anthology series *The White Lotus*, a satirical drama set at a luxury Hawaiian resort. Her performance garnered another Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. In film, Sweeney appeared in Quentin Tarantino’s *Once Upon a Time in Hollywood* (2019). More recently, she had leading roles in *Reality* and *Anyone but You* (both 2023). In 2024, she starred as Julia Cornwall in the superhero film *Madame Web* and appeared in the horror film *Immaculate*. Sweeney moved to Los Angeles at age 13 to pursue acting and has been noted for her determination, including self-recording an audition tape for *Euphoria* despite initial discouragement. She continues to build a diverse career in both television and film, earning recognition for her nuanced performances and choice of challenging roles[1][2][5][6].
