Avatar becomes the highest-grossing film of all time again after re-release in China

(Image credit: 20th Century Studios)

published 13 March 2021

James Cameron is once again taking his seat on the box office throne.

Cameron's 2009 blockbuster Avatar has become the highest-grossing film of all time again, reclaiming the title from Avengers: Endgame in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic following a re-release in China, Deadline reports.

Avatar held the title of highest-grossing movie ever for nearly 10 years until July 2019, when Marvel's Avengers: Endgame finally surpassed it. Endgame's global box office total stands at $2,797,501,328, but according to Deadline, a re-release of Avatar has grossed $8.9 million in China as of Saturday, taking Cameron's movie back over the top with $2,798,579,794. China has been "experiencing unprecedented box office demand," Variety notes, even as U.S. box office totals have remained low with major blockbusters delayed.

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Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.

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