Avatar 3’s Composer Stunned as Cameron’s Sequel Smashes Records
James Cameron’s latest Avatar instalment has stormed the global box office, leaving composer Simon Franglen in disbelief. Ten days after release, the film’s earnings have soared, but what does this mean for the franchise’s future?
It has been just ten days since the much-anticipated third entry in James Cameron’s celebrated science fiction saga arrived in cinemas, and the numbers are already turning heads. Simon Franglen, the composer behind the film’s score, has expressed his astonishment as the latest chapter’s takings have soared to $760 million worldwide, according to recent box office figures. The film, released on 19 December 2025, has quickly become a talking point for both fans and industry insiders.
Franglen, who crafted the music for this and the previous instalment, responded to the news with a touch of dry humour, posting:
Well this is awkward 🔥🌋
His reaction captures the sense of surprise shared by many, as the film’s rapid financial success has exceeded even the most optimistic projections.
Delays Loom for Future Sequels
Despite the impressive performance, the future of the franchise remains somewhat uncertain. Cameron has previously stated that he would only commit to further sequels if the current film proved a substantial financial success. Franglen echoed this sentiment, suggesting that audiences may have to wait a while before the next chapters materialise.
He commented:
Maybe it’s good for me to do some other scores or concert pieces for a little while. 4+5 have a little while before they even need the early stuff.
This hints at a pause in production, with both the director and composer seemingly content to let the dust settle before embarking on the next ambitious projects.
Box Office Triumphs and Industry Impact
The film’s achievements are all the more remarkable given the short time frame. In just over a week, it has not only amassed a global total of $760 million but also secured $217 million domestically, making it the tenth highest-grossing film of the year in the United States. Its performance has outstripped other major releases, including the latest Mission: Impossible and Superman titles, and its second weekend drop of just 28% is notably better than its predecessor’s hold.
Industry analysts now predict that the film could reach the $1 billion mark by the start of 2026, with some speculating it may even match the $2 billion heights achieved by earlier entries in the series. The film’s momentum suggests that, should this trend continue, the wait for further sequels might not be as lengthy as initially feared.
Key Details and Critical Reception
Directed by Cameron and featuring performances from Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, and Sigourney Weaver, the film has garnered a respectable 7.5/10 on IMDb and a 67% critics’ score (with a 90% audience rating) on Rotten Tomatoes. Produced by Lightstorm Entertainment, it remains on general release in cinemas across the United States.
While the franchise’s future is not yet set in stone, the current film’s box office run is a testament to its enduring appeal and the anticipation surrounding each new chapter.