'Star Wars' is chasing 'Avatar' money now
We all know that Star Wars: The Force Awakens is huge. But will it join the elusive Two Billion Dollar Club? "Only two films have done it," says Rentrak senior media analyst Paul Dergarabedian. USA TODAY puts the newest adventures of Han, Chewie and Leia in context with the biggest movies of all time.
1. Avatar (2009)
Remember when humans colonized a far-off planet called Pandora? James Cameron's sci-fi adventure racked up $77 million its opening weekend and drew nine Oscar nominations, eventually earning $2.79 billion worldwide. "It was just a cultural phenomenon, when 3-D really came into its own with audiences," says Dergarabedian.
Who emerged the biggest star? Cameron, who is developing three Avatar sequels.
2. Titanic (1997)
Then there was Cameron's other blockbuster. Titanic made just $28.6 million its opening weekend but went on to haul in a staggering $2.19 billion worldwide. "That movie became part of the culture," says Dergarabedian. "It was pure romanticism on a massive scale set within the framework of the Titanic tragedy. The result was pure magic."
Who emerged the biggest star? The movie proved life-changing for Leonardo DiCaprio (competing in this year's Oscar race with The Revenant) and Kate Winslet (now on the awards circuit for Steve Jobs).
3. Jurassic World (2015)
Remember when everyone groaned at the thought of another doomed dino movie? That was before it pulled in $1.67 billion worldwide. "What (director) Colin Trevorrow delivered was, much like The Force Awakens, the perfect manifestation of the new era of Jurassic," says Dergarabedian.
Who emerged the biggest star? That would be Chris Pratt, the former schlubby TV star from Parks and Recreation, now a certified action star.
4. The Avengers (2012)
Disney and Marvel spent years prepping audiences for The Avengers with films based on Thor, Iron Man and Captain America. "Bringing together all of those great comic-book heroes and putting them into one gigantic, fan-friendly package really worked," says Dergarabedian — to the tune of $1.519 billion worldwide.
Who emerged the biggest star? Iron Man Robert Downey Jr. owned this one.
5. Furious 7 (2015)
The Fast & Furious franchise was derailed when star Paul Walker died in a 2013 car accident. Fans drove ticket sales up to $1.515 billion worldwide to see his final film. "The tragic passing of Paul Walker certainly fueled a lot of interest," says Dergarabedian, noting that the movie itself delivered "and paid perfect tribute."
Who emerged the biggest star? Walker’s memory. "We made a film that made the whole world cry with us," co-star Vin Diesel told the audience at the Hollywood Film Awards.
Mystery spot? 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' (2015)
J.J. Abrams' take on Star Wars broke every major opening record in its first weekend, with fans lining up to see how The Force Awakens would mix legends Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher with new faces Daisy Ridley and John Boyega. The film earned a whopping $248 million, demolishing the record of $208.8 million set by Jurassic World. "It bodes very well" for its prospects, says Dergarabedian.
Who emerged the biggest star? The jury’s still out, but we see big things ahead for newbies Ridley and Boyega.