The second time was the charm
When Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame was released, there were two motives. To thrill fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and to close the chapter of the Infinity Gem saga. However, there was a third motive that not many were aware of until it finally hit the headlines. That was to surpass James Cameron’s Avatar, becoming the number one movie at the box office. Keep in mind that Avatar was not only released in 2009, but it also did things that no other film did before it. It was a trendsetter and a record-breaker.
Of course, we all know the story. The first go, Avengers: Endgame was shattering records left and right. However, a number of movies had recently shortly afterward. Many of which were able to steal some of the thunder and ultimately caused the film to not reach the lofty expectation of dethroning Avatar.
Marvel then announced a second go with Avengers: Endgame. This time with some added scenes, hoping to crawl people back into theaters in one last attempt to beat Avatar. Only this time, it worked. As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Avengers: Endgame has passed Avatar.
Box office: #AvengersEndgame passes 'Avatar' to become no. 1 film of all time https://t.co/p99Dh7W1ba pic.twitter.com/u12Unq0QaY
— Hollywood Reporter (@THR) July 21, 2019
“A huge congratulations to the Marvel Studios and Walt Disney Studios teams, and thank you to the fans around the world who lifted Avengers: Endgame to these historic heights,” Disney Studios co-chairman/chief creative officer Alan Horn announced during the SDCC 2019 Marvel Panel.
And while Marvel and Disney have gone through heaven and hell to surpass Avatar, no one should forget how Avatar managed to stay on the top for so long. It’s a testament to everything that as poured into the movie. Despite the claims and frustrations, James Cameron created a masterpiece that not only took all of the Avengers to topple but also two attempts to do it.
Doesn’t that sound familiar?
As for Avengers: Endgame, a movie in a genre that is still niche, pulling off a stunt like this. That’s a huge accomplishment for superhero fans and films, everywhere.
I’m sure James Cameron is already looking forward to grabbing that number one spot back with the long-awaited sequel, Avatar 2. Which is set to release on December 21st, 2021.