IMAX CEO on best opening weekend of 2025 with Disney's ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash'

Core Insights - Disney's "Avatar: Fire and Ash" generated approximately $90 million in its opening weekend domestically, which was below analyst expectations but performed strongly for IMAX, marking the biggest opening weekend of the year and the fifth largest in IMAX history [1][2] - IMAX's market share has been increasing, capturing about 15% of the domestic box office and 13% of the global box office for this release, compared to 12% of the domestic box office for "Avatar: Way of Water" [3][4] - IMAX is experiencing a record year, with predictions for continued growth in 2026, expecting to reach $1.4 billion, driven by a lineup of anticipated films including "Star Wars," "Dune 3," and "Narnia" [5][7] Industry Trends - There is a growing consumer preference for premium experiences in theaters, particularly for blockbuster films, indicating a shift in audience behavior post-pandemic [2][6] - The market is showing a division where audiences are seeking special experiences for significant films, with filmmakers emphasizing the importance of how their vision is presented [8] - The overall theatrical box office is expected to see an increase, reflecting a positive outlook for the industry as it adapts to changing consumer preferences [6][7]