The holiday movie race is heating up — and once again Avatar: Fire and Ash is racing ahead at U.S. theaters. Even after Christmas, the latest chapter in James Cameron’s epic sci-fi saga stayed No. 1 at the box office, earning $22.6 million on Friday as audiences continue flocking back to cinemas this holiday weekend. Tribune Content Agency
This second weekend performance marks a strong hold for the blockbuster, which has now made healthy totals since its debut. Industry trackers expect the film to land around $75 million to $80 million in North America for the full weekend — showing it still has serious drawing power, even with new titles entering the mix. Tribune Content Agency
Close behind in the race is the unexpected success story Marty Supreme, the under-theater darling that surprised critics and fans alike. The Timothée Chalamet-led sports drama pulled in $6.7 million from Friday ticket sales, earning second place at the box office and building momentum after its Christmas Day opening. Tribune Content Agency
“Marty Supreme” has been praised for its smart storytelling and strong word of mouth, and analysts now project it could reach around $30 million over the weekend — a solid result for an original, non-franchise film competing against major studio tentpoles. Tribune Content Agency
Other films are also holding well in the bustling holiday lineup. Disney’s animated hit Zootopia 2 climbed into the top five once again, while new releases like Anaconda and The Housemaid are finding their own audiences during this packed moviegoing period. Tribune Content Agency
For fans and box office watchers, this festive weekend is shaping up to be one of the strongest end-of-year cinema events in recent memory — with both blockbuster spectacle and surprise hits lighting up screens nationwide. forbes.com