Avatar is the Second-Highest Growing Worldwide Release Ever

By our guest blogger, Lita Robinson

File this under inevitable--the Hollywood Reporter is confirming that “Avatar” has now taken its place as the second-highest grossing worldwide release ever, having raked in $1.14 billion (yes, billion with a “b”) and counting. The film also is poised to break into the top ten list of highest-grossing domestic releases this weekend, once it overtakes “Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.”

On Wednesday, "Avatar" exceeded the $1.12 billion taken in by “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King,” settling in behind the all-time number one, “Titanic,” which took in an astonishing $1.84 billion in 1997-1998 (adjust that for inflation!). Cameron must be tickled, er, blue by having both of these massive hits on his resume, both of which also inhabit the list of films with biggest-ever budgets.

Those who worrked about getting a return on their “Avatar” investment can now settle back and enjoy the 3D juggernaut it seems to have touched off. After all, upcoming 2010 3-D releases include Tim Burton’s vision of "Alice in Wonderland," starring a totally unrecognizable Johnny Depp.